Her Story
About Rhoda
I am an entrepreneur, fashion designer, healthcare professional, and lifelong learner whose journey has taken me across countries, industries, and different stages of personal and professional growth.
Originally from Nigeria, I began my professional career there, gaining experience in business management, public relations, and the optical care industry before relocating to the United States. My journey in the U.S. has included working in direct care, pursuing higher education, and continuing to build the entrepreneurial vision that became Rho & Nya Clothing & General Merchandise.
Fashion has always given me a way to express creativity and celebrate culture. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Textile, and Merchandising from Eastern Michigan University, graduating with honors, and founded Rho & Nya as an Afro-Western brand that brings elements of African heritage into contemporary apparel and accessories.
Healthcare represents another important part of my journey. My experiences working with and caring for people have deepened my interest in how healthcare organizations can better serve patients, families, employees, and communities. I am currently pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration through the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University, where I continue developing my knowledge of healthcare operations, patient experience, organizational performance, and leadership.
Although fashion, healthcare, and entrepreneurship may appear to be very different paths, I see a common thread among them: people. Whether I am creating a garment, building a business, supporting someone in a care setting, or learning how organizations can operate more effectively, I am ultimately interested in creating value and doing work that has purpose.
I believe strongly in continuous learning. I do not consider growth a destination or leadership a title; both require a willingness to keep learning, listening, applying knowledge, and improving.
My story is still being written. I am continuing to learn, build, create, serve, and grow—and I hope that by sharing both what I have accomplished and what I am still working toward, others will be encouraged to pursue their own journeys with integrity, courage, and purpose.
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.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.