Meet Rachel Zeppa: Actor/ Model & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Zeppa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am in the process of launching two online businesses and both have been ideas that have slowly started to come to life over the past few months. With “Modern Karma Co.” I am creating a brand that is a new take on modern with our classic basics and handmade statement pieces. My idea is to tie in a positive karmic community not only with our quality and unique clothing but through the importance of travel. It has been my experience that off-the-grid travel, immersing in cultures and being adventurous and risk-taking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and to really understand and be empathetic towards other people. It is a simple and fun way to bring a community together so with my brand I plan to come up with monthly trips where we explore a new location outside of Los Angeles that is not as widely talked about and then down the road start creating trips for the group that are more international.

As for the dropshipping company I am launching called, “Steppa Co”, this idea was one I came up with years ago where my vision was more to create athletic shoes for athletes, however, I decided to start with an organic health and beauty approach and then I will be branching off into other sections down the road. The inspiration for this company came more from my background as an athlete and also understanding the importance of health in all aspects of your life. Steppa Co. is a brand I see being very versatile that focuses on health and self-care the holistic way from the inside out, whether that is through making sure people are wearing the proper running shoes for their feet type or using a skincare product that is designed for their specific skin and only has organic, natural ingredients, it all plays a factor on your overall health and performance to be able to “step into your best life”!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It was very apparent from a young age I was meant to be in the acting space one way or another but I definitely dived into a lot of other passions over the years first. From thinking I was going to be a professional track and field athlete, to pursuing areas like Criminal Justice-working in the Detective unit and for law firms, entrepreneurship, event management, corporate wall street, nonprofits, and more, I really explored a ton and even backpacked abroad for a bit.

Finally, three years ago, I decided to full-on pursue acting and modeling and haven’t looked back since. I have never been a 9-5, routine style person and I need an outlet to feel like I can fully express myself unapologetically, and acting gives me that platform. I will always have many passions and interests because I am a very curious person, but for me becoming a working actor is just an obvious on the agenda.

I dived right in three years ago in New York and built my portfolio myself from the ground up which I feel was super important to establish before even considering reaching out to companies for representation or management. I wanted to prove I could book a good amount of roles and with well-known companies on my own. I assisted an acting coach in New York to help get free acting classes and start building a reel, I made sure to be one of the first submissions casting directors saw on their side by submitting on all the casting network platforms all day, every day as they came out and as they pertained to me, I had one of my roommates who was a photographer take my headshots and I just kept building my reel and portfolio with each project I landed. Luckily, a couple of the feature films I led in or was a supporting role in received a little traction early on and won some local awards, as well as premiered in AMC Theaters which was an eye-opening experience to see myself on the big screen. That moment really helped me see how far I could go with acting. I also have had the opportunity to build up my modeling and commercial portfolio with amazing brands such as Google, Hoka, HGTV, Copper Fit, HP, and more!

At this stage, I’m seeking to move into more National Commercials and Campaigns as well as really hone in on my acting skills and book even a co-star or supporting role on more major networks such as Hulu or Netflix. It’s definitely challenging because there are so many factors that come into play but I try to just focus on what feels good to me, remembering to just take everything day by day and be grateful for the opportunities that do come my way. I did just book a role in a film that is supposed to be airing on Netflix so I think this will be a great step in the direction I want to head!

My advice that I try to remind myself every day and to anyone reading, is even when times are slow or feel stagnate, remember things are always happening or moving even when you can’t see them. It’s important to put in the work but do not force what is not meant for you, just enjoy the ride and appreciate the moments!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The itinerary would be endless! First, we would of course head down to the beach to swim, surf, and rollerblade the pier. Then, hike some hidden spots probably somewhere in either Malibu or the Valley to see the sunrise and sunset. Going out dancing and to a cool speakeasy or rooftop would definitely be on the agenda and of course, we would be grabbing some local food digs around the city such as Teddy’s Red Tacos, Hope Vegan Kitchen, Ethiopian food, and more! Also, if there was a cool LA event going on we would head to that, something like rooftop yoga or a concert, sporting event, something fun and different! We would even head over and go to a drive-in movie. Knowing me we would also head outside of LA to San Diego, The Trona Pinnacles, Death Valley, Monterey, or somewhere else to adventure for a couple of days!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout to all of the beautiful creatives and people I’ve met on my journey so far! I value every experience, moment, and conversation that has led me to where I am today. And a shoutout to myself for staying authentic to who I am and only pursuing what makes me happy!

Website: https://rachzeppa3.wixsite.com/website

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachzeppa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelzeppa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachzeppa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.zeppa/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbohwDqE1u_pSEyuYdr4HgQ

Other: Steppa Co: https://steppaco.com/ Modern Karma Co: @modern.karma

Image Credits
Cathryn Farnsworth- Headshots