Rhonda Johnson is a talented Edmonton-based designer whose clothing is showcased on runways and widely appreciated by women of all ages. She is also the owner of the women’s fashion brand Acahkos Designs. By following her passion, she has achieved remarkable success in her career. Read more about her life and work on edmontonka.com.
A Seamstress Since Childhood
Johnson frequently holds fashion shows, teaches workshops, and creates unique garments that are adored by many. Her signature pieces include beautiful ribbon skirts, dresses with prints, and much more. However, her success did not come overnight. Rhonda began sewing with the guidance of her great-grandmother, who introduced her to textiles. By the age of six, she had mastered sewing on a machine.
Growing up in a family where culture was a vital part of life, Rhonda’s first language was Cree. When her family moved to Edmonton, she was placed in kindergarten, but she struggled because she didn’t know any English. This led to her being enrolled in a special education class, where it took time for her to adapt to her new surroundings. Despite these challenges, she persevered.
First Steps in Fashion Design
In 2000, a local Edmonton organization invited Rhonda to participate in a fashion show. With the help of a sewing machine purchased at a pawn shop, she created her first clothing line, marking the beginning of her design career.
The fashion show was a great success, even though Rhonda was a self-taught seamstress at the time. Critics and audiences alike praised her creations. Soon, she began receiving invitations to other fashion shows, and her success followed swiftly.
By 2006, working around the clock, Rhonda found it challenging to balance her career with caring for her children. She decided to take a short break from fashion. After several years of dreaming about a career in the industry, she made her return. Initially, it was tough to rebuild her reputation, as she had been away for some time. Selling her clothing and beaded jewelry at very low prices was necessary, but her craftsmanship improved, and her situation eventually turned around.
To advance her skills in fashion design, Rhonda enrolled in the Edmonton School of Fashion Design and Apparel Production. There, she gained professional knowledge about design, pattern-making, sketching, and all aspects of fashion. She then created a collection of 10 garments, each telling a story of resilience, identity, and Indigenous heritage.
In addition to sewing, Rhonda began experimenting with beadwork, exploring various techniques. She believes experimentation is an essential part of any creative process.
Career Growth
One of the greatest challenges Rhonda faced was managing her business while raising her children. As a mother of six biological and two adopted children, she often had to balance her time between family and work. She succeeded with the support of her older children, who helped care for the younger ones, and her loving husband, who supported her endeavors. Her husband worked on screen printing, her eldest daughter focused on beadwork, and Rhonda concentrated on sewing.
Rhonda continues to refine her craft, designing traditional and modern clothing. Her designs blend new and old techniques, boldly experimenting with prints, textures, draping, and shapes. She aims to introduce innovative designs into fashion. Using natural fabrics, her clothing is suitable for various body types and beautifully emphasizes femininity.
A Champion of Diversity and Culture
Rhonda Johnson has earned recognition not only for her craftsmanship but also for promoting diversity and cultural awareness in the fashion industry. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.