'BIP' star chelsea vaughn talks modeling career, battling insecurities, + life after the show

So I read in COSMO that you quit your corporate job in 2018 to pursue a career in modeling- tell us about it!

Yes! So I moved to NYC in 2015, and although I really wanted to continue pursuing modeling, I was fresh out of college and needed to get a stable FT job. My degree is in fashion merchandising, so corporate fashion buying was an area I was interested in exploring. For those 3 years, I worked for a few big name brands, but I realized I didn’t find it fulfilling and modeling was still on my mind. So in 2018 I finally took the leap and quit my job without having a new one lined up. I had savings, but realistically I could only survive 3-6 months before I’d have to find a new job. So I put everything I had into modeling for those few months, and the hard work ended up paying off! 

What sparked your love for fashion and who’s your style inspiration?

I took a fashion marketing course in ninth grade, and I think from then on I knew I wanted to work in the industry. I’ve always been creative but also business minded and analytical. I feel like fashion can be a good mix of both depending on what field you choose. As far as style inspo, I love Zendaya. She is absolutely unmatched on the red carpet! Also adore Rihanna. Both women are complete and total style icons that I am inspired by. 

We loved seeing you on The Bachelor/Bachelor in Paradise! You opened up about shaving your head and how emotional it is wearing your natural hair as a Black women. What advice do you have for any women still digging for that inner confidence?

We have all had such different experiences throughout life with our hair, and those experiences play a huge part in the relationship that we ultimately have with it. Everyone is on their own timeline in that hair journey. So the best advice I can give would be to just be patient and kind to yourself while you’re on that journey. Really dig deep and think about the reasons why you feel insecure about it or why you don’t see it as beautiful. Because what I realized when I did that work, was that the hatred I had for my hair was learned. I was taught by societal and cultural norms that my hair wasn’t beautiful. And that’s not true. Once I figured that out I could start to unlearn. 

Although you didn’t leave ‘BIP’ engaged, what are the “green flags” you’re looking for in your next relationship?

That’s a great question! I love the term green flags. I like to ask myself, “How does this person make me feel?” If the answer is comfortable to be myself, emotionally secure, appreciated… massive green flag. If it’s anxious, confused, afraid to communicate, etc? Massive red flag. Another thing that I always think is a good sign is when someone asks really genuine questions. Not like an interview, but thoughtful questions to really to try to get to know and understand you. It shows that they truly care about what you have to say and want to know who you are as a person. 

What’s next for you?

Everyone always asks me if I’ll ever do another Bachelor show. I think I can confidently say that chapter is closed. I’m incredibly grateful for the platform that it gave me, but this year I’d love to focus on making a brand for myself outside of the show. I’m still modeling somewhat, but I really want to continue to use my platform to empower women and POC. I’ve been very transparent about my experiences in the modeling / fashion / reality TV industry as a WOC and as it relates to mental health. I want to keep that conversation going and continue to make more people feel represented and seen. In what capacity? I’m not exactly sure yet. But if I had to guess, I’d say you probably haven’t seen the last of me on your tv screen!