Rébecca Paré: On Modelling and Motherhood

An interview with model Rébecca Paré (Becca) on her modelling career and motherhood

There are women who enter the fashion industry with portfolios, connections, and years of preparation. And then there is Rébecca Paré — who walked in with a newborn in her arms and not a single professional shot to her name. Ten months postpartum, not yet fully recovered, she stepped in front of a camera for the first time. And knew, instantly, that this was exactly where she was always meant to be.

Motherhood transformed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My partner asked me why I had never tried modelling before, and the answer was simple. I needed to become a mother in order to become the version of me strong enough to dare. I needed to go through body changes to learn to love it even more. I needed to test my brain’s limits and learn to adapt quickly. And then I was ready to begin a journey that would deconstruct so many of my beliefs, — Rébecca shares.

It all started on impulse. In February 2025, her sister came over with a simple idea — why not try modelling? Rébecca was ten months postpartum and hadn’t fully recovered when they decided to book a casual photoshoot. At first, it felt like a fun side project. But when she started classes in September, she quickly realized she had been searching for herself in all the wrong directions — before this, she had tried special education techniques, herbalism, and TRA at CRAM. None of them felt like this. She dropped a three-year academic program for a two-month UGC course she had just discovered — and never looked back.

I needed to become a mother in order to become the version of me strong enough to dare.

What does a typical day look like for a young mother — and how does she manage to balance it all?

I wake up around 8:30. My son is with me every morning and most of the afternoon, so that time goes to household tasks, home workouts, and errands.

Three nights a week I work (Editor’s note: in addition to modelling and content creation, Rébecca also works as a waitress), so during the day I either prepare for my shift or focus on different aspects of UGC and modelling — practising my runway walk, filming content, writing scripts. On weekends, most of my afternoon is dedicated to meal prepping for the week ahead. Motherhood takes up a significant part of my time, especially since my little one isn’t in daycare.

What is the best piece of advice you have received in your career so far?

Honestly, I received very little advice, and none of it made a difference — except for the one piece I didn’t follow. I was told not to spend my money on a certain photographer, but I went ahead anyway, just for the fun of it. The results exceeded all expectations, and I mean the entire experience. I saw myself bloom a little at that shoot, and it confirmed once again that this is exactly what I want to do.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for shoots or runway shows?

An hour-long run, no exceptions! Just kidding. Soft everything. Two to three days before an event, I switch any intense training for something lighter. Long walks are better for a leaner body. I focus on health and comfort. My nervous system and my diet are my priorities.

What keeps you motivated when the industry feels slow or challenging?

Reminding myself of what I can control and what I can work on — to either stay ready or create new opportunities. For me, success in life is, above all, balance between work and personal life, a happy family, work that doesn’t feel like work, material comfort, and freedom. Success has many faces. For me, it shows up as a feeling of fulfillment.

You seem so energetic and positive — who or what inspires you in fashion and in life?

I find inspiration in the creativity and unique colours of artists, the beauty and strength of nature, the possibilities of the future, and the lessons of the past. I feel nourished when engaging in creative endeavours, and I romanticize life whenever I get to create something. Nothing in life is perfect, but all of it is beautiful. Growth is what inspires me most.

Do you have any fashion rules you follow — or love to break?

Rules exist for safety, structure, or equity. If a rule doesn’t fall into one of those categories, I may choose not to follow it. Right now, my goal is to grow as a model and UGC creator and make a good living from it. But I’m someone who is eager to learn, and I may take additional classes in the future — photography, astrology, couture, and more. I also have another dream I hope to fulfil one day: owning a homestead with a large garden and animals. I’d love to try reaching food autonomy.

What would you say to those who are just starting to dream about entering the fashion industry?

It’s a business. So treat it like one — your business. If you’re scared, don’t do it. If you’re both excited and scared — you’re on the right path.

From my own experience: I thought taking care of my appearance meant I was superficial. Turns out, it’s also a way of taking care of yourself. I thought I had to be perfect from day one. Turns out, allowing yourself to be a beginner is far sweeter. I thought I needed to drastically change my diet and train every single day. Turns out, it’s easier to change small habits one at a time. I thought it was about looking perfect. Turns out, it’s about being unique and unapologetically yourself. Motherhood prepared me to embrace new beliefs and life changes. It made me more resilient.

More About Rébecca

How do you usually spend your free time?

Barely at all — ha! I spend most of my time working, so whenever I get to simply sit down and enjoy a coffee without interruption, it feels like pure magic.

What inspires you outside of work?

Gardening, my friends, TikTok and Instagram Reels — they fuel my idea machine!

Zodiac sign: Aquarius, with Capricorn rising and a Libra moon! I love astrology and genuinely enjoy analysing birth charts.

Favourite music: I listen to a little bit of everything, but mostly country — Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Combs, and more.

Favourite TV series: I love so many series, I couldn’t pick just one — but some of my favourites have been Outlander, Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, La Casa de Papel, and Friends.

Pre-shoot or pre-show rituals: I don’t have one yet, but I really want to build one. When I feel nervous, I like to do affirmations and visualizations.

Favourite food: Any home-cooked meal. I don’t have a specific favourite right now — as long as it’s made with love.

 

Rébecca Paré is represented by Orange Models

Follow her on Instagram: @reb_becky_bbk

By Catherine Mills