Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Ward.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originally I am from San Diego, California. After graduating from high school, I attended Sonoma State University where I got my BA in Economics and went on to get my big girl job in advertising at a small boutique agency based in the Bay Area, California.
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to sit down with a glass of wine and hit record on an audition tape for a Netflix reality show called The Circle. Four short weeks later, I was being flown out to the UK to film. Since the show has aired in September 2021, I have grown my social platforms to have a significant following, and one of my favorite things to do is create content, talk to my followers, and create a safe space for them online. I’m like your internet big sister!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road to what I do now! The challenge of being on reality tv was hard to overcome with a lot of the internet not being a safe space for people. Internet and cyber bullying takes a HUGE toll on a person. Especially on reality tv, where people are attacking you online for who you are as a person.
It’s really opened my eyes to the world of bullying online and offline. I’ve always tried to take the initiative to be the bigger person online and not give the haters attention, but sometimes it’s extremely difficult. I provide links and resources on my profile for people regarding mental health so that hopefully it can help someone else out there who is struggling.
While internet bullying has been a major challenge to overcome, I do not regret any of the decisions I’ve made. I have a family from the cast of The Circle that I am extremely close with and talk to every day. They remind me why I made the decision to audition and film in the first place! Now I get to talk to my favorite people every day, expand my network by meeting other fellow Netflix stars, and create content I love for a living.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most popularly known for being one of the catfish of Season 3 of The Circle, where I chose to play my friend’s boyfriend – Jackson. I chose to catfish because I was afraid my “cute blonde girl” cover would get me out early on in the game.
Since the show has aired, I have been able to explore influencer life and content creation. My favorite content to post is on Tiktok surrounding dating and lifestyle content. I feel like my presence online is authentic and sets me apart from others because I have created a real, authentic place for people to come together and be themselves. My biggest advantage is that I’m a normal millennial girl, just like anyone else, finding my way in this world whether that is through work, dating, relationships, friendships, finance, etc. I’m just posting it on the internet and poking fun at myself along the way!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned that when you feel stagnant, especially during the pandemic, it’s important to remember to continue to push and challenge yourself and put yourself out there. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I probably would have never auditioned for a reality TV show and changed my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: rachelwardxbiz@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelward_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelwardd_
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelwardxo
Image Credits
Netflix
