Meet Rachel Brooke

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

Hi Rachel, what do you attribute your success to?
My goal in color analysis and makeup lessons is that people leave with not only knowledge, but a sense of self. I believe that each experience is bio-individual, allowing me to never have the same experience twice. In this way, our time together is not stiff or formulaic, but rather a holistic approach to learning what makes you shine the brightest. My clients tend to leave and feel like they were at a a counseling session (I get this comment often!) The art of color goes deeper than pigments — it serves as a vessel — a way of bringing your God-given beauty to life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I used to sit in my room until the wee hours of the morning cutting out magazines to create custom collages. I remember my parents coming in at 3 AM to urge me to get to bed! One of my first memories of extra-curricular activities was Art Camp. It’s the place I always go when I have free time — writing, singing, painting, etc — when I am in the arts, I feel the most like myself.

I took my own “detour” and went to a college that had little-to-no art specialities. At this stage of my life I was not avidly aware of my true giftings (despite my parents telling me what they were) and part of me was still running from the idea of landing in a artistic field. I was still in a place of trying to prove myself.

I was (and still am) a highly sensitive child and it was not until my 30s that I learned to view this as a strength, rather than a weakness. I would say the shift for me in business came when I realized that my area of passion is PEOPLE. My most fulfilling work is allowing others to feel seen and loved.

In my color journey, I have had options to pair up with franchises or larger companies, but I decided to go out on my own. I had countless doors shut on me and there were many times I toyed with giving up. Ultimately, I went out on my own and this has been quite a feat, as I’ve done ALL the ground work myself. I have spent years testing out makeup, drapes, methods of color analysis, etc.

I am beyond thankful for where I ended up, as I am able to have my own voice and full freedom with each client. It has taken an additional amount of time, energy, and investment, but it has also given me such a well-rounded view of color.

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.
We live on acreage in Black Forest and I love the smell of the pines, the sounds of the birds, and the crisp air of the forest. I am a homebody at heart and I love quality one-on-one time with visitors. The truth is, if my best friends are visiting all I want to do is invest in quality time with them…I love them so much!! I would start our morning with my homemade muddy matcha — a combination of chai and matcha with an obscene amount of frothy foam and a dash of cinnamon and salt on top.

Colorado’s greatest destination is simply walking outside and enjoying the mountains. When my bestie visits, we are outside the majority of the time and love to go on a walk. If I’m going to visit certain local spots, I will typically visit the zoo (for visitors with kids), Toastique, and Skirted Heifer.

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 husband! Matthew has been cheering my entrepreneurial spirit on since 2006. He is a details guy and I am big picture girl, so we make a great team. 🙂 My journey to color has been a winding road with no straight paths, and he continues to remind me I’m a trailblazer. This has given me the courage to keep paving my own path.

I have been richly blessed to have parents who believed in me and celebrated my creativity – they still have some of my paintings up on their walls, which makes me smile! My mom would always say “why do I love you?” to which I would answer…”just because I’m me.” (I now say this to my kids too). They made it a point to love us for who we are, not what we do.

My grandmother is someone I deeply admire. She is 93 years old and still baking up casseroles for folks, going on walks, and has such a positive and joyful outlook on her life. Her example of service propels me to want to continue this legacy of having a servant’s heart!

I took a class in college called Sensory and Perceptive Psychology and it transformed the way I see color and it’s powerful impact. It took color beyond the physical observation in the eyes and into the brain, mood, and sensory response.

I have a book I have loved by Nicole Zasowski called “What if it’s Wonderful?” that has left a lasting impression on the way I see change, taking risks, and “detours” in our life. It has aided my ability to hold joy and allowed me to practice the brave act of lending myself to HOPE, when it often feels easier to rehearse the “worst case scenario”. This book has truly burst my heart wide open and it’s one I revisit often.

Instagram: @heartfeltcolor

Image Credits
All photos taken by me!