Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Barker.
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My father was a high school football coach who, at the young age of 22, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Despite losing the use of his legs and his eyesight, he continued coaching from a wheelchair and made a huge impact on both a local and a national level. After his passing, I was inspired to share his story. I began speaking to high school audiences here in Utah and eventually was able to do so nationally.
I spoke about having the desire to go after your dreams whilst overcoming the obstacles that get in your way. After doing this for a few years, I was given the opportunity to speak with a group of women who desperately needed direction, motivation, and purpose. I saw a huge need to transition my speaking to a whole new audience. I started planning women’s events and retreats far before they ever became popular.
My first event was in 2002 and from then on, the demand and the opportunities increased and it became a full-time passion. From my first event to my current events, I have always included a service aspect or a beneficiary recipient. I typically do anywhere from three to four large events per year and many smaller events to build this community. My annual Galentine’s Gala is solely a recipient-based event where I pick from stories that have been submitted and then a large portion of the event ticket sales and all of the funds from a silent auction are awarded to them.
With this event alone, I have raised over $55,000. It is so much more than the money that has been raised in these events, it is about the lives that have been changed from those who have helped and collaborated with me, to the guests who attend the event, right on down to the beneficiary. It is my mission to impact every life that I come in contact with and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
As for my IG page @dear.rach, it started as an online advice column and became a platform for me to share my life and all of the good I can. Last August, I started my own nutritional support line that focuses on hormonal balance, it’s called WISE NUTRITION (@shopwisenutrition). The company’s mission statement has become my own: LIVE ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has not been a smooth one, although most roads aren’t. My biggest obstacle has been finding relevance in a virtual world after being very relevant in an “in-person” one. I consider myself a “show up” gal and given the media and social media pressure, it has become an ongoing battle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would say what I am most known for is my philanthropic endeavors and those endeavors have been what I am the most proud of! I am so grateful that in creating this position for myself, I’ve not only shown myself that it was most certainly possible, but hopefully inspired many others to do the same!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think that in a world that has been pushed to the brink of division, we can come together and stand up for each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Dearrach.com
- Instagram: @dear.rach
- Facebook: Rachel Smith Barker
- Youtube: Rachel M. Barker
