Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Johnson.
Hi Rachelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, by a strong single mother who instilled in me the values of faith, perseverance, education, and hard work. Those early lessons became the foundation for a journey that has taken me through science, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, service, survivorship, and now modeling with purpose.
Education was one of my first pathways to opportunity. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from New York University and later my Master of Science degree in Operations Management from Polytechnic University, graduating at the top of my class and receiving a Wall Street Journal Award for academic excellence at the Brooklyn campus.
Right out of college, I began a 12-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, working with major companies including Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson in packaging, manufacturing, quality assurance and research and development. But eventually, my desire to make a more direct impact in the lives of families led me in a new direction.
In 2006, I entered the financial services industry part-time with Primerica. I obtained my financial licenses, committed myself to mastering the business, and in 2020 was promoted to Regional Vice President, transitioning full-time into the industry. Today, nearly 20 years after beginning that journey, I continue providing financial education and services designed to help middle-income families build stronger financial futures.
My story, however, is about more than professional accomplishments. In 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through early detection, treatment, faith, and God’s grace, I am now a breast cancer survivor. That experience gave even greater meaning to my desire to encourage and inspire other women.
Re-entering the modeling industry after 50 has become another extension of that purpose. What began as a dream I first explored as a teenager has returned in a completely different season of my life. Today, through modeling, magazine features, advocacy, and opportunities like walking during New York Fashion Week, I am using my image and my story to represent women who may not always see themselves represented—women over 50, survivors, women of faith, and women who are still dreaming.
Every chapter of my journey has looked different, but the thread connecting them all has remained the same: faith, resilience, service, and purpose. I believe everything I have experienced has prepared me to use my life—not simply to succeed, but to show others what is possible when you keep believing, keep evolving, and remain open to where God is leading you next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I believe some of the most difficult seasons have also shaped me the most. Growing up in Brooklyn with a single mother taught me early about perseverance, sacrifice, and the importance of working hard for what you want. Throughout my education and professional career, I often had to push beyond expectations, prove myself, and remain focused even when the path ahead was uncertain.
One of my greatest personal challenges came in 2023 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, career goals and everyday concerns took a back seat to my health and survival. Going through surgery, radiation, and continued treatment challenged me physically, emotionally, and spiritually—but it also strengthened my faith and gave me an even deeper appreciation for life and purpose.
My modeling journey has also required perseverance. Re-entering the industry after 50 meant stepping into a space where I did not necessarily fit the traditional mold. As a mature, petite, curvy model, I had to embrace what made me different rather than view it as a limitation. I learned that rejection does not mean you are not worthy—it may simply mean that particular opportunity was not meant for you.
Through every transition, setback, and unexpected detour, my faith has remained my anchor. I have learned that a smooth road is not required for a successful or meaningful journey. Sometimes the obstacles become part of the testimony. Today, I can look back and see that each challenge helped develop the resilience, compassion, confidence, and sense of purpose that I now carry into everything I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business with Primerica is really centered around financial education, empowerment, and helping everyday families build a stronger financial future. I began with Primerica part-time in 2006 while still working in corporate America, and after years of building my knowledge, obtaining my financial licenses, and developing my business, I transitioned full-time and was promoted to Regional Vice President in 2020.
What I want the public to understand is that financial education should not be reserved for the wealthy. Much of my work focuses on middle-income families and communities that may not always have access to comprehensive financial guidance. I help people better understand fundamental financial concepts and connect that education to solutions that can help them protect their income, prepare for emergencies, address debt, plan for retirement, invest for the future, prepare for homeownership, and create a financial legacy for their families.
As a Regional Vice President, Investment Advisor Representative, and Mortgage Loan Originator, I have built my brand around helping bridge the gap between what people want financially and understanding what it actually takes to get there. I believe education creates confidence, and confidence helps people make better-informed financial decisions.
What sets me apart is my ability to make financial concepts feel relatable, understandable, and actionable. I don’t want people simply purchasing financial products; I want them to understand the why behind the strategy. After nearly 20 years in this business, I have learned that trust and credibility are built by listening to people, understanding their goals, and meeting them where they are.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that my name has become connected to service, education, integrity, consistency, and community impact. I have remained committed to this mission through different seasons of my own life, and my personal journey has only deepened my desire to help others.
I also believe my brand extends beyond financial services. Whether I am speaking about finances, breast cancer awareness, faith, or modeling after 50, the underlying message is the same: knowledge, preparation, resilience, and purpose can change the trajectory of your life.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that I am not simply building a financial services business—I am building a platform for empowerment. My goal is to help families gain greater clarity about their finances, equip them with tools and strategies for their future, and inspire people to believe that where they start does not have to determine where they finish.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that relationships matter. Whether in business, modeling, or life, I believe you should intentionally surround yourself with people who are where you want to go, who challenge you to grow, and who are willing to share what they have learned along the way.
When looking for a mentor, I recommend looking beyond someone’s title or accomplishments and paying attention to their character, consistency, values, and results. Find someone whose journey aligns with the direction you want to pursue, but also someone whose principles you respect. Once you find that person, be teachable. A mentor can provide the roadmap, but you still have to be willing to do the work.
Networking has worked best for me when I approach it from the standpoint of building genuine relationships rather than simply collecting contacts. I try to lead with service—learning about people, supporting what they do, staying connected, and looking for ways we can create value for one another. Some of my greatest opportunities have come simply from being present, remaining consistent, and nurturing relationships over time.
I also believe in staying plugged into environments that support your goals. In financial services, modeling, my faith community, and other professional spaces, I have intentionally connected with people who have helped expand my knowledge, confidence, and opportunities.
My advice is simple: show up, stay teachable, be authentic, add value, and follow up. Don’t enter every room asking, “What can I get from this connection?” Ask, “How can I contribute to this relationship?” When you build relationships with that mindset, networking becomes less transactional and more transformational—and that has made all the difference for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.primerica.com/ramjohnson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelley7_2000/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelle.clarke.39
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin/feed/
