Read a fun filled detailed interview with Rebecca Lee aka @duchessbecca about travel, being true to your unique self and what it takes to be happy. We enjoyed speaking with her just as much as you’ll enjoy reading her interview.
Rebecca, please tell us who you are.
RL: I’m a campaigner, at least that’s what my personality test says, and I believe that I am. I want to experience the world, but I also want to share those experiences with my friends and those around me. I constantly am trying to get my friends and family to try new activities and explore new places. To me, there’s some magic in having moments that you can share.
How did you develop an interest in modeling and traveling respectively?
RL: I used to hate having my photo taken because I felt so unhappy with my size. I went through a few rough teen years, but as I slowly developed self-confidence by hanging out with better friends and doing sports, I began to really appreciate my body and began to like being in front of a camera. I still feel awkward and unsure of myself sometimes, but I like to think of modeling as part of a larger project. Both the model and photographer work together to create art so knowing that I’m part of a team to create something new and inspiring allows me to focus on being creative than just on myself.
Traveling is something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid, which was heavily inspired by the books I read and the travel movie I saw. I think watching The Amazing Race religiously as a kid definitely hooked me with the travel bug. I really wanted to see the world outside of the pages of my books, so now that I’m older, I’m definitely budgeting so I can have the freedom to travel.
How important are ethical standards for influencers?
RL: I definitely think that influencers have a moral responsibility if they’re trying to share a part of their life with the world. You never know who will try and copy the things you show on social media. So, I never try to break the rules or do anything illegal or dangerous for a post on my social media.
When looking for a photographer to work with, what do you look for that seals the deal and makes for the best work relationship?
RL: When I first look for a photographer and I haven’t met them yet, I look to see if their photography and editing style matches mine. I also like to look for photographers who I have mutual friends with, just to verify who they are and be safe. Once I meet him/her, I like to make sure that this person either gives me constructive guidance or allows me to try different things, but is not pushy. I think what makes the best work relationship is a mutually respectful understanding for one another and to know that you’re working together to produce a piece of art, and that both parties feel comfortable about what’s going on.
Being part of an industry, whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
RL: In the past and sometimes now, I have a hard time being present in the moment. My mind is always flitting to the next thing. So now, I always go through the mental act of asking myself the questions: what do I appreciate about this moment? Who are the people I appreciate with me right now? What will I remember about this moment right now?
Who are your favorite musicians to jam out to when no one’s looking?
RL: Kelly Clarkson, I’m really about empowerment. Jonas Brothers, now that they’re back together. And I really love Ed Sheeran.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
RL: My number one place has always been New Zealand and I hope 2020 is the year I get to go! I’m a huge outdoorsy and hiking enthusiast and New Zealand has some of the prettiest landscapes. I definitely want to take a month to hike to as many places in New Zealand as I possibly can. Also, some of my favorite movies, like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was filmed there so I definitely would love to check those filming locations out!
What’s your favorite thing to do in your down time?
RL: I really like to go hiking to someplace new. Being outdoors is so calming and its fun seeing what Mother Nature has to offer.
They say you are what you eat, what are you?
RL: Oh no! It’s definitely ramen. I live right next to LA’s best ramen places, so I tend to eat a lot of it. I can’t help it; ramen’s so good!
How would you describe your philosophy on health and wellness?
RL: My philosophy is to set fitness goals rather than goals based on a number on a scale or changing the way you look. That was definitely what helped me physically and mentally. Setting fitness goals kept me on track without having me be obsessed with a certain number. And the accomplishment of finishing a race or being able to do a certain number of pull-ups felt more rewarding than getting down to a certain weight.
Best moment/memory of 2019?
RL: Going to Yellowstone with my dad and sister. All three of us live in different places in the world, so for us to actually find time and plan a trip together is very rare and valuable to me. When I was a kid, my dad used to take us hiking and camping all the time, so being able to do that once more…it’s very nostalgic.
Lastly, tell us about your dream collab, who is it and why?
RL: My dream collab would be with Brandon Woelfel. He’s just an incredibly talented and creative person and his eye for beauty is superb. He knows how to photograph a moment in time and focus on the photo as a whole, rather than just the model.
