Meet Rebekah Gaillard: Freelance Creative, Photographer, Creative Director, & DJ in training

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebekah Gaillard and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebekah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my opinion, risk is taking that leap of faith and knowing that you’ll land either on your dreams or close to your dreams. Risk is also about doing something you’ve never done before, especially if it is uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable, the greater the reward for the risk. Risks often times, teach me more about myself. The more risks I take, the more I am shown how limitless I truly am. I took a huge risk to move to LA, without knowing anyone but my drive for photography was* all I needed to go. I also curated my first art show with my friend, Shadé Bell, without even knowing much in regards to organizing them. Even now, I take risks in my creativity process, pushing my own envelope to continuously grow in my craft.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With each shoot I curate, I leave a piece of myself with it. My art is like me – soft, crisp, stylish, and innovative. Music and movies motivate me in my creation process, from coming up with shoot ideas to editing. One of my proudest moments was planning and executing an art show in Los Angeles. I had just moved into town and barely knew anyone and still had an amazing turn out. This year, I want those who enjoy my art to have physical forms of pieces in their spaces. I want to share a piece of me with each physical piece. I’m not where I planned to be in my art, but I’m close. One of the biggest challenges is being the first to do it. I don’t have a blueprint or a guide to teach me how to be a creative and entrepreneur in the same breath. I’ve had great projects and others have been frustrating. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t change it for a thing. I want the world to remember my brand as one that pushes boundaries. They may not be major boundaries but there are some out there that stop us from being the best versions of ourselves. Especially being a black creative that is a woman, many limitations are put upon me that I move past and always put my best foot forward.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Man, Los Angeles holds a special place in my heart. One of my favorite things to do when people visit is take them on a hike. The scenery of the West Coast is heaven sent. To be able to see mountains, beaches, and hills in a 20 minutes drive is something to appreciate. I would also take my friends to my two favorite restaurants – Tarte for brunch and Fry Madness for dinner. Tarte is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant with vines outside and french toast to die for. Fry Madness is a low-key spot in DTLA that puts a spin on fries. Any and everything you can imagine that can go on a fry, they have on their menu. I would also take my friends to Malibu to enjoy the beach and sunset. LA is one of those cities where inspiration is everywhere, you just have to let her hold your hand and show you. If COVID wasn’t running rampant, we’d end the night at either the Reserve or Shoo Shoo Baby. Both venues give a vibe that is specific to LA. Great drinks, music, and vibes, doesn’t get any better than that.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest shoutout would have to be to my uncle and late grandfather. Ever since I was younger, I also had a fascination with cameras. In college, my uncle gifted me with the camera I still use to this day. Before my grandfather passed, he told my uncle to ensure I never put the camera down. I believe this was the catalyst that put me in the position I am in today. Every week, my uncle calls me and reminds me he is proud of me. If it wasn’t for the two of them, I wouldn’t be the creative I am today. Secondly, I would have to shoutout my village – family and friends. They support all of my wild ideas, granted some are better than others. They even push me to become the best version of myself, all around. Lastly, the book that has helped me the most would be “The Alchemist”. That book is a coming of age book that reminds us all that we are on our own journeys and the treasure we seek is inside of us. All that we aspire to find, has always been hidden deep within us.
Website: https://www.noisettevisuals.com
Instagram: bigdaddyhazel
Twitter: bigdaddyhazel
Image Credits
Image 1: @lilbabyog_ Image 2: @_madialexis & @paisleyypearl Image 3: @pooty_tang17 Image 4: @alllanna Image 5: @taylordeshawnmusic Image 6: @imcodyjj & @pooty_tang17