Rachel Nance’s public image may have emerged under the gleam of rose ceremonies and primetime romance, but her story goes far beyond reality television. A proud Filipino-Hawaiian, registered nurse, strong AAPI advocate, philanthropist, lifestyle creator, and filmmaker, Nance is shifting the spotlight toward something more personal and more powerful. Her upcoming short film draws from generational memory and cultural truth, shaped by a life spent navigating silence, survival, and strength.
After her time on The Bachelor, Rachel faced a torrent of racist backlash, much of it aimed not just at her but at the traditions and people she holds dear. Instead of retreating, she chose to speak on national television, in hospital rooms as a nurse, and now, through cinema. Her work challenges the expectation that Asian women should stay quiet, instead insisting on tenderness, complexity, and pride.
She speaks here about translating lived experience into visual storytelling, the burden and beauty of visibility, and the legacy she’s building for herself and for the next generation who deserve to see themselves reflected with honesty and care.
What inspired the story behind your short film debuting this fall?
My artistic side has always been sparked by my personal life. Because of that, this story was inspired by true events. It is a beautiful visual of what many people go through but don’t speak about. I’ve always been intrigued by the simplicity of older films, and that is my style of writing. Every film I am creating is a passion project that I am so excited to share with the world. The next film I have started writing goes above and beyond this first film.
What’s been the most unexpected challenge in transitioning from TV personality to filmmaker?
I wouldn’t say it has been a challenge, but more of a dream come true. I am so blessed that reality TV was a stepping stone that I didn’t see at first. For months, I viewed The Bachelor as a beautiful but painful experience. However, I truly see the good that has come from this transition. I have been able to surround myself with a group of women who support all of my goals… especially chasing my dream as an actress and filmmaker.
In what ways do your Filipino and Hawaiian roots shape your creative expression?
For starters, the film I just finished and the film I am writing currently both circle back to my Filipino roots. I don’t want to say too much and give any spoilers away, but the Filipino culture is full of painful generational cycles that aren’t spoken about enough. Also, being raised in Hawai’i and moving to the mainland has shown me how different areas of the world see other people. With that said, I plan to integrate cultural differences in my stories and hope to educate the audience about the reality of different groups of people.
What pushed you to speak out publicly about the racism you experienced post-Bachelor’s?
Directly receiving hate for months from strangers was not in my 2024 plan and took me by surprise. If I choose to be dormant and not speak on the hate thrown my way, then in a way that lets them think it is ok to do so. I refuse to sit in silence and want to speak on behalf of those who can’t call out those hateful people. I am a firm believer that you can stand up for yourself and not stoop down to someone’s level. By exposing the hate I received, I hope I allowed people to recognize that we are real humans on their screen and their words have weight to us.
How do you practice AAPI advocacy in your everyday life?
I find that educating people is a way to advocate as an AAPI member, and the gentle reminders when correcting people on my nationality or the history of my ancestors. With my social media, I try to always include my culture in some videos. I choose daily to not be ashamed of who I am and to represent my family in every aspect of my life.
Are there any AAPI creatives you admire or hope to collaborate with soon?
Uh… hello to my tita Lea Cayanan. She is a rising star and love seeing her also represent as a fellow AAPI. Jamie Chung is a proud Asian woman whom I look up to and is also an amazing actress. I have been so blessed to know her, and she radiates love. I may be dreaming big here, but if I ever get a chance to work with Lucy Liu and Jamie Chung, I will cry happy tears for months.
How do you choose the brands you collaborate with, and what influences the kind of content you share?
Most brands I work with are companies that I use in my daily life. I truly believe that when promoting a brand, it should be a business or product that has changed my life or something I wholeheartedly support. With my nursing background, I try to lead a healthy life. With that said, brands such as Orgain, Primal Kitchen, Kopari Skincare, Tatcha, Opositiv, and Lemme are some that I integrate into my daily life. My content doesn’t have quite an aesthetic, but it is my life. Some days I’m traveling for work, other days I’m hiking with my dog, one day training for a marathon, next writing a movie, and right after flying home to take care of family… the content is endless.
You’ve said The Bachelor helped you find love in yourself—what does that look like now?
I can only speak for myself, but going on a show that forces you to be vulnerable allowed me to face my own fears. I realized everything I ever needed to feel whole was within myself and through my faith. On my lowest days, I had women exuding confidence all around me, and it made me understand that my past trauma doesn’t define me. Now I go through life acknowledging my past but moving forward with grace. By showing myself grace, I show myself love.
What part of your Bachelor journey do you wish had been shown more clearly?
There were a lot of little moments that were shared between the girls and the lead that would showcase my personality more. In the episodes I have seen, I come across boring… which is far from the truth! At least you all saw my injuries and how clumsy I am. That is all true.
How did the show impact your sense of purpose or direction afterward?
I have always known I was made to do more, whether it was in sports or nursing. I have always craved to elevate my life after I reach a new goal. Since the show, I have been able to step into the routine of always elevating my life and realizing that all my childhood dreams were never too big.
What kind of legacy are you hoping to build through your work and activism?
I want a little girl/boy to feel seen and heard through the work I plan to do. Growing up, I always wished I saw someone who defended my culture or who looked like me on TV. I remember that as the show aired, I received messages from women thanking me for wearing my hair natural on the show and for speaking up on the hate I experienced. It’s amazing how something as small as wearing my hair curly makes people feel seen. There are many topics I am passionate about, such as mental health among healthcare workers, finding your self-confidence, how to chase your dreams, and standing up for those who are oppressed. My work is just getting started.
If you could send a message to the younger Rachel entering the Bachelor mansion, what would it say?
You will encounter some of your greatest fears, but you will discover a greater love than you have ever experienced. Every day will chip away a piece of your past will chip away, and the Rachel you have been searching for. Head up and have fun.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: