Meet the Model: Mackenzie Rhenberg
Mackenzie Rehnberg is a true beauty inside and out. She may have a quiet, shy nature but her kind spirit shines bright. We are proud to call Mackenzie an Eccentrics model!
Tell us about yourself...
I’m from a small town called Rockton in Northern Illinois. Growing up, I played many sports but dance has always been my passion. I started dancing competitively at a young age and joined a team here at SIU my freshman year. Little did I know, the experience would teach me many things about myself and also lead me to amazing lifelong friends. I have two wonderful parents who have instilled Christian values within me and have taught me to treat others with unconditional kindness and compassion. I also have two supportive siblings: an older brother named Tanner and a younger sister named Emerson. My family means everything to me and I am so thankful for how close we are.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you “grew up?” Has this changed?
When I was young I remember wanting to be several different things, so as my interests changed I changed my mind along with them. One dream that sticks out is “dolphin trainer”. This has obviously changed!
When did you start dancing? What made you fall in love with dancing? How big of a role does dancing play in your life?
I started dancing when I was four years old. My mom wasn’t sure how I would like it, but when I got off the stage I remember saying to my mom, “When can I do that again?!” Needless to say that is when I fell in love with dance - the very beginning. What I love about it is that it gives me a chance to be my best self in terms of body, mind, and soul. While it allows me to unwind, I can also be a more outgoing, confident person. Dance is my passion and reprieve.
What influenced you to come to Southern Illinois and attend SIU?
My parents and brother are SIU alumni, so that was a major factor in deciding where to attend college. My brother was a senior when I was a freshman, so I really took advantage of that; it was nice to have him around as a mentor. They all loved their experiences here and have passed down the tradition to me, so when they come to visit we have a lot of fun.
What is your major and what do you want to do with it?
My major is Communication Disorders and Sciences, or CDS. Before deciding on this I struggled with what I wanted to do. Again, I have many interests so narrowing them down to one on which I would focus for the rest of my life seemed impossible. I think why I finally picked CDS was the ability to help people. Language is a major component of life; it’s a pathway for communication which I believe is essential to building bonds with others. CDS will give me the chance to practice speech therapy with kids and adults so that they can live their happiest and most fulfilling lives.
What do you and your friends do for fun?
Some things that I enjoy doing with my friends are hiking, shopping, watching movies, and of course, eating. :)
Do you have any hobbies/interests?
My hobbies and interests, along with everything I mentioned above, include traveling, dancing, and exercising.
Get the look: - Women's V-neck Sweater with Fringed Sleeves $44 // Hudson Midrise Cropped Super Skinny Denim with Raw Hem $190
Does fashion play a big role in your life? What is your favorite fashion trend right now? Fashion plays a big role in my life because I love how the right outfit can make you feel beautiful and confident. In that way I think it plays the same role as dance for me. It truly is an expression of yourself without you even having to say anything. My favorite trend right now is long sweater cardigans; I think it’s a fun twist on a classic chunky sweater. I like to be comfortable, but I also love taking a statement piece like this and being able to either dress it up (with booties) or dress it down (with a tee). Jewelry is also a favorite of mine for that reason. And who doesn’t love a nice, warm sweater in the fall?!
Do you have a favorite outfit that you modeled at Eccentrics? What do you love most about the style?
Off-the-shoulder tops! Especially the light pink Cupcakes and Cashmere top I modeled recently. I think they’re very flattering and a strategic way to show some statement jewelry. It really can be a bold piece.
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is not really definitive. As I’ve mentioned it mainly revolves around comfort, but it also can depend on my mood. I like to dress up occasionally and go all out with makeup and heels. Fashion for me is about exploring; I am always open to new styles when they come and I like to lean on my fashionable friends for advice!
Go-to fashion rule or styling trick?
I would say my go-to styling trick right now is scarves. If you want to liven up an outfit, throw on a cute scarf!
One thing in your closet you could not live without?
Definitely a comfortable, basic tee! Like I said, I love to dress up or dress down an outfit and with a nice tee you can really use jackets or leggings or jewelry to your advantage depending on your mood.
Do you have a beauty secret you wish to share?
Lashes are everything. If there was only one piece of makeup I could use, it would definitely be mascara (or falsies!). I think lashes are the most important part of a makeup look and can really take it to the next level.
What is one thing no one would believe to be true about you?
While I am a dancer who often performs in front of big crowds and have also tried my hand at modeling for Eccentrics, I am still a shy person deep down.
If you have a day with no commitments, what is your ideal way to spend the day?
On a free day, I would love to spend it with friends and family. Go outside, play with my dog Harvey, do some shopping, maybe some Netflix, and end it with pizza for dinner!! Overall my favorite thing is being around those closest to me.
Is there anything you would like to add about yourself that we didn’t ask?
Julianne Hough is definitely my number one dance and style icon!
Special thanks to Crown Brew Coffee Co. for letting us capture beautiful pictures in their incredible space!