Meet Rhonda Franklin | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhonda Franklin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
One of the most important things I have done as a parent is raise my three children as an African American single mother while teaching them resilience, independence, faith, and perseverance. Raising my children alone came with challenges, but I made sure they always had love, support, guidance, and an example of hard work, determination and unconditional love.

I worked to create a stable environment where my children understood the value of education, respect, accountability, and believing in themselves despite obstacles. By remaining strong through difficult times and continuing to pursue my own goals, I showed them the importance of perseverance and not giving up. I taught them to carry themselves with confidence and to never allow difficult circumstances to limit their future. Even during hard times, I remained present, supportive, and committed to making sure they knew they were deeply loved and capable of achieving greatness.

As a single mother, I had to be both nurturer and provider, often sacrificing my own needs to make sure my children had opportunities, stability, and encouragement. Through my actions, I showed them how to push forward regardless of what life brings. I wanted them to see strength not just in surviving hardships, but in continuing to grow, love, and succeed through them.

The impact I hope I’ve made on my children is teaching them that their circumstances do not define them, that they are capable of success, and that strength, integrity, and self-worth are essential in life. Above all, I hope they always remember that they were raised by a mother who never gave up on them, believed in them completely, and did everything she could to help them become strong, successful, and compassionate individuals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply connected to my life story, my experiences, my resilience, and my desire to inspire and empower others—especially women who may have experienced heartbreak, struggle, self-doubt, or adversity. Through my writing, storytelling, branding, and creative expression, I strive to create work that is authentic, relatable, and emotionally impactful. What sets me apart is that my work comes from real-life experiences, real emotions, and real lessons learned through overcoming challenges as an African American woman, entrepreneur, author, and single mother of three.

I am most proud of my ability to turn pain, obstacles, and life lessons into purpose and creativity. Whether through my books, my personal story, or my entrepreneurial journey, I want people to see that struggles do not have to define your future. My brand is centered around strength, self-worth, resilience, healing, growth, and empowerment. I want my audience to feel seen, encouraged, and motivated to believe in themselves no matter where they come from or what they have been through.

Professionally, my journey has not been easy. I have had to balance motherhood, work, personal growth, and entrepreneurship while often navigating challenges in spite of not always having a strong support system (aside from my children). There were moments of uncertainty, setbacks, sacrifices, and times when I questioned myself. However, I overcame those challenges through perseverance, faith, determination, and refusing to give up on my vision for my life and my future. I learned how to keep moving forward even during difficult seasons and how to create opportunities instead of waiting for them.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of knowing my worth, trusting my voice, and remaining resilient through adversity. I’ve learned that growth often comes through uncomfortable experiences and that success is not always about perfection—it’s about persistence, consistency, and believing in yourself when things become difficult. I’ve also learned the importance of authenticity. People connect with honesty, vulnerability, and stories that reflect real life.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything I create is rooted in empowerment, purpose, and transformation. My story is not just about surviving challenges—it’s about overcoming them and using those experiences to inspire others. I want people to know that no matter your background, circumstances, or struggles, you can still evolve, build something meaningful, and become the person you were created to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well. First of all, I only have 2 best friends, with whom I grew up with. So, If my best friend(s) came to visit for a week, I would want the trip to be a mix of great food, culture, nightlife, relaxation, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable experiences. I love experiences that feel authentic, inspiring, fun, and memorable, so I’d plan a trip that balances entertainment, self-care, good energy, and places that really capture the vibe of the city.

Day 1 would be all about relaxing and catching up over brunch at a stylish restaurant with great food and atmosphere. After that, we’d explore local shops and unique small businesses, followed by a rooftop dinner with live music or a beautiful skyline view. I love places with a sophisticated but welcoming vibe where you can dress up, laugh, talk for hours, and enjoy the moment.

During the week, I’d want us to experience a little bit of everything—great restaurants, lounges, art, culture, and entertainment. We would have meaningful conversations and catch up on all the moments we’ve missed over the years, attend live music events, explore Black-owned businesses, and enjoy places that celebrate creativity and culture. I’d definitely include a self-care day with a spa, shopping, and maybe a nice dinner afterward because I believe some of the best moments happen when you can simply relax, unwind and enjoy life.

For nightlife, I enjoy places with good music, positive energy, and mature crowds where you can have fun without feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a jazz lounge, spoken word event, rooftop gathering, or a classy lounge with R&B and good conversation, I appreciate experiences that feel genuine and memorable rather than overly flashy.

I’d also make sure we spent time around inspiring and ambitious people—entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, and individuals with powerful stories and positive energy. Some of the most exciting experiences for me are conversations with people who are passionate, driven, and authentic.

By the end of the week, I’d want my friend(s) to leave feeling inspired, refreshed, empowered, and connected—not just entertained. To me, the best experiences are not only about where you go, but about the energy, memories, laughter, culture, and meaningful moments shared with the people around you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my 3 children, because they have been my greatest sources of motivation, strength, and purpose throughout my journey. As a single mother, there were many moments where life tested me, but my children gave me the determination to keep pushing forward, continue growing, and never give up. They inspired me to work harder, dream bigger, and become the best version of myself, not only for them but for our future.

I would also give recognition to the strong women in my life, my daughters, nieces, my oldest sister and especially the mothers, mentors, and supporters who showed me what resilience, faith, and perseverance look like. Sometimes encouragement comes in simple words, shared experiences, or people believing in you during moments when you are trying to believe in yourself. Those experiences helped shape the woman I am today.

In addition, I give credit to every challenge and obstacle I faced along the way. While difficult moments are never easy, they taught me strength, patience, independence, and perseverance. They pushed me to grow personally and professionally and reminded me that purpose can come from struggle.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge my faith and belief in God, which has carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. My story is not one I built completely alone. It is a reflection of love, support, lessons, resilience, and the people and experiences that helped shape me into the woman, mother, and entrepreneur I continue to become today.

Website: https://www.therhondafranklin.com

Instagram: @therhondafranklin

Facebook: https://facebook.com/therhondafranklin