Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Richardson.
Rhonda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a mom of two, the youngest of 3 siblings. I’ve been a hairstylist for 27 years. Have had 5 hair salons at different times in life. I’m a transplant via New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina. At that time, I was operating my 5th salon that was doing great. It was in the Garden District in New Orleans on Historic Magazine St. I was the only black business on the block and there was at least 20 business within my block! I love embracing new challenges. Prior to that, I had worked for a successful product company Farouk Systems also known as CHI/Biosilk Hair product co.
As a hair color educator, that was awesome I learned so much about products and multicultural hair. It really broadened my horizons as it pertained to being able to successfully deliver services to any body that walked in my buisness! Soon, I was doing everyone’s hair, local celebrities, politicians, Clergy members, news media, all local! I was always naturally talented in doing hair, but after being exposed to so much working and traveling with a large well-known product company, it puts you on a different level. I bought all sorts of new trends for New Orleans! So, fast forward to Houston, post-Katrina. Having to start over, build a new clientele while raising your kids living with family in a new City. Tough stuff. We moved around a bit after I got to know the areas in the city. I worked for commission based salons to build clientele, started doing house calls, networking, etc.
All while I was trying to keep my salon open in NOLA. That was difficult because I ran back and forth a lot. My son was also sick with Epilepsy through all of this. I just kept pushing and doing my best work to prove myself in this new chapter and big city. Slowly building, I made the decision to close my salon in Nola!!! That was tough but needed to be done. Since I decided to close that chapter, it was a relief and I could focus more on current local Houstonians. That went well, I positioned myself in upscale settings that were great for networking, and I got wonderful referrals. I always try my best to put out a quality product, and excellent customer service! It pays off. During that time, I lost my precious son, Stephon, he was 16, from epilepsy. This threw me for a loop. God is continually providing me strength through it all! I didn’t think I could go on, but I had to I have also a beautiful daughter! Through prayers, counsel, friends and most of all my clientele are so supportive of me and my daughter, they are like extended family. They support me unconditionally. I’m stronger each day! I now work from Downtown and Sugarland area. I have a roster of premium clients here in Houston from every background and walk of life. I am also working on my own Organic Plant-based Hair therapy line! I can see myself on Great Day Houston in the near future! My daughter has graduated from college and working in her field! Praises
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been tough but any good thing requires some sacrifice. I would say to any younger women to constantly evaluate yourself, be transparent, humble and honest. Constantly intake info to polish up on skill set. Make sure you are on trend or ahead of the beauty and Fashion world. Be a student of the arts. This will aid greatly in a constant self-renovation. The public gets bored in this fast-paced world. People like to see a constant evolution in their hair stylist, we play major roles in our client’s lives.
We’d love to hear more about Rhondezvous.
My forte is hair coloring, corrective color, and haircuts. I love cutting hair Men and Women, but women’s short hair and styling it, that’s one of my favs. However these days I’m more interested in that particular client’s story whether they decide on short hair, blonde, blue, highlights, extensions, etc. It’s being able to successfully give that client the right look, that matches their personality that perfectly suits their lifestyle and that they could make look good even when they don’t come into the salon. That’s having success. These days though… my product line is my current passion which I deliver to my clients via organic scalp treatments for growth and stimulation, hydration and dry itchy scalp, sort of like a vegan detox for your hair!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My grandmother because she knew how to do everything, good! She made it look so simple but as an adult, now I know it was not so she’s my hero! My mom because she sacrificed so much to raise us and she had battles with mental illness. My youngest aunt because she put herself through college and grad school all while taking care of my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. My daughter Alexis because she is beating the odds even after losing her best friend (her baby brother) who continues to be such a lady and poised and well-spoken and a college graduate whose actively pursuing a career in medicine Head On!!!
Pricing:
- Men’s haircuts/35
- Women’s beginning 55 -100
- Color/Balayage Creative 99-275
- Oganic Scalp Therapy 20-89 +
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-905-1396
- Email: rhondezvous1999@gmail.com
- Instagram: Rhondezvousforhair
- Facebook: Rhonda Imagemaker Richardson
Image Credit:
Fuse Network (BigFreedia) World of Wonder productions, DatariTurner productions, OvO (Drake), Bey Good, Essence Fest, HBO, Dress For Success Nola, Houston Appeciation Week, RawArtists Connect, Colored Girls Inc, Mina Lucci wedding magazine, Encore Hair Magazine
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
