Rhoda Irechukwu, Founder and Lead Fashion Designer on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Fashion and Apparel Design

Rhoda Irechukwu

Founder and Lead Fashion Designer, Rho & Nya

Ypsilanti, MI 48198

8Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Eastern Michigan University - B.S., Apperal, Textile Merchandising Degree Washtenaw Community College - A.S., Occupational Studies Degree Ahmadu Bello University - B.Sc., Business Administration Cert Communicating with Executives Cert EdX Verified Certificate for Verizon Skill Forward Orientation Course License License No. 7ab9108fd7fe4c809244bdbfc5a77ef0 Member Sigma ALpha Lambda Member Epsilon Pi Tau

Her Story

About Rhoda

Rhoda Irechukwu is a fashion entrepreneur, apparel designer, healthcare leader, and brand strategist serving as the Founder and Lead Fashion Designer of Rho & Nya Clothing and General Merchandise. Established in 2018, Rho & Nya was created to celebrate African heritage through contemporary fashion while empowering individuals worldwide to express their identity with confidence and pride. In her role, Rhoda oversees the brand’s creative vision, apparel design, product development, and business strategy, creating high-quality clothing and accessories that blend cultural authenticity with modern fashion trends. Her work reflects a passion for storytelling, innovation, and using fashion as a platform to celebrate diversity and inspire meaningful connections.

Rhoda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel, Textile, and Merchandising from Eastern Michigan University and continues to advance her leadership capabilities through her pursuit of an MBA at the Jack Welch Management Institute, with a focus on business strategy and organizational leadership. Bringing together expertise in fashion, retail operations, and healthcare administration, she has developed a unique ability to combine creativity with strategic decision-making. Alongside her entrepreneurial journey, Rhoda has more than 15 years of healthcare experience, holding leadership roles within assisted living environments, including manager and director-level positions. Her experience has strengthened her expertise in operations, team development, service excellence, and compassionate leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rhoda is committed to community involvement, networking, and philanthropy. She actively participates in a Black women’s professional networking group in Detroit, fostering connections and supporting the growth of women leaders. She also contributes to charitable initiatives, including support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and organizations that assist wounded veterans. Through her leadership as Founder and Lead Fashion Designer, her healthcare experience, and her dedication to continuous learning, Rhoda continues to make a positive impact by inspiring others through creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Rhoda

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous learning, and my commitment to creating meaningful connections through my work. As the owner of Rho & Nya Clothing and General Merchandise, I have remained focused on building a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and individuality while continuously seeking opportunities for growth and collaboration. I believe visibility is essential in expanding impact, and I am intentional about sharing my journey, connecting with like-minded professionals, and building partnerships that align with my vision. My success is also rooted in resilience, adaptability, and the ability to combine creativity with strategic thinking to overcome challenges and create opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I have ever received is to never give up on my dreams. I believe that when you have a vision and a passion for what you want to achieve, you must continue pursuing it despite challenges or setbacks. Success requires persistence, patience, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when the journey is difficult. I have learned that staying committed, continuing to grow, and believing in my purpose will eventually turn my dreams into reality. My advice to others is to remain focused, keep pushing forward, and never lose sight of the goals that inspire them.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering the fashion and business industries is to work hard, remain dedicated to their goals, and actively seek opportunities to build meaningful relationships. Networking is essential for personal and professional growth, as connecting with mentors, industry professionals, and like-minded individuals can open doors to new possibilities. I encourage women to believe in their abilities, continue developing their skills, and remain open to learning throughout their journey. Success takes persistence, confidence, and the willingness to step outside of their comfort zones, but with determination and the right connections, they can turn their vision into reality.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my field is securing the necessary funding and resources to continue growing my brand and expanding its reach. Building a fashion business requires investment, strong partnerships, and access to opportunities that support long-term growth. At the same time, these challenges have created opportunities for me to connect with like-minded individuals, seek strategic collaborations, and build relationships that align with my vision. I believe partnerships are essential to creating sustainable growth, and I remain focused on finding innovative ways to expand Rho & Nya while continuing to deliver quality products and meaningful experiences to my customers.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, perseverance, cultural pride, and the desire to make a positive impact. My background and experiences have shaped my commitment to celebrating African heritage and creating opportunities for others to embrace their identity through fashion. Through Rho & Nya Clothing and General Merchandise, my mission is to honor my culture, tell meaningful stories through design, and create products that inspire confidence and connection. I believe in staying true to my vision, treating others with respect, building strong relationships, and using my platform to empower and uplift others. These values guide the way I lead my business, serve my community, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

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