Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rhonda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been writing and creating since I was little girl. I used my creativity wings to fly into the world’s I’d created or the creations of others, whichever ones were the most appealing to a little girl who wanted to be the most beautiful, important and protected princess in the kingdom. Those places allowed me to dream big and taught me that dreams weren’t just in your sleep. I moved to San Diego county in 2015 with my family and dreams in tow. I’ve met some pretty amazing people since being here who are dream generators!! They spoke to the dreamer in me and I came alive in ways that I hadn’t seen since the childhood princess! I’ve taken my writing to the next level by applying for programs that will assist me in going to the next level in making my dreams come true as a screenplay, television writer and director. My first short film was produced last week and will be entered in several film festivals. I’m looking forward to creating and empowering other creators to go after their dreams as if it were their reality because it is!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was no piece of cake by a long shot. California dreaming was very attractive until I landed. I didn’t know anyone where we lived, my brother was 2.5 hours away and traveled a lot. We were alone in a place where nothing was familiar and we had to learn how to do life all over again. My children all had their own transition woes and I felt every bit of their pain. I’d never lived anywhere permanently without my family. Newly divorced and extremely emotional, I had to bob and weave between this beautiful new life and letting go of the old one.
Please tell us about your work.
I am most proud of the freedom I experience in writing, creating and empower others to do the same. I’m learning that you can mix business with pleasure but in a non-traditional way. What I mean by that is although making money is an important factor in business, the most important to me is building relationships with people that will allow me to speak into their lives in ways I may not have access to them if I follow the “business as usual” model. My purpose in life is to partner with people and build relationships with them that empower them, provoke them and launch them into their God-given dreams in ways that produce the drive in them to do the same for others! This is a dream and freedom movement!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
The biggest barrier in female leadership, in my opinion, can only be created from within. I do understand the thoughts of the general population on this matter, however, it is my belief that whatever it is that needs to be done or whatever “barrier” is in the way, can be removed with truth and perseverance. The truth is we are unstoppable, however, we have to believe that with every ounce of our being. The truth is also that women have a challenging time in general, rising to the top of any organization in any industry, but are they really barrier if we can overcome them and we have this understanding from the beginning? In my opinion, no. Barriers prevent movement, but with the right mindset, when we make the decision that we are unstoppable, we are constantly “moving” without interruptions, maybe the speed at which we move slows down but the movement never stops.
Contact Info:
- Website: rhondarbarber.com
- Email: rhonda@rhondarbarber.com
- Instagram: rhonda_r_barber
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/rhonda.johnson1
Image Credit:
Sabrina Serrano
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
