I met Rachael about 5 years ago through a very good friend Sheila. She was building her portfolio for a fashion career in L.A. and asked Rachael and I to do some modelling. I am definitely more of a behind-the-scene person, but Rachael was a natural. Not only is she beautiful, she has this amazing energy and personality as well. We got along right away and when we wanted to find someone who embodies the multi-cultural beauty of Canada to feature on this blog, I immediately thought of Rachael. To me, a truly beautiful person is not only physically attractive but shines from the inside out.
Learn more about Rachael and her cultural heritage below.
Sara: What was it like growing up in Steveston being part Japanese?
Rachael: I think growing up in Steveston made it easy to relate to my Japanese heritage because of the Japanese Canadian community at the time. I never felt like a minority or felt like I had identity issues since there were so many others like me –“hafu”. (half) However, I think the term Eurasian makes me sounds more exotic!
Sara: What sort of traditions did your family strongly instill in you during your childhood?
Rachael: One that comes to mind is New Years. On January 1st, my Grandma used to always host Japanese New Year’s Dinner. As she got older, it became too much for her, so my Dad and Mum started hosting it. I have it in my mind that one day I would take it on, though I would probably have to end up buying most of the food.
My Grandma was a Japanese School Teacher so she taught me to read, write and speak Japanese. I was 7 when I started going to her house once a week for “Japanese School”. My cousins also came too. Then once I was in junior high and high school, I took Japanese at school. Because my Dad was born in Canada and has not even been to Japan, it has mostly been out of my interest sake to still have a connection to my Japanese roots. Though that being said about my Dad, he cooks rice pretty much every other day!
Sara: What are some customary rituals you would like to continue to pass down to the next generations to come and why?
Rachael: I have been Japanese dancing at the Steveston Buddhist Obon festival since 1976, and we have brought my son to the festival since he was born. He is 5 now and he has been dancing as well for the past 2 years with me. I’m not sure how long the dancing aspect will last for him, but I think the takoyaki booth will entice him to keep coming as he gets older. He also started Japanese school at the Steveston Japanese Language School this year and he loves it. I’m hoping he will like to continue with it. (fingers crossed!) We recently went to Japan and we are hoping to go every few years.
Sara: How do you manage work and family? Is it helpful to have relatives living close by?
Rachael: We are waiting for our home to be built, so we are living with my parents, which is a HUGE help. Having grown up in Steveston and currently living where I grew up where most of my family and relatives live is such a blessing to me. I love bumping into someone that I’m either related to or grew up with. This pretty much happens on a daily basis!
Sara: What does beauty mean to you?
Rachael: Being able to laugh at yourself while making others laugh with you. Oh, and great smoky eyes!
Thanks Rachael! We are very committed and passionate about featuring real women from all walks of life in our articles, posts, and photos. All women are beautiful in their own unique way from the inside out, and we love to share and learn more about women, their lives, careers, culture, and philosophies.
Happy Canada Day Everyone!
All the Best,
Sara Au Yeong
P.S. If you are in BC and have never visited Steveston, they also host the “biggest little Canada Day party” with over 80,000 people attending their Salmon Festival on July 1. Let us know if you make it!
