A 20-Something Girl Spotlight: Rachel Courtien

I am so excited to introduce you all to this week's 20- Something girl, Rachel! Rachel is an incredible photographer and style guru from New York who I have been fortunate enough to get to know the past few months here at Wake. She is actually the photographer who took all of the cover photos for each page of my blog! She is such a sweet, loving and fun girl and I can't wait for you all to get to know her. . .

Where are you from?

Pelham, New York. The perfect 30-minute train ride away from the city.

Which character would play you in a movie or TV Show?

I like to think I’m a mix between Brooke and Peyton from One Tree Hill. I love fashion and the idea of owning my own business but I also love art and photography.

What is one piece of clothing you think that every 20-Something girl should have?

A great white dress. I feel like everyone today is obsessed with wearing black, but I’ve always been in love with the color white. I prefer light and bright colors. I think you can get a lot more creative with them.

What makes you the happiest?

I’m happiest when I am surrounded by people I love, especially my 18-month-old niece.

I also always have a smile on my face when I’m taking pictures. I love photography and the idea of being able to keep a memory with you forever.

Chipotle, shopping and wine always put me in a good mood too.

What is one thing that you hope to achieve by the time you are 30?

I hope to either own my own business or be moving in the right direction towards it. I see myself owning a photography company, a boutique or a restaurant. I have lots of ideas!

What qualities do you look for in a true friend?

Loyalty, honesty, confidence, a good sense of humor, someone who will be my therapist, a shopping partner, a fellow wine lover and a Netflix buddy

Tell us a little bit about WFU Style

It is a club on campus that promotes fashion, beauty, entertainment, travel and more, through our blog, social media accounts and events. Our blog, www.wfustyle.com, has amazing articles written by Wake’s most stylish and creative bunch. I personally manage our Instagram account, @wfustyle, it’s essentially a compilation of the club members’ unique photographs and graphics. My role focuses on creating a community for students who love fashion, but I do also contribute to the blog; it’s a requirement for every member.

What piece of advice would you give to other 20-Something girls?

Stop hitting the snooze button. Find something you’re passionate about that motivates you to wake up every day. I know I don’t want to wake up years from now, not having lived my days to the fullest. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going, the best places take hard work.

Keep up with Rachel on her incredibly beautiful Instagram: @rachelcourtien and @wfustyle