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In the latest episode of Women in Motion, Lee Kantor sits down with Rhoda Johnson, the dynamic force behind Rhoda Design Group. With a background rooted in Hollywood’s glamor and a passion for helping others express their true selves, Rhoda has spent decades perfecting her craft as an image brand strategist, makeup artist, and jewelry designer. Her journey is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others through personal branding.
The Birth of Rhoda Design Group
Rhoda’s journey began in a small community where the refined women around her inspired a deep desire to improve her own image. This initial step led to increased confidence, greater respect, and new opportunities—sparking a passion that would eventually grow into a thriving career. With a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion, an image consulting license, and training as a makeup artist in Los Angeles, Rhoda laid the foundation for what would become Rhoda Design Group.
As a Hollywood-trained expert, Rhoda offers a comprehensive suite of services, including makeup artistry, wardrobe development, personal branding for individuals and corporations, and jewelry design. Each aspect of her work is geared toward supporting personal brand transformation, a process that empowers her clients to align their outward appearance with their inner strengths and aspirations.
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
One of the cornerstones of Rhoda’s approach is her belief in the power of nonverbal communication. “93 percent of all communication is nonverbal,” she explains, emphasizing that her strategies are designed to help professionals elevate their leadership presence. By aligning nonverbal cues with a client’s brand message, Rhoda ensures that their style not only matches their personality but also conveys trustworthiness, competence, and power.
Her process begins with a thorough needs analysis, followed by a kickoff call that sets the direction for developing the client’s personal brand. Through quizzes, questionnaires, and a deep dive into their goals, Rhoda crafts a clear and tailored message that helps her clients show up with confidence in every aspect of their lives.
Avoiding Common Mistakes and Fostering Wellness
Rhoda has seen many individuals make the mistake of not being intentional about how they present themselves. “They don’t understand the depth of fashion psychology and color psychology,” she notes, often choosing clothes based on sales or celebrity trends rather than what truly represents who they are.
But Rhoda’s work goes beyond fashion and makeup; she stresses the importance of a wellness-based lifestyle as the foundation of personal branding. “There is no amount of fashion or makeup to cover up exhaustion and stress,” she says. Rhoda encourages her clients to incorporate daily wellness practices, such as proper sleep, hydration, healthy eating, and regular exercise, into their routines. These practices not only enhance their overall well-being but also ensure that they can fully embrace the transformative journey she guides them through.
A Diverse Clientele and the Importance of Customization
Rhoda’s clients range from celebrities and executives to politicians and TED Talk speakers, all seeking to elevate their public presence. Whether they are preparing for a significant presentation or rebranding themselves to align with a new career direction, Rhoda’s personalized approach ensures that each client’s unique needs and aspirations are met.
During the pandemic, Rhoda adapted her services to be just as effective virtually as they are in person, demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of her industry. Her expertise extends to advising on virtual presence, including the selection of colors and styles that work best on camera versus in-person interactions.
The Art of Jewelry Design and Dopamine Fashion
Rhoda’s journey as a jewelry designer began as a creative outlet during a challenging time in her life. What started as a personal hobby quickly turned into a successful business venture, with Rhoda selling $14,000 worth of jewelry in her first year. She highlights research showing that women who present themselves with makeup, jewelry, and a polished wardrobe can earn 20 percent more and be perceived as more competent—a testament to the power of investing in one’s appearance.
Rhoda also shares her thoughts on “dopamine fashion,” a global trend that emerged in 2022, encouraging people to wear vibrant colors to boost their mood. Rhoda has always advocated for the uplifting power of color, understanding its ability to enhance both productivity and interactions with others.
Connect with Rhoda Johnson
For those interested in learning more about Rhoda Johnson and her transformative services, you can visit rhodadesigngroup.com or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram under Rhoda Design Group. She also offers a free eBook to those who join her email community. You can also listen to her full journey on Women in Motion now: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/elevate-your-image/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
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