Today, we’d like to introduce you to Baridilo Dube. Baridilo was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Rhonnika Clifton.
Baridilo, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I adore finding new pieces to play with and thinking of new ways to orient my space. My friends and family always make fun of me for my furniture thrifting tendencies and the fact that no configuration of my space lasts very long. This passion and knack for interior design led me to seek out Rhonnika in the winter of 2022. I was looking to see what it would be like to get started in an industry brand new to me and learn what it would take to pivot. What I really appreciate about working with Rhonnika is getting to see the behind the scenes of R J Clifton Designs and learning how dynamic and dedicated you need to be to have a successful business.
Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
In my day jobs I am also very creative and organized and I love to address inefficiencies and create systems that make our lives easier. Naturally, I brought those skills to my partnership with Rhonnika. What started as program management and thought partnership led to more involvement in important processes and projects. I have managed administrative tasks and developed recommendations for long-term growth. I have coordinated and facilitated team meetings and schedules, as well as participated in developing recommendations for project procurement and marketing. Additionally, I was able to attend several industry events and participate in a business competition. Now, alongside my nonprofit day jobs I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside a really great interior designer and fantastic human in Rhonnika.
So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Rhonnika Clifton and R J Clifton Designs, LLC and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with R J Clifton Designs, LLC.
After my first meeting with Rhonnika we immediately hit it off. I loved her bold and colorful designs and as we got to know each other I realized that she is extremely knowledgeable, warm, and so willing to share her learnings over the years as a designer. I’m so grateful that a quick online search led me to Rhonnika, especially because seeing black women interior design representation is so important to me as a black woman myself. We both share that passion for supporting future BIPOC leaders and providing opportunities for underrepresented and under resourced groups. Looking forward I can’t wait to see what new projects and partnerships are on the horizon for R J Clifton Designs!
