Meet Rhonda Daniels | Co-Founder and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhonda Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, how do you think about risk?
I like to think of myself as a calculated risk taker. Starting from the high school I chose, one on the other side of town, to the college I selected, 1000 miles from home, to quitting my first job with savings but no new job. One might say, it is in my blood. I think that risk or making a “risky” decision, is something to be contemplated, objectively looked at pursued, or not, based on your personal values. For me, faith in God and in my own abilities to land on my feet, have enabled me to make decisions other’s might deem to risky. I’m sure I gave my mom a few heart attacks along the way with some of the decisions I made.

With respect to my career, for most of my corporate career, I’ve had a deep down desire for entrepreneurship but wasn’t quite sure how it would manifest. My first try at entrepreneurship was with a home-based business that I started like most people, as a way to make a few extra dollars. What I could not know was that it would take me places I never imagined for the next 10 years. I relished every moment of that experience and walked away knowing that being an entrepreneur is intrinsic to who I am. My next “risky” move was starting Natural Radiant Life during the pandemic with two friends. From my perspective, the world was absolutely crazy, so starting a business didn’t seem any crazier than what we were watching on the news everyday. Four years and thousands of satisfied customers later, I am so grateful that the risk-taker in me won out over the voice of “reason.”

What should our readers know about your business?
For the past four years, I have been the co-founder and CEO of Natural Radiant Life. At Natural Radiant Life, we harness the power of 100% whole-food ingredients to replace toxic chemicals in skincare to slow down the visible signs of aging for Women of Color. Our products are “nutrition for your skin.” We are so proud to create products that help heal, nourish and transform the skin without harsh chemicals. Our nearly waterless formulas provide greater efficacy for faster absorption and effectiveness.

Entrepreneurship is rarely easy and my journey is no different. As a small business, the biggest challenge is usually getting the capital you need to bring your dream to life. Through the generosity of an angel investor, grants, and a few business loans, we’ve been able to not only launch but also sustain and grow Natural Radiant Life. The lessons learned along the way have been numerous, but a few are – believe bigger for yourself and your brand, trust but verify those who claim to be “experts” and lastly, it’s always too soon to quit.

What I want the world to know about the brand is how our products have not only improved skin but boosted damaged self-esteem by helping customers reclaim healthy, glowing skin. Our products have received amazing reviews, and we want to continue to touch lives, one face at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a Chicago native, I believe I am blessed to live in one of the best cities in the world. The summer aka “SummerTimeChi” is unmatched. For my friend’s visit, we are going to do all the major things:

1. Rooftop Happy Hour(s) – too many for just one!
2. Pizza – because, of course, we have the best pizza!
3. 31st Beach – Live music and great people watching!
4. Cubs Game – lifelong Cubs fan
5. Kayak the Chicago River – because, why not?
6. Bike along Lake Michigan
7. Navy Pier fireworks – it’s the tourist thing to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first question I should ask is, “how much time do you have?” There are so many players in my story but I’ll pull out a few. First and foremost, my two exceptional business partners and co-founders, LaKesha Gage-Woodard and Sherry D. Fields. These two ladies have been invaluable in helping create the brand you see today. Our collective vision, grit and tenacity has shaped Natural Radiant Life. In addition to being business partners, they are also two very good friends. Our meetings are not for public consumption…lol

I lost both of my parents in quick succession years ago and because of this, my friends have become like family to help fill that void. I am so blessed to have linesisters (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), friends, golf buddies, travel friends, prayer partners and those who believe in me without question, who have helped shape my life. I am beyond grateful for them and won’t add names for fear of forgetting someone, but they know who they are.

Website: www.naturalradiantlife.com

Instagram: @naturalradiantlife

Facebook: @naturalradiantlife

Image Credits
Paul Hairlson Photography – pictures of products/models with products.