Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Willingham.
Hi Rhonda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began over ten plus years ago. In the dentist office( when they actually had magazines in the waiting room) I ran across an article about a woman who happened to be the president of a division of Kraft Foods. What an Amazing accomplishment for a woman at that time , but what made this article even more interesting is that this was not just a woman but a Black woman. The article left me with many questions. I was currently in Grad school (CMU) and was looking for a topic to pour myself into for my Thesis. It was then that I decided to take my unanswered questions and carve out my thesis .
I focused my research on Black women in Corporate America. My advisor (also a Black woman) suggested that I give much thought to my idea as it might be challenging to find more Black women with this title.
I used the article as my inspiration and began thinking “out of the box” I was employed at Hurley Medical Center at the time and what better person to begin my research with then the CEO of Hurley ….a Black woman. She was engaging very encouraging and was a great source of information.
My research group of Powerful Black was small but very solid. During this time information was gathered by way of a survey I created and was sent via snail mail along with a self addressed envelope for easy return and the hope that these busy women would even take the the time to open my envelope.
I was pleased and humbled by the response I received. All of the women not only completed my surveys but many gave extensive feedback writing front and back of my surveys, some even giving me their personal phone numbers to remain in touch. I was so appreciative . I really wanted to send them a nice card thanking them for being so kind. I wanted to find cards that reflected them and make them feel special.
Upon going to the card store I didn’t find anything like what i was looking for. I reluctantly settled for a bookmark and handwritten note. It was then I vowed to revisit this lack of variety once I completed my Master’s degree. A Year after graduation I began working on my line of greeting cards called Sista Girl.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Sista Girl journey has had “ups and downs” fortunately more ups. The challenges have been opportunities for growth and learning. One of the biggest struggles I have had over the years has been Supply and demand. The demand has at times outweighed the supply. I have had to step back from some cool opportunities because I couldn’t create the volume.
Sista Girl greeting cards are three dimensional hand crafted Afrocentric speciality cards, suitable for framing. Part of what makes my cards so unique is that they are handcrafted and frameable
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create a line of greeting cards called Sista Girl . My cards are Afrocentric handcrafted three dimensional specialty greeting cards suitable for framing. I specialize in creating cards that are not easily found in the mainstream. I create beautiful greeting cards that make recipients feel special and celebrated.
I am known as Sista Girl. I have a community of women who know my product line and are strong supporters. My cards sell locally, nationally and Internationally. They have sold in the UK, and my merch will soon be on the shelf in Switzerland!!. My cards typically sell in flower shops, museum gift shops, boutiques, and bookstores.
My cards have been in the hands of Oprah, Patti Labelle and Alicia Keys. I have had a few celebrity customers and I even created swag Bags for actress Vivica A. Fox.
I have had many bright spots along my journey. I have been interviewed on television, I have been featured in many publications and media outlets; the flint journal, Flintbeat, On the Town Magazine, The Hub, the Flint Courier to name a few.
I create what is not easily found in the mainstream stream; i have crated and donated many cards for Women of color in the Armed forces. Over the years I have come to understand that women of other ethnic groups are under represented in greeting cards and want to feel celebrated as well. I have created a line of cards for Indian Women. I went to an event celebrating the culture of India and introduced my Indian designs, the response was AMAZING. So many fist pumps and high compliments.
One lady asked me to name a card after her. Her name was so beautiful and had such a beautiful meaning that I named the whole line of Indian cards after her.
I am most proud of how my line has expanded beyond greeting cards. I have created coloring books, calendars, journals, note cards(Lil’ Sista’s ) and so much more. I am proud to have loyal customers who have supported me since the beginning and still do to this day.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I LOVE the talent that our city produces. We are known for producing great athletes and coaches(My uncle was the winningest High School coach in Flint History). But we also have produced great. Musicians, Artists, Educators and more. There are many Good people of all ethnicities who contribute and support fellow Flintstones. I Love that!!
I dislike the fact that Flint gets a bad Rap. When something negative takes place unfortunately that is what stands out and the whole city is overshadowed by it. There are many positives in our city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sistagirlgreetingcards.com
- Instagram: @thesistagirl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handmadesistagirls#
