Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Smith.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is rooted in faith, creativity, and divine alignment. I’m R. Nicole—an African American Minister, Creative, and Entrepreneur based in Birmingham, standing boldly at the intersection of “faith and fly.” Every gift I walk in flows from the same Source: God. My personal brand doesn’t just power my businesses—it anoints them.
I started with a vision, but God gave me a “Haus”—a legacy with many rooms.
The Creative Entrepreneur
My work is housed under a collective vision where strategy meets soul.
• R. Nicole Haus of Vision: My branding and design studio where I create unapologetic, luxury-level visuals. Leveraging my background in Marriage and Family Therapy, I don’t just design logos; I understand the psychology and heart behind the vision.
• Haus of R. Nicole: My handcrafted jewelry line and the home of “Luxe Wild.” These pieces are blessings in the details—a mix of high-end elegance and bold textures designed to remind every woman that she can be both holy and heavy on the style.
• LUSH BEATS: Haus of Glam: A ministry of confidence. What started as makeup artistry became a way to help women see themselves again, serving face and faith in equal measure.
The Strategic Leader
My discipline extends beyond the creative arts into the federal sector. As a dedicated government employee, I have served nationally in the National Leadership Development Program (NLDP). Being selected for this cohort (1 out off 22 nationally) allowed me to refine the executive strategies and leadership frameworks that I now pour back into my businesses and community.I don’t just build brands; I build structure.
The Minister & Musician
While I operate in the marketplace, the pulpit is my foundation. My ministry journey began early—I’ve been a church musician since the 6th grade, faithfully serving since 2006. In November 2024, I accepted the call to preach obtaining my license. To further steward this assignment, I have been pursuing a Master of Divinity at Liberty University since September 2025.
Today, I serve under the leadership of Rev. Glenzel Davis Edison at St. John AME Church, where I play every Sunday and preach every 3rd Sunday. I am also a BMI-registered songwriter, using lyrics and melodies to echo the same message I infuse in every lane: be bold, be seen, be Spirit-led.
The Mission
Whether I’m utilizing my MFT degree to guide a vision, leading a national project, or preaching the Gospel, I carry the same mission: to bring God into every room. This is more than business—it’s assignment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey hasn’t been easy — it’s been painful, personal, and deeply spiritual. On November 10, 2023, I survived a traumatic car accident while traveling through Louisiana. From the moment I entered the hospital, I had to start advocating for myself. The medical staff dismissed my concerns because I appeared to have only minor injuries. But most of my injuries were in my head — internal, neurological, and invisible.
My symptoms were brushed off because I “looked okay.” But I wasn’t. I was bleeding in front of people, just not in a way they could see. I was hoping someone would notice — but God saw.
When I returned to Birmingham, I finally received the diagnoses that explained everything I was feeling: post-concussive syndrome, cervical dystonia, convergence insufficiency, and chronic daily migraines. The physical symptoms — dizziness, cognitive fog, fatigue, light sensitivity — have become part of my daily life. And the hardest part? Most of it is invisible.
Because I do makeup, keep myself up, and show up with excellence, people assume I’m fine. But they don’t see the battle behind the beauty. My illness is a silent disability. And from the very beginning, I’ve had to advocate for myself — in hospitals, in business, in personal spaces — just to be taken seriously.
Trauma changes you. And when your trauma affects your health, your work, and your identity, you either break — or you let God rebuild you. I chose the latter. The very things that broke me brought me closer to God.
Now, I use my voice not just for me — but for everyone who suffers in silence while still showing up. My mission isn’t just to build beautiful brands — it’s to build spaces for grace, healing, and truth. For people like me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Unapologetically, R. Nicole is more than a brand — it’s a mandate. Born from a season of being beautifully broken, this brand is my offering back to God. Everything I do flows from a place of servitude: to Him, and to His children.
The Lord healed me through brokenness, and now I aspire to reflect His heart in every space I enter. Whether I’m holding a makeup brush, building a brand, writing a song, or preaching the Word — I’m ministering through creativity. I’m honored to serve in every capacity the Lord allows.
From this wellspring, I’ve built three expressions of the Haus:
💄 Lush Beats: Haus of Glam – A luxury beauty experience where ministry meets makeup. Every session is a vibe — silent appointments, healing conversations, or playlists full of gospel, R&B, neo-soul, or a sermon. My MA in Marriage & Family Therapy shapes the safe space I create behind the brush.
🎨 R. Nicole: Haus of Vision – As a creative director and brand strategist, I help visionaries bring their ideas to life with clarity, soul, and strategy. Logos, visuals, messaging — all designed to reflect purpose with power.
💎 Haus of R. Nicole – A handcrafted jewelry line featuring Luxe Wild pieces — bold, elegant, anointed. These aren’t just accessories; they’re declarations of faith, confidence, and identity.
What sets my brand apart is the heart behind the hustle. This isn’t just business — it’s ministry. My work is my worship. And I pray that every person who connects with my brand experiences God’s love, excellence, and authenticity through it.
And just so it’s clear — I may be the CEO, but Jesus Christ is the Owner. It says so in every one of my business documents. This is God’s business. I’m simply His employee and His servant.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that purpose doesn’t always come dressed in perfection. I am a walking example of how pain can birth power, how faith can sustain you through seasons you never saw coming. I didn’t choose this life — it chose me. But I show up every day, serving God and His people with my gifts. If you’re reading this and feel unseen or unqualified — know that God specializes in both. Don’t dim your light. There’s room for your kind of brilliance.
Pricing:
- Luxe Glam Makeup Application: Starting at $75
- Haus Essentials™ • Ready-made templates & visual content: Starting at $15-$25
- Haus Curated™ • Pre-designed layouts, lightly customized: Starting at $35
- Haus Signature™ • Custom graphics, premium branding, & full design direction: Starting at $75
- Canva templates, spiritual content, devotionals, resume designs, and more — prices vary by product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheisrnicole.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallyrnicole
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YM94woRbq/
- Other: https://payhip.com/SheIsRNicole
Image Credits
Danny Kang Austin
