Women We Love: Rachel Humphrey

We all know that women are often underrepresented in business, especially when it comes to managerial roles. In an often male-dominated world, it can be difficult to take the plunge and start up your own business as a woman- but, Rachel Humprey has done exactly that.

Founder of PR Agency, RH Brand Building, she is an example of a strong woman who has overcome many hurdles to achieve her dream of owning her own business. We sat down with Rachel to ask her what it takes to be a female founder and what life experiences have made her the incredible woman she is.

Hey honey! Please can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell them a little bit about what you do.

Hello, I’m Rachel Humphrey the Founder and Director of PR Agency RH Brand Building. I have worked in the consumer PR industry for over 15 years, mainly across beauty. I established and built the organic brand awareness function at a fun beauty start-up and after 7 amazing years, I decided to leave to venture out and build something I love for myself. 

I am also a Mum to two gorgeous, energetic, hilarious children - Penelope and Otis. I live with my husband and children in Bedfordshire. The perfect place for me as I have the countryside on my doorstep (my first love) and London just half an hour train journey away. Life’s pretty good right now - I feel very lucky.

Talk us through your journey- how did you get to where you are today in your career?

I actually trained as a Dancer and received a BA Hons in Dance and Theatre Performance at a leading performing Arts School. I loved theatre but performing soon lost its shine for me and I suppose I grew out of it. I was always fascinated by magazines and so through a wonderful contact, I landed an internship at a leading Men's magazine which gave me a lot of insight into how PR’s and Editor’s work. It was probably here that I realised I had the graft  that was appreciated in the industry. I didn’t think the Editor side was for me but loved the idea of PR. Along with the commercial side to the business I also loved the creativity plus the buzz of landing coverage. I then went in-house at a Fashion retailer and then moved to the agency side in beauty. My last big role was working for Birchbox, a beauty start-up where I had the time of my life. Building a brand from scratch with some incredible people was a huge opportunity for me and I loved it so much. 

I knew I wouldn't find a role again that ever felt like a better fit for me. When the pandemic hit, I assessed what I wanted in a role and how this would work around now being a mother of two and I knew building my own role was the best step for me. I now I have a brilliant small team and the agency is growing.

3. We think it’s super important to set yourself both personal and professional goals. What are yours and how are you working towards achieving them?

I have many small goals at one time but they are usually all taking me to the same place. My main goal in life is to be the best person I can be. Being a good person for my family and friends and that means looking after myself, being kind to myself, focusing and working hard and giving the best service for my clients - as then I know I have given the best I can. Self-care is hugely important when running a business and I’ve learnt a lot this past year and throughout the pandemic about making good choices every day for yourself. Moving your body, not being too hard on yourself, interacting with people you love in the best way you can and always having something small to look forward to. My Mum and Dad told me that a long time ago - you need those moments to look forward to, that’s what all the hard work is for. 

We think you’re a hugeeeee inspiration- who is your biggest personal inspiration and what was it about them that made you stop and take note?

The Founders of Birchbox were hugely inspiring to me. They showed me that you should not limit yourself, anything is possible, how to have some fun while you build something and how to take risks.

We absolutely LOVE what you do- what does it mean to you to be able to do what you love every day?

 It means absolutely everything. I am very tied to what I do and my profession, that’s just my personality and so it is hugely important to my overall wellbeing that I love what I do. That’s why building something that works for me was really the only option.

So many people are nervous to break out and try something new- but you did. What piece of advice would you give to people who want to try something different but are too scared to take the risk?

I think self belief is the first step to starting anything new and making a leap.  That definitely doesn’t come easy and so for me I invested in some business coaching and worked hard on tasks, prep and inner work to really start seeing the value I have and can give to others. I really think confidence is practiced and you have to really believe in yourself to make anything bold work.

What positive impact do you hope to have on those within your community?

I hope to show young women that they can carve their own path. I am a mixed race woman from the North of England who always felt like I was trying to catch up - but I soon realised it is only me that can believe in myself and work towards my absolute fullest potential.  I want young women who resonate with this feeling of otherness to feel like the world is theirs to grab hold of.

We all know that life ain’t no breeze. What is one piece of advice you can offer to people in your community to help make things that little bit easier?

Show up with inner confidence and treat yourself with so much care. You deserve brilliant things, so spend some time using good products on your skin, take your time - life isn’t a race, surround yourself with good people and value yourself. 

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