JEREMIAH, BY DESIGN
The newest addition to Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project” Jeremiah Brent on struggling with sexuality, moving to Los Angeles and finding true passion
By Mark Ariel
Photography: J. Horton, jrhphoto.com
Grooming: Israel Garcia, israelgarciahairandmakeup.com
Videography: Kyle Schember, Subtractive.net
Hired, fired and re-hired, interior designer Jeremiah Brent, the newest addition to Bravo TV’s wildly popular “The Rachel Zoe Project,” is quickly becoming the reality series’ breakout star.
Originally joining “Team Zoe” with intentions of becoming a junior fashion stylist, Brent ended up completely furnishing and decorating Zoe’s new 7000 square foot home in two short weeks. In an absolutely shocking turn of events, Brent was laid off from the company as a fashion stylist (fans were devastated) however was rehired shortly after to head up Zoe’s new Home Design Authority.
An artist from an early age, Brent taught himself how to both design and build furniture. What began as a simple hobby, quickly proved to be a strong and successful career path. In an interview with THE FIGHT Brent talks about struggling with his sexuality, moving to Los Angeles and The Rachel Zoe Project.
“I had spent so many years trying to be different versions of myself, versions I thought would make other people happy, that I lost myself entirely. The battle for me was never about telling other people, it was about admitting it to myself.”
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I grew up in Modesto, a small town in northern California with my parents and younger sister. I ended up going to college in San Francisco and then made the decision to move to Los Angeles when I was 19. I had a U-haul of furniture and less than 1000 dollars to my name. After bouncing around to various jobs, I decided, on a whim, to try and build some furniture. I had a really hard time finding pieces I wanted. I went to Toys R Us and bought 200 dollars worth of transformers and from them, taught myself how things moved and collapsed. That was my furniture building school. What started as a hobby turned into a business, then eventually evolved into entire interiors. I ended up having my own design business for a number of years before I was offered the chance to come work for Rachel Zoe … an opportunity I couldn’t imagine turning down.
What was it like growing up in Modesto?
I can honestly say that Modesto was a really wonderful place to grow up. Tree lined streets, baseball leagues, paper routes, family reunions, and a real sense of community. I look back with nothing but love for where I grew up. I always knew that I would grow out of Modesto but I can honestly say that it was a beautiful and safe place to call home.
“I get emails from young kids telling me that they can see a part of themselves in my life … that – for me – is what it’s all about. We have the opportunity as ‘out’ individuals to show kids and the world that you can live your truth, and be loved.”
What was it like growing up in Modesto?What was the coming out process like for you?
Well, to use the word “tumultuous” would be an understatement. I struggled with the understanding of my sexuality for years. I had built this entire idea of what my life was supposed to look like, which of course included kids and a wife. When I actually fell in love with a man for the first time, everything shifted. I felt… authentic, for the first time in my entire life. I had spent so many years trying to be different versions of myself, versions I thought would make other people happy – that I lost myself entirely. The battle for me was never about telling other people, it was about admitting it to myself. Slowly I began to allow it to become a part of my life. The irony is that the minute I allowed myself to BE myself, my entire life changed in the most positive ways. I was open to giving love, and receiving it, which changes everything. My three best girlfriends showed me unconditional love. They were the first people to really say… we see you and love you. When I finally told my parents, they met me with open arms, which I will never take for granted and I felt like I was free… something I probably will never be able to articulate in words. But it’s a feeling everyone…teenager, adult, whomever is struggling with sexuality – deserves to feel. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to stand up tall and be who you are in the face of a society that doesn’t understand something completely. It’s our job to be there for people who need someone to stand up for them.
What motivated you to move to Los Angeles?
I don’t know if I’ll ever really know what made me make the decision to move to L.A. It was this little voice in my head saying to take this chance, take this step. My head told me I’m 19, I need to stay up north and be responsible, but my heart told me to go and grow. So I did and I’ll never ignore that voice again. L.A. offered me the freedom to grow and experience life from a fresh new perspective. I didn’t know anybody in Los Angeles. It was the fresh start to my life that I had needed and didn’t even know.
When did you realize that interior design was your calling in life?
I think I had always been interested in interior design. Growing up my parents used to take my sister and I to different open houses. We were always doing projects around the house. We were really fortunate to grow up in a really creative household. Both my sister and I were raised to truly appreciate all types of art. Interior design always fascinated me because it was art that you lived your life in. There is something very poetic about that quality to me.
How have things changed for you professionally and personally,after joining The Rachel Zoe Project?
This last season of The Rachel Zoe project was really about growth. Rachel’s family was changing as well as her brand. I came to work for Rachel at a time where I had lost my passion for interior design. I spent so much time worrying about what I didn’t know that I failed to realize what I did, and what I had accomplished already in my life. Rachel taught me to live your life through passion. She showed me that your work should/could fuel your soul. I grew up a lot this last year. I found my voice in a lot of ways both creatively and personally. Most importantly I found my passion for design and furniture again.
One of the most amazing parts of this whole experience for me has been the people who tune in to watch the show. It takes a lot to put yourself out there for the world but everyone has been so beautiful and kind and generous. I get emails from young kids telling me that they can see a part of themselves in my life or experiences I have had… that for me is what it’s all about. We have the opportunity as “out” individuals to show kids and the world that you can live your truth, and be loved.
Are there any “home design rules” you tend to follow?
I believe in Coco Chanel’s rule for dressing an outfit – and that’s always take one thing off. I always encourage people to edit, edit, edit. If it’s not beautiful or functional… get rid of it. Aside from that – take risks. Think outside of the box.
And finally, the fans want to know-whats your relationship status?
I am single. I was actually in a three-year relationship that ended about a year ago. As you can imagine, I have been in a serious relationship with my work for the last year and a half… Now if I could just figure out how to get work to cuddle.