I’m Rachel – writer, memory keeper, and lifelong gatherer of stories.
This is my quiet corner of the internet, where I share personal essays, fragments from works in progress, and reflections on the textures of memory. I write about the past with feeling – whether it’s the scent of 1980s bubble bath, the gleam of a vintage glass vase, or the ache of grief folded into an early morning walk.
At heart, I’m an archivist of emotion and everyday history.
The lives we live. The objects we keep. The voices we remember.
These are my materials.
Writing helps me hold them – and offer them to others.
✍️ What I write
My creative work focuses on:
- Personal memory and grief
- Nostalgia and vintage life
- Everyday stories of women’s lives
- Family history and emotional inheritance
- The past, as it lingers in the present
You’ll find much of this in my Substack, The Velvet Hollow – where I explore life after loss, seasonal turning points, and the power of language to make sense of it all.
I also share gentle essays and cultural reflections on my blogs:
RachelsVintageRetro.co.uk – where I explore vintage finds, design history, and stories behind everyday objects
80sKids.uk – for Gen X nostalgia, pop culture, and growing up in a pre-digital world
📖 Do I take commissions?
Very occasionally – yes.
If you’re a magazine editor, podcast host, or reader who connects with my voice, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to meaningful collaborations that align with my values: thoughtful, historically curious, emotionally intelligent.
I also occasionally help others shape their own life stories, particularly those wanting to preserve memories for family or future generations. These projects are selective, intimate, and paid accordingly.
Feel free to get in touch if that sounds like something for you.
Otherwise – I’m simply here, sharing what I love.
Thanks for visiting.
Rachel x