Personal Branding Portrait Series || Rachel Beau, Party Director

Let me introduce you to powerhouse Rachel Beau, founder and party director of Rock’n’Beau. Rachel and I met about five years ago when we were both working at a language school in Downtown Vancouver. Rachel has an energy like no other and she has been such an inspiration over the past years.

So it was obvious to me that Rachel should be the first in my new series on female entrepreneurs and their personal branding stories. So get ready to be inspired, here comes Rachel Beau and Rock’n’Beau.

Rachel, tell us first a bit about yourself – where are you from? What’s your professional background? And most importantly, what do you do now?

I grew up in a small town in Niagara, ON. I constantly tried to find my place in it all. I tried dance, piano, choir, theatre, swimming, brownies, skating and everything else in between. It was ultimately my love of the arts and desire to perform as a profession that led me to study in Toronto and leave my little home town bubble . I attended Sheridan College Performing Arts Program and then furthered my studies at Humber College Theatre Performance Conservatory Program. Soon after graduation, I opened a local emerging artist & design boutique called HAUS. A performance opportunity soon presented itself to me and my mentor David, opened the door into the world of Live Event Entertainment. In 2014, I started my own Event Entertainment Company working with Corporate & Educational institutions. In 2017, I re branded my company as ROCK’N’BEAU Parties and now specialize in both Family & Corporate events and programming.

How did you started it? What was the decisive moment, the lightbulb moment, that made you want to start your own business?

In my final year of college, I started to feel more and more that I was not aligned with the theatre industry. I felt so passionate about performing but I was not feeling like I fit the mold of “ actor”. A Director of the school told me that if I ever wanted to succeed as an artist, I first need to recognize that I AM MY OWN BUSINESS. I remember heading home after class that day and turning on my music and just started free style dancing and singing at the top of my lungs. It made me feel so liberated. A sense of joy and rush of energy. I remember looking into the mirror and saying to myself out loud “ life’s too short to dance by yourself. Build the space so we all liberate one another.” 6 months later I built my first HAUS of liberation. Mission was to give local emerging artists a house to call home. Essentially, this was the foundation for me to start building my own identity as an artist and breakout into the niche market I am in today.

“Where your heart is, this is where you will find your treasure.” Rachel’s favourite quote

What were some of the challenges along the way?

There were many challenges along the way as any young emerging entrepreneur faces. Certainly disagreements with business partners and financial struggles in the first years. However, we always found ways to push beyond and learn something as the outcome. Contrast is such a huge part of the journey. There is really no other option than to embrace it.

One of my greatest challenges was moving to a new city and having to start building entirely from the ground up. It takes time to build your community and thankfully the time spent invested in Vancouver has been one of my greatest triumphs.

The event industry is highly competitive, how do you make yourself stand out? How did you establish your personal brand?

I saw a niche that was missing and decided I would try to build it. I recognized that people were reluctant to truly let go and have fun together in the moment during social settings and events. For example, The DJ would play a song and people would still be sitting at their chairs too nervous to get up on the dance floor. I saw this as an opportunity to become an Encourager of FUN. A helpful nudge that would engage the audience and elevate the energy of the room. By facilitating a safe space for people through creative entertainment programming this would allow for people to release their fear of judgment and just have fun. Rock’n’Beau is based upon building these fun motivational experiences that allow people to feel a sense of belonging, to truly be seen without judgement and freely express themselves while celebrating life in the moment together! Of course the secret sauce is to always bring a positive attitude and a whole lot of heart to each party.

Do you have any recommendations how to establish your own brand?

The source is your WHY! Find your why and own it. Be it and grow it from the heart!

I always think its helpful to think of your brand like a newborn baby. Your brand needs love, attention and to be fed consistently. To maintain and nurture is most important. Don’t skip the steps, these are essential to building and keeping your brand alive. When things get busy or you hit a roadblock, circle back to your why and connect with your heart!

What are some of the professional goals you set for this year?

Rock’n’Beau is launching a wellness focused program to our virtual service menu, Collaborating on a community project with CTV, Launching a mentorship for emerging performing artists and publishing a children’s audio book.

Some of Rachel’s favourites:

1. Favourite Book: The Burning Woman by Lucy. H Pearce

2. Favourite Instagram Account: @misslionhunter @sophiaamoruso @bossbabybrody

3. Biggest Inspiration: Bowie, Ginger Spice lol Tulum, the day I decided to move out west! Fast forward, the first day I arrived in Vancouver. Monumental.

Wow, thank you Rachel, thank you for sharing your story and for your honesty. All the best for your plans for 2021!!

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For my new Personal Branding Portraits Series, I’m talking to female entrepreneurs and business owners about their journey, their goals and challenges, and how they built their personal brand.

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