Meet Rhea Mahajan

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

Hi Rhea, how do you think about risk?
For me, risk-taking isn’t about reckless leaps—it’s about making informed decisions based on deep research, pattern recognition, and trusting that no one is going to build the life I want except me.

1.) My First Big Career Risk: Leaving Accounting

For years, I followed a structured path—majoring in Accounting and Finance, becoming a CPA, and landing a stable job in forensic consulting. It was a career with clear steps, but after two years, I knew I wanted more. The idea of leaving something so secure was terrifying, but I didn’t make the decision impulsively.

I spent months weighing my options—researching industries, talking to people who had pivoted successfully, and analyzing what skills I could transfer. Ultimately, I trusted my intuition, took the leap, and transitioned into the ESG and social impact industry. That decision set the tone for my entire career. Once you take one calculated risk and it pays off, you become comfortable doing it again.

2.) No One Will Build Your Life for You

I’ve never waited for the “perfect opportunity” because I know it doesn’t exist. If you want something different, you have to build the blueprint yourself. That’s why I study the paths of people I admire—not just their big wins, but the overlooked small steps, behaviors, and calculated risks they took to get there.

I binge podcasts.
I analyze their career pivots.
I figure out what risks they took, what worked, and what didn’t.
Then, instead of blindly following their path, I adapt it to my own strengths.

3.) Calculated Risks vs. Blind Jumps

Every major move I’ve made—whether it was pivoting industries, stepping into media, or betting on uncertain opportunities—has been based on three questions:

✅ What’s the worst-case scenario? Can I handle it?
✅ Who has taken a similar risk before me? What can I learn from them?
✅ What will I gain even if it doesn’t go as planned?

If the upside outweighs the downside, I go for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Modeling is my art, and I’m incredibly passionate about the fashion space. Over the years, I’ve developed close relationships with designers and their teams, gaining insight into how they execute their vision. It’s not just about having a spark of inspiration—it’s about turning that vision into something tangible that resonates with people and drives them to act, whether that means making a purchase or appreciating the design. Fashion is about storytelling, and I love being part of that process.

I’ve danced on and off my whole life, but it wasn’t until five years ago that I started training formally. What began as a way to exercise without thinking about it evolved into something much deeper. Dance unlocked a level of comfort in my body, sensuality, confidence, and creative expression that I didn’t even realize I was missing. The transformation wasn’t overnight—but seeing my improvement with consistency, patience, and practice reinforced something bigger: how showing up for myself and committing to growth leads to powerful change.

That mindset has had a direct impact on my modeling career and made me more comfortable on the runway and in front of the camera. It’s taught me that consistency always pays off, and those lessons influence everything I do today.

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.
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d take them to some of the following fav spots of mine.

For food, Loqui at The Platform in Culver City is a must. Think of it as a creative, upgraded version of Chipotle with amazing vegetarian tacos and bowls. The vibe is casual yet elevated, with a beautiful outdoor patio and great shopping nearby. For caffeine, La La Land is where I get my matcha fix – they’ve got so many different options, and it’s always on point. If we’re in Santa Monica, Elephante is the spot for food with a beautiful view of the beach on a clear day. Their entire menu is delicious, and it’s a great place to hang out all day and night.

If we’re looking to move, I’d take them to dance classes at Playground. It’s perfect for people who have rhythm and want a challenge – from beginner to advanced. I love watching and being inspired by other talented dancers, and Shane Bruce and Marissa Heart are my go-to instructors.

And it’s not a trip to LA without some beach time, maybe somewhere like Dockweiler Beach! There’s so much to do there – bike the whole stretch, have a picnic by the water, or enjoy a bonfire at night. It’s such a vibe, and I love it.

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?
A huge shoutout to Kelly Gullett, a phenomenal fashion photographer (and former pro tennis player) who has been instrumental in helping me navigate the LA fashion scene. Our paths first crossed at NYFW a few seasons ago, and since then, he’s been a key force in elevating my craft, refining my portfolio, and helping me grow as a model.

What sets Kelly apart is his sharp eye for detail and ability to give precise, constructive feedback. He doesn’t just capture moments—he pushes me to think critically about my movement, presence, and storytelling in front of the camera. Every shoot has been an opportunity to experiment, refine, and take my work to the next level. His approach to creative direction has not only strengthened my portfolio but has also opened doors to bigger runway opportunities and more impactful modeling work. Having access to mentorship that challenges and expands your vision is invaluable, and I’m grateful for the role he’s played in my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheaamahajan/?hl=en

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

Image Credits
Photographers: Kelly Gullett, Kinza Iftikhar, and Sean Damolaris