Women Speak Openly About Rhonnika Clifton
Rhonnika Clifton, the founder and CEO of R J Clifton Designs, is making waves in the interior design industry. Based in Houston, Texas, her Black woman-owned full-service design and build firm significantly contributes to inclusivity and visibility for women of color in a traditionally underrepresented field.
With over 15 years of experience in residential, commercial, and multi-layered interior design, Clifton has built a reputation for her empathetic approach and unique designs. Her work, which can be found on her website, R J Clifton Designs, reflects the perspectives and talents of women of color, making their contributions more visible and valued within the industry.
Unusual Inspiration and Creative Rituals
Clifton finds her most unusual source of inspiration in animals, specifically birds and insects. Before starting a project, she performs a must-do creative ritual - prayer. This spiritual practice sets the tone for her work, infusing it with a sense of purpose and thoughtfulness.
Combining Creativity with Business Acumen
Clifton doesn't just excel in creativity; she also demonstrates business acumen. She empowers others through her mentorship program, The Educated Designer, which aims to educate and empower aspiring designers.
Future Plans and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Clifton is planning to expand her firm's reach through partnerships and position it for long-term growth. She is also pivoting her firm to focus on boutique commercial opportunities.
Intriguingly, if given the chance to collaborate with any historical figure, Clifton would choose Jesus, a carpenter, to design a dream homestead together.
Recognition and Awards
Clifton's work has not gone unnoticed. She received the 2024 High Point Market Authority Diversity Advocacy Alliance Mentorship Award, and her story is part of the DesignDash's "Women, In Their Own Words" series. Her work has also been featured on DesignDash, and she may participate in Showhouses in the near future.
Connecting with Rhonnika Clifton
You can connect with Rhonnika Clifton on Instagram, or contribute to the "Women, In Their Own Words" series by emailing editor@our website with "WITOW" in the subject line and your responses in the body.
Clifton's favourite musical artist to work to is NeYo, and her essential color palette for her creative work includes white, black, hot pink, and brass.
Rhonnika Clifton's journey from self-taught designer to successful entrepreneur is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and commitment to empowering others. Through her work and leadership, she continues to foster greater inclusivity and inspire other women of color to pursue careers in design.
- Rhonnika Clifton, with her unique designs and empathetic approach, builds a strong reputation in the interior design industry, specifically leveraging her platform to promote diversified and inclusive representation of women of color.
- Clifton's innovative designs are often inspired by animals, such as birds and insects, while her creative process is initiated with a spiritual prayer, establishing a purposeful and thoughtful tone for her work.
- Beyond just creativity, Clifton demonstrates impressive business acumen, guiding others through her mentorship program, The Educated Designer, with a goal to educate and empower aspiring designers.
- In the future, Clifton aims to expand her firm's reach, focusing on partnering for long-term growth and pursuing opportunities in boutique commercial projects.
- If given the chance, Clifton would collaborate with iconic historical figure Jesus, a carpenter, to design a dream homestead incorporating both artistic flair and practical functionality.
- Clifton's accomplishments have garnered recognition and awards, including the 2024 High Point Market Authority Diversity Advocacy Alliance Mentorship Award and being honored in the "Women, In Their Own Words" series.
- Connect with Rhonnika Clifton on Instagram or share your inspirational stories with her through email, contributing to the Diversity and Inclusion in the interior design industry.
- Rhonnika Clifton's preference for musical artist NeYo and her essential color palette of white, black, hot pink, and brass highlight her distinctive style that encapsulates a refreshing fusion of lifestyle, fashion, and business.
