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

Hi Rhonda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Brooklyn New York. I grew up in a family where my mom had seven sisters who were all seamstresses. My mom would make her clothing creations for me, and fit me as I slept at night. I wore a uniform to school so I didn’t get to wear regular clothes on a daily basis. However we had something called tag day to raise money for the school every few months where you could purchase a tag for twenty five cents which must be pinned to your clothes, and you could wear whatever you wanted to school that day. The nuns would look forward to seeing what I was going to wear because they all knew my mom made all of my clothes. When I was 6 she made me a maxi tweed coat that I used to love to run in because I felt pretty when it moved with the wind.

Between mom and her creations and her sisters who would allow me to play in their jewelry boxes and play dress up in their clothes, I understood at an early age how fashion and accessories could make you feel. I was fascinated by the different types of colorful beads and gems and funky clothes which ignited in me a passion for the arts and a love for any and everything eccentric. I absolutely had to have yellow hair to match my yellow graduation dress, and I was the kid in school who insisted on wearing one blue sock, and one red one. What I noticed was, other kids started wearing different colored socks too. Lo and Behold, A Trend Setter was born LOL!

Growing up that way made it very difficult to shop in regular stores because I was used to having one of a kind unique clothing and I knew what quality fabric was. So, I shopped in Thrift and Vintage stores where I could find one of a kind pieces, and items to remake. This is still one of my favorite things to do.

My passion for the arts and all that glittered led me to the Entertainment industry for many years, where I held positions that focused on Trend Spotting and Image Building.
Personal Assistant to a Celebrity Recording Artist, one of the players in the Original Programming, and Publicity Departments at a Major Cable Television Network, Segment Producer on a well known Television News Show, I had an opportunity to mingle with Fashionistas and celebrities on a daily basis, and to determine what was hot enough to put on air!

Although fun, my career path led me in a different direction. I think we all have a place in us that yearns to truly find what we are passionate about. When you find IT…You know IT!!… For me it was while working together on redesigning my home with an amazing interior designer in New York that my creativity surfaced, and I was inspired to start creating. The beading on lighting and various items we used to accent my home caused me to take a leap into learning about jewelry metalsmithing and design.

After studying different jewelry design techniques under several accomplished Jewelry artists in different parts of the world as well as study at World Renown Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, my jewelry brand Just Funki was born! I also began creating lighting as well as other accessories for the home.

I am married to a touring musician, and my son who is also a musician was accepted into a music school in Hollywood. I had been trying to get to Los Angeles since I was a child, so I saw that as the perfect opportunity to pick up the family and relocate to Los Angeles! The experience I had working on my home in New York also ignited my love for real estate, and unique homes. One of the reasons why we redesigned our home was because both my husband and I as artists really needed space to create that was not only spacious, but inspired creativity. Before the renovation I was stepping over beads, and supplies working from my dining room table using make shift draws to store my creations. It was not motivating in the least. Because I understand that and I love unique homes so much and I understand the importance of creatives having a space that reflects their lifestyle, I became a licensed Real Estate Agent, and I work with creatives from all mediums who need the same thing. For creatives its more than a house. It’s about the energy, and living well!
This allows me to be all that I am on so many levels. And I love it!

What should our readers know about your business?
Well, about eight years ago, I decided to leave New York and head to Los Angeles. I owned a small jewelry boutique where I sold my creations under the brand Just Funki. It was a bitter sweet experience. I learned a lot about owning and running a brick and mortar shop. It was great, but it was also challenging because social media had not blown up the way it is today so finding customers was different. I overcame those challenges by hosting instore events on a regular basis. Still, it was not easy. I am grateful for the experience, but glad to have moved on.

When the opportunity came to relocate to the West Coast, I was super excited because I had been wanting to live in LA my whole life. Upon arriving in LA, I quickly realized it offered a whole new world of opportunities.

I found myself at the Hawthorne Arts Complex soon after moving. It was a vibrant place, full of artists and creativity. Interestingly, during one LA Fashion Week, I had an unexpected opportunity to travel to Italy and collaborate with a designer for a runway show. This is one of the things I am most proud of because as a Jewelry Designer, I think we all dream of seeing our creations on the runway. The fact that not only did I realize my dream of relocating to LA but met a designer who loved my work and took me to Italy to dress her models was a dream come true. It confirmed that I belong here!

While I initially moved to LA with the idea of expanding my work in jewelry, lighting, and furniture design, the Hawthorne Arts Complex had other plans for me. They recognized my potential to manage and curate, so I took on a managerial role there. My responsibilities revolved around bringing in new artists and ensuring the smooth operation of the complex.

Working there, I was struck by how artists chose their studios. It wasn’t just about the space’s practicality; it was deeply personal, about how the room felt to them. It reminded me of my time in New York when I renovated my home to make it a space that truly resonated with who I am.

This growing interest in spaces and how they can influence creativity led me to the world of real estate. I recognized a need for artists and creatives to find spaces that not only met their living requirements but also their artistic needs. So, I became a licensed Real Estate Agent here in Los Angeles.

