From small town PA girl to modeling in Playboy

Growing up on the East coast, Raina Lawson, realized that the West coast was calling her name.

You may know Raina from her modeling career, her popular Instagram account, or the YouTube show “Summer Break.” But Raina didn’t always live the life she does today. Born and raised in York, PA, Raina lived a typical teenage life.

She modeled on the East Coast for a Philadelphia agency and finished her high school years at Northeastern High. But when she was finishing up high school, she realized she wanted a change in her life.

She picked up and moved with her father to California, where she currently resides. She found modeling agencies out there and started creating an image for herself. Raina now has over 72k followers on Instagram and is loving her Cali life.

At what age did you start modeling/how did you get into it?

I started modeling at age 17, and I was scouted by a photographer and model named Joe Kelly.

Did you find it difficult to model in high school? Were your teachers/classmates mean about it?

Yes, I found it very difficult to model in high school. I missed a lot of school, so teachers were always making comments about it, and students would always say mean things.

How were you able to block out those who were mean or hateful?

I just remembered that I don’t know their backstory or circumstance, maybe something happened to them that makes them deeply insecure or unhappy, so I just feel bad for them, and keep my good friends close.

Did you always want to move to California? What was the main trigger that pushed you to do it?

I did always want to move to California. I would see it on the show “The Hills” and thought wow, I want that to be my life. I was scouted on a vacation in Los Angeles to be a model out here, so that’s what really pushed me to do it.

How did you first start creating your image in Cali?

I didn’t really start creating an image, I just kind of did my thing as far as work went, and I did my best. The main thing I had to fix about myself to be successful out here was my confidence level. Being bullied in high school really took it’s toll on me mentally, so I had to build myself up mentally, and luckily my friends in California helped me do that a lot. The actual modeling is easy, it’s just your mindset that can be difficult.

How long do you think it took for you to consider California “home”?

I started calling California home right away. I never felt like I fit in at my hometown, so California always felt more like home to me.

What agency are you with out in California?

I am with Photogenics modeling agency. They are owned by William Morris Endeavor (WME). A few of my favorite companies that I have worked for are: Forever 21, Smashbox Cosmetics, Urban Decay Cosmetics, Wet Seal, and my most recent, Playboy Magainze. Non nude of course – they changed!

Is it weird to look and think about how many followers you have now compared to a few years ago?

It is weird that almost 73,000 people follow me, I don’t know what I did to get that! By California model standards that isn’t even a lot though. Most of my friends have way more than that! But it’s still strange.

How did you meet people and start making friends when you first moved to Cali?

I basically just went out of my way to be super outgoing to people, and luckily people liked me!

What is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do it write, and I’m a big reader as well.

Is there one thing that you think most people don’t know about you?

One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is my faith. I found the best church here, and I really believe God sent me to California to find that church!

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration, it’s a tie! Between my dad, who sacrificed so much for me during this move and also my entire life. He raised me by myself, and has always taught me to stand up for myself.

Another inspiration is Taylor Swift, because I just think she’s an outstanding business woman. She literally does everything for her tour all by herself – writes her own songs, sings them of course, and basically in charge of everything. She’s a great girl boss in my opinion.

What advice do you have for others that want to move out to California, but are scared to leave everything behind?

My advice for anyone wanting to move to California would be just to do it! It seems scary, but you can always move back. I really believe Los Angeles is a magical town, and literally anything can happen.

What are your goals for your future self?

My future goals for myself are to write a book or a screenplay, to act, and eventually become a social worker of some sort. Some kind of job that helps people.

@morgkola