Rhoda Johnson - Rhoda Design Group

Rhoda Design Group

By Terry L Watson Photos

Provided by Rhoda Johnson

Rhoda Johnson has been an art prodigy since the young age of five. “At my souls essence, I am creative. It just lights me up to be able to work with color in various mediums in my business and in my hobbies,” she says.

Rhoda’s middle brother, Dr. Robert Johnson was a brilliant Neuroscientist. His influence inspires her to share neuroscience research and it’s impact on fashion psychology in her Image Coaching practice. Rhoda is a mother, grandmother and is passionate about supporting her community.

Rhoda is a native of Indianapolis, IN. Now residing in Denver, CO, she is one of six children raised by a single mother. Rhoda attended high school in Colorado and later attended college in Southern California, staying in the Golden State for 11 years.

Rhoda is the Creative Visionary and Founder of Rhoda Design Group, an Image Consulting Boutique that offers wellness based products and services to elevate the leadership presence of women. The products include botanical skincare, gemstone jewelry designs, makeup kits, and personal branding services. Rhoda has worked in the beauty and fashion industries for over 40 years. Her busy career clients inspired her to develop and trademark makeup wardrobe kits to accommodate their professional and social settings.

How did Rhoda begin? She says she was inspired as a teen by elegant African American women at her church to refine her image. When she could not find makeup to accommodate her skin tone, she dreamed of creating a makeup line for women of all cultures and studying the fashion that aligns with it. “There was not a clear path for me so I made my own.”

“Everything that I offered came out of pain. I have come to realize that there is a purpose in my pain. I had a health crisis nine years ago,and doctors told me I couldn’t use my arms again. That is when I went to work and designed my make-up kits.”

Rhoda attended Brooks College, obtained her fashion degree, studied under a Hollywood Makeup Artist, and received her Image Consulting License from John Robert Powers before starting her company. Rhoda worked in Hollywood with celebrities like Stevie Wonder, appearing as an extra on the Jeffersons, Facts of Life, and Different strokes while freelancing as a makeup artist in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles for 11 years.

Rhoda would later move back to Colorado to provide her daughter with better opportunities to grow and learn. She got married and got divorced, and she says that the pain of the divorce pushed her to grow her business. “Everything that I offered came out of pain. I have come to realize that there is a purpose in my pain. I had a health crisis nine years ago, and doctors told me I couldn’t use my arms again. That is when I went to work and designed my make-up kits. I wanted to use my hands and my expertise. I am now pouring all of the wellness practices I experienced into my business,” she says.

Rhoda’s passion for designing jewelry and teaching make-up masterclasses is unparalleled. Alongside this, she takes pleasure in teaching corporations how to elevate their images, a skill that she mastered with the help of her grandmother, Pearl. Her grandmother’s impeccable dressing and unwavering faith, combined with her selfless acts of service, have inspired Rhoda to be who she is today.

The path to success has not been free of obstacles, particularly regarding funding. However, Rhoda’s determination and firm resolve have enabled her to fund her business with her own hard-earned finances. Rhoda also emphasizes the importance of creating cohesiveness within her community of black business owners. She firmly believes that mutual support and collaboration can drive businesses forward.

Rhoda’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is candid and sincere. She helps them understand that hard work is the bedrock of success. “As a business owner, you must be willing to do whatever it takes, which often means wearing many hats. It may feel like quitting or giving up, but focusing on your “why” perpetuates the journey through the tough times,” she shares.

Looking toward the future, Rhoda is looking forward to helping others. This includes creating accessible webinars, refreshing her brand, and making her products more widely available. Rhoda also wants to explore the world further, seeking new cultural perspectives to incorporate into her business. With her drive and love for serving, there is little doubt she will accomplish all of her goals.

Please visit Rhoda’s website today to learn more about her and her brand.

www.rhodadesigngroup.com