Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Rhodes.
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a proud mom, shoe connoisseur, designer and creative entrepreneur with 20-plus years of communications, brand marketing and management experience. I’m Co-Founder and served as Director of Marketing and Media Relations at C & D The Agency, a mission-driven and women of color-owned and operated marketing agency. The agency’s mission is to empower, mentor and lead businesswomen to collaborate their best skills with the common goal of excellence.
I’m also the Founder of The B Guide an online blog and e-commerce boutique and Courtney Racquel, a jewelry brand that launched in April of 2022 in the Official Grammy Swag Bag.
Prior to returning to Atlanta and merging with C & D’s Co-Founder, Dina Marto, I ran the day-to-day operations, business development and client services for Urbanity Communications, a brand marketing consulting firm.
Throughout my career, I’ve known that brands should approach their messaging and marketing communications in a targeted lifestyle and behavioral-driven approach. With that, I’m committed to helping businesses and personal brands hone the magic in their brands by helping them to message their unique culture, experiences, and value propositions.
Social responsibility and brand integrity drive my work as a seasoned marketer, communicator, and now designer.
Prior to Urbanity Communications, I spent years six years in media, first as a Senior Account Executive and then General Sales Manager for radio stations and digital assets across Urban and Country genres.
My early career has strongly shaped my business acumen and personal mission. I was blessed to work at some of America’s most cause-worthy organizations in development, communications and public relations roles. These included The Development Office at Gilman School (during the School’s Centennial Campaign) in Baltimore, MD; Caves Valley Golf Club Business Office (during the club’s hosting of the 2002 Senior Open) in Baltimore, MD and the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) President’s Office under the direction of former NAACP president, Kweisi Mfume.
In 2017, I published and toured a ten-city national conference circuit with my book, Make Your Mark: Personal Branding Through “On-Purpose” Living. The book has allowed me to present and sit on panels for The Massachusetts Conference for Women (the largest women’s conference in America), The National Association of Black Journalists Convention, The Congressional Black Caucus Conference, The NAACP National Convention, Public Relations Society of America and others.
Through my book, and digital platform, TheBGuide.com, I offer my expertise and lifestyle tidbits to women. While at Courtney Racquel, I design and provide stylish women with timeless statement jewelry for everyday wear.
I serve on the Board of Trustees at Bethune-Cookman University. I’m a member of ColorComm and Fashion Group International. I am an alumnus of Modern Luxury’s Jezebel “50 Most Beautiful Atlantans” and the Atlantan Magazine “Atlanta Women of Power & Influence.”
I’m a graduate of the Small Business Administration’s Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB) entrepreneurial program and I have two professional degrees. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Morgan State University and a Master of Arts in Publications Design from The University of Baltimore.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe our journey is what we make it. If you do anything for long enough, there will evidently be bumps. My biggest challenges have been finding the courage and making the space to pivot each time I felt it was time to move in a different direction or start something new.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Founder and Creative Director behind my namesake jewelry brand, Courtney Racquel. The brand allows me to combine three things I love: designing meaningful jewelry, chasing personal freedom, and making a positive impact in the world.
My creative journey began like that of many designers- with curiosity and determination mixed with moments of panic but unwavering belief. A belief that jewelry created from love and delivered on the brand’s promise would find collectors. The brand was birthed from my love for jewelry born from fond childhood memories of making jewelry from melted metals with my dad.
That love was nurtured by the style and powerful influence of the women in my family. That foundation has strongly shaped who I am as a designer, my message for the world and how I use my gifts. Bold jewelry, authentic self-expression, and pursuing dreams resonate profoundly with me, so, naturally, I’ve found my way to this place. The pieces I create are symbolic of transformative elements of nature (compasses, dragonflies, butterflies, flowers), self-preservation, and a deep hope for personal freedom.
I find conceptual inspiration through traveling, vintage things, vulnerable conversations, and connecting with diverse people from all walks of life. The brand embodies the most important characteristics I envision for the future of humanity: love, connection, unity, transformation, authenticity, self-empowerment, and ultimately personal freedom.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had so many great people to play a pivotal role in my success but I must credit my parents, grandparents, and the many teachers and professors along the way who believed in me, made me feel smart and nurtured my confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtneyracquel.com/
- Instagram: @thebrandista
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyRacquelInc
- Twitter: @TheBrandista
