Testimonials from Women: Rhonnika Clifton Speaks for Herself
In a candid interview with DesignDash, Rhonnika Clifton, the founder of R J Clifton Designs, discussed her journey from self-taught designer to successful entrepreneur, and her vision for a more inclusive and diverse creative industry.
From Self-Taught Designer to Successful Entrepreneur
Rhonnika's journey began in 2006, when she started her first business with no formal business training. Over the years, she honed her skills and built her firm into an award-winning design practice. Her business, R J Clifton Designs, now boasts over 15 years of experience in residential, commercial, and multi-layered interior design, and has grown to become profitable.
A Balance of Innovative Design and Strategic Planning
Rhonnika's design approach is a blend of intuition and strategic planning. She emphasizes the importance of bold, fearless design choices, combined with thoughtful functionality. This balance is evident in her notable kitchen renovation projects, which reimagine traditional spaces with contemporary, rounded geometric forms.
As CEO and Principal Designer of R J Clifton Designs, Rhonnika leads with a combination of creative vision and practical business strategies. She has built her firm by focusing on client needs while pushing aesthetic boundaries.
Mentorship and Advocacy
Rhonnika is actively committed to mentoring underrepresented groups in the creative industry. Her dedication extends beyond design to fostering inclusion and supporting diversity in the field, helping elevate voices and talents often overlooked. She runs The Educated Designer, a mentorship program, and received the 2024 High Point Market Authority Diversity Advocacy Alliance Mentorship Award.
Pivoting Towards Boutique Commercial Opportunities
Rhonnika is pivoting her business towards boutique commercial opportunities and collaborations with local architects, contractors, and real estate agents. This move is part of her strategy to expand her business and make a bigger impact in the creative industry.
Inspiration from the Unusual Sources
The most unusual source of inspiration Rhonnika has found for her work is animals, specifically birds and insects. Their unique forms and colours often inspire her to create designs that are both beautiful and functional.
A Nurturing Spirit and Ability to Multitask
Rhonnika's nurturing spirit and ability to multitask have shaped her approach to design and leadership. She approaches each project with empathy, ensuring that the needs and wants of her clients are met. Before starting a project, she always takes a moment for prayer.
If She Could Collaborate with Any Historical Figure
If Rhonnika could collaborate with any historical figure, she would choose Jesus, as a carpenter, to design a dream homestead together.
The Importance of Strategy and Visibility
Rhonnika discussed the importance of strategy in business and the need for more visibility and opportunities for women of color in the creative industry. She wishes she had known that running a business requires strategy, not just talent.
The landscape for women, particularly women of color, in the creative industry has seen some change, but there is still much more to be done. Rhonnika is using her platform to advocate for change and to support other women in the industry.
Music and Tools for the Rest of Her Career
If Rhonnika could only use three tools for the rest of her career, they would be a tape measure, stud finder, and level. If she could listen to only one musical artist while working, she would choose NeYo.
In conclusion, Rhonnika Clifton's journey highlights a balance of innovative design, entrepreneurial leadership, and a strong commitment to mentorship and inclusivity within the creative community. Her work serves as an inspiration to many, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion is making a difference in the industry.
- Rhonnika Clifton, a successful entrepreneur, started her journey in 2006 with no formal business training, honing her skills and growing R J Clifton Designs into an award-winning design practice.
- As CEO and Principal Designer, Rhonnika leads her firm with a blend of creative vision and practical business strategies, focusing on client needs while pushing aesthetic boundaries.
- Recognizing the lack of representation in the creative industry, Rhonnika is actively committed to mentoring underrepresented groups, extending her dedication beyond design to fostering diversity and elevating overlooked voices.
- To expand her business and make a bigger impact, Rhonnika is pivoting towards boutique commercial opportunities and collaborations with local professionals.
- Animals, specifically birds and insects, serve as an unusual source of inspiration for Rhonnika, inspiring her to create designs that are both beautiful and functional.
- Rhonnika's nurturing spirit and ability to multitask have shaped her approach to design and leadership, ensuring that the needs and wants of her clients are met with empathy.
- If Rhonnika could collaborate with any historical figure, she would choose Jesus, a carpenter, to design a dream homestead together.
- Recognizing the strategic aspects of business, Rhonnika emphasizes the importance of strategy for entrepreneurs in the creative industry, and calls for more visibility and opportunities for women of color to thrive.