What sets me apart is, because I am a creative, and I have worked with creatives who work in different mediums from the entertainment industry to fashion designers, sculptors, painters, metalsmiths, cartoonists, graphic artists, musicians, makeup artists, etc.. I understand what we need to have our own vibe so we can function and flow.
It was important for me to be able to be who I am, by continuing to create. as well as function in the world of Real Estate. When you are creative and you don’t create, it’s almost like you can’t breathe. You just have to do it. My mission is to help fellow creatives find homes that align with their artistic vision and lifestyle. Whether they’re looking for a place in a vibrant artistic community or a quieter gated area, or a place to play loud music and throw parties, I aim to find that perfect one of a kind space where they vibe that truly feels like home and inspires them to be all they can be. There are a lot of creatives who have makeshift studios in their kitchens, or find themselves tripping over supplies and using dresser drawers for storage, living in spaces that are just not motivating. I have been there, Done That!

The lesson I have learned is, you can’t be afraid to take risks. Relocating and starting over in another state was scary but exciting at the same time. It was a risk worth taking. I have also learned not to give up on my dreams because dreams do come true. And I am just getting started!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Culver City Fun Morning:
Breakfast at Cognoscenti Coffee.
Stroll around the Culver City Arts District and explore the numerous art galleries and studios.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Tito’s Tacos.
Visit The Museum of Jurassic Technology, an eclectic museum that houses a mix of artistic, scientific, ethnographic, and historic exhibits.
Evening:
Dinner at Akasha, offering farm-to-table dining.
The food is really good here!
End the day with a movie at the historic Culver Hotel or a play at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.

Day 2: Vintage Shopping Trip
Morning:
Breakfast at Sqirl, known for its jams and artisan toasts.
Start shopping at The Way We Wore, famous for its high-end vintage clothing.
Afternoon:
Continue shopping at Jet Rag and the Melrose Trading Post.
Grab a quick lunch at Joan’s on Third.
Evening:
Explore Silver Lake for more vintage shops like Squaresville.
Dinner at Night + Market Song, a vibrant spot for Thai street food.

Day 3: Little Tokyo Visit
Morning:
Breakfast at Cafe Dulce for specialty donuts and coffee.
Wander through Japanese Village Plaza for unique shops and cultural experiences.
Afternoon:
Visit the Japanese American National Museum.
Lunch at Marugame Monzo for their famous udon.
Evening:
Explore the Little Tokyo Galleria.
Dinner at Suehiro Cafe for classic Japanese comfort food.
Finish off with mochi ice cream from Mikawaya.
Across the street in the square there is a Japanese market that sells the best Plum Wine! In Big Bottles!

Day 4: Hollywood Tour
Morning:
Breakfast at Birds on Franklin Avenue.
We will start our day with the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Afternoon:
Tour the TCL Chinese Theatre and see the hand and footprints of the stars.
Have a picnic lunch at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook.
Evening:
Visit the Griffith Observatory for sunset views.
Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood’s oldest restaurant.

Day 5: Beach and In-N-Out Burger (This is a must for out of towners!)
Morning:
Breakfast at Gjusta in Venice.
Spend the morning sunbathing or walking around Venice Beach checking out the vendors on the boardwalk.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the iconic In-N-Out Burger for lunch.
Stroll around Santa Monica Pier and try the rides or arcade games.
Evening:
Dinner at Birdie G’s

Day 6: Studio Visit
Morning:
Breakfast at Republique.
Book a tour of Warner Bros. Studio to see behind-the-scenes of film and TV production.
Afternoon:
Late lunch at The Smoke House, which is close to the studio and offers classic American fare.
Evening:
Chill at The Roof in West Hollywood with panoramic views of LA.

Day 7: Wrap-up and Leisure
Morning:
Breakfast at my guests favorite spot from the week.
Leisure shopping or we will explore a neighborhood they loved during the week perhaps to see Graffiti Art
Afternoon:
Last-minute souvenir shopping or a visit to Beverly Hills for a walk down Rodeo Drive
Evening:
Farewell dinner at Bestia in the Arts District.
A casual stroll in Downtown LA to end the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible family that’s been my backbone, my anchor, and my safe haven—thank you for being the light in my journey. Through the highs and lows, your unwavering love, encouragement, and support have been everything. Every moment, every memory, every milestone—I owe so much of it to your belief in me.

To all my friends and the extended family, those silent warriors who’ve kept me in their thoughts and consistently prayed for me, —know that each one has been a protective shield, a source of strength. The power of your prayers has been palpable, and I am forever grateful for that kind of love. In this journey called life, it’s not about where you go, but who you have beside you,

Last but not least, if it were not for the love of my Lord and Savior, I never would have made it this far!

From the depths of my heart, THANK YOU.

Website: www.livingituplosangeles.com

Instagram: @livingituplosangeles @justfunki

Facebook: @livingituplosangeles

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