Raquel Gardner was born and raised in Ohio where she started working as a print model at the young age of 11. “I knew I wanted to be in the Entertainment Industry from the time I was 5 years old”.

Raquel made the leap to Los Angeles, California at the age of nineteen to pursue her dream ”This business has been so much of my life. Whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it, I feel at home. It’s not work when you do something you love”. I cannot imagine doing anything else in my life. Whenever I do something different for whatever reason, I am always drawn back to my passion and dream of, acting! 

At 15, Raquel was hand picked to spend the summer working with a Talent Agency in Chicago. While there, she began studying acting and working on commercials. She continued her modeling career as a fitness/swimwear model, landing her a nine year modeling contract with Venus Swimwear, which led her to such tropical places like Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Anguilla Etc. “I had the time of my life being a Venus model!! Many of my life long friends have come from working with Venus.” Raquel has also appeared in magazines around the World such as Sport Magazine, Inside Sports, Instyle, American Swimwear, Swimwear USA, Shape Etc. 

Raquel also decided to try her hand at hosting and fell in love! Raquel was rewarded very early on with the opportunity to host one of E! Entertainments most popular shows Wild On E! Although she never hosted before, she decided to take on the challenge. Raquel went on to host Toyota’s Inside Line for Supercross, The Outdoor Channel’s Monsters of Destruction and also co hosted along side infomercial legends like Jack LaLane and Tony Little on some of their award winning products.

Still working in front of the camera, Raquel immersed herself in other areas of the entertainment industry behind the camera as well to understand the other side of the industry. “I wanted to understand every facet of this business to be equipped with power and knowledge.” Raquel worked as a theatrical agent and scout for a reputable talent agency in Los Angeles for a few years to get inside what casting was all about, what the secret to submitting and pitching was and most importantly to build her awareness and confidence in this industry. 

Raquel had a strong desire to give back the 35 + years of knowledge she has gained from activity working in Hollywood. She decided what a better way to give back than by becoming an accomplished acting coach for many celebrities and actors, and a committed mentor for the new generation of actors. Her client list is confidential but we can tell you she has helped actors book series regular roles, recurring and guest star roles as well as set coached many well know adult and youth actors you currently see on the television and big screen. In 2020, Raquel was asked to direct a pilot and for the first time in her acting career, she was drawn to working behind the camera. “Working as a coach for other actors for the last 8 years as well as acting, I felt directing was the next natural step for me. And, Wow!! I love it!!” From there, Raquel went on to create projects of her own from competition reality shows to a nighttime drama series that will blow your socks off.   

Raquel always loves a challenge and looks forward to what her newest adventure or role will be. With her captivating looks, tenacious personality and sensitivity to humanity, Raquel is one to keep on your radar. Raquel always says, “Its not how fast you get there, it’s about trusting the ride and enjoying every step along the way.”