Dr. Rhonda Anita shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dr. Rhonda, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly, it’s the healing work I’ve done on the inside. Everyone sees the events, the books, the businesses but what they don’t see is the rebuilding of me. I had to tear down old mindsets, forgive deeply, and let God reshape my heart so I could pour into others from a healthy place. That unseen foundation the prayers, the late nights, the tears, the surrender that’s what I’m most proud of. Because everything else I’ve built was born from that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Rhonda Anita — some know me as “Real Estate’s Leading Lady” and others through Tea Party Socials or Rose of Sharon Transitional Living for Women. But at the heart of it all, I’m a woman on a mission to help other women heal, grow, and step boldly into purpose.
Through my businesses and nonprofit work, I create spaces where women can find community, confidence, and a sense of wholeness, whether that’s through elegant tea experiences, transitional services for survivors, or empowerment coaching.
What makes my journey unique is that it was born out of pain. I’m a survivor of domestic violence who became an overcomer by God’s grace. Now, everything I build carries a message of restoration. I believe faith and business belong in the same room, that you can wear your crown, walk in your calling, and still keep your heart humble before God. Right now, I’m continuing to grow Tea Party Socials, developing new empowerment programs, scaling my real estate business and preparing for my book launch connected to my PhD work on Healing Church Hurt through Leadership.
It’s all about purpose, healing, and leaving a legacy that reminds others, you can rebuild your life and still sparkle doing it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is usually hurt that goes unhealed; disappointment, pride, misunderstanding, or a lack of communication. When we stop seeing each other through the lens of grace, those small cracks can turn into deep divides.
But what restores those bonds is love, forgiveness, and humility. I’ve learned that real restoration starts when we let God work on our hearts first. When we choose to listen instead of defend, to forgive instead of retaliate, and to show grace even when it’s not earned, that’s when relationships heal. Healing people heal people, and love will always be the bridge back to connection.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I give up at least once a week! There were seasons I was tired not just physically, but in my spirit. Times when I had poured into everyone else and felt like I had nothing left for myself. I’ve been in moments where the weight of life, business, and purpose felt too heavy, and I thought, “Maybe this is where it ends.” There are so many days where I am alone to my thoughts, the phone isn’t ringing and no one is inviting me. Days where social media is my only form of connection. But God!!!
Every single time, God stepped in. He reminded me of who I am and why I started. I’d hear that quiet voice say, “You didn’t come this far to quit now.” And just like that, strength would rise again. So yes, I’ve had moments when I almost gave up but grace wouldn’t let me. Purpose pulled me back up every time.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
No doubt, what you see is truly who I am. I stopped living behind a mask a longtime ago. I am transparent everyday of my life. The public version of me just happens to wear heels and lashes while walking out the same faith and purpose I live every day. I’ve learned that authenticity is power. I don’t believe in creating a “stage version” of myself; I believe in being consistently WHO I AM whether I’m hosting a Tea Party Socials, speaking from a podium, or sitting in silence with God.
The truth is, the spotlight doesn’t change me it just gives me a brighter platform to show the light within me. The woman you meet in person is the same woman who prays, laughs, cries, and keeps showing up with grace and GRIT!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What false labels are you still carrying?
Whew, that’s a good one. I often tell people it takes a lot to be me! I really have to work with the inner struggles daily. For a long time, I carried labels like too much, too strong, too ambitious, just too extra. I also carried the quiet ones: unworthy, unqualified, unseen and as my bishop at home would say comparisonitiest. Those were the whispers that tried to make me shrink.
But I’ve learned to hand those false labels back to God. The truth is, I’m exactly enough for what He’s called me to do. I’m still unlearning the habit of apologizing for being powerful and passionate, but every day I walk a little freer. Those old labels don’t fit anymore I’ve outgrown them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ALEG4U.com
- Instagram: Dr.RhondaAnita
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-a-thompson/
Image Credits
Tara Harp Evans
Antoinne Duane Jones
