THE Afro-centric Rhoda Doxa brand, owned by a Nigerian based in Guyana, Deborah Kehinde, and known for its striking African print fabric and clothing lines, has taken a major step of expansion to include a line of make-up products and ladies handbags, among other products.

The make-up line includes a nine-shade eyeshadow palette (Rhoda Doxa Ankara Palette), lip gloss ( which comes in six different shades of nude) and eyelashes, while the bags range from chic work bags to cute little evening purses;
“Our main focus is on the designer- inspired bags. We decided that fashion doesn’t have to be expensive, therefore we decided to provide bags inspired by top fashion houses around the world. They are not dupes, but inspired bags just in similar silhouette. We also have keychains shaped like bags and they are the most perfect accessories for any bag lover,”Kehinde noted.

The 26-year-old businesswoman told the Pepperpot Magazine that the move was a huge investment for her and a lot of hard work, but she felt it was all worth it as she moves on expanding her business.

“I had to use all my money but I don’t regret it. I want to provide quality beauty items for Caribbean women at affordable prices,” the young entrepreneur shared. “It’s a lot of work; it was challenging finding the right manufacturer to partner with. For the eyeshadow, [we] had to make sure [we had] the right formula, colour and everything.”
She said it was last year that she had the idea to start producing her own brand of bags and make-up products because, like many young women in Guyana, she got frustrated with not being able to find the right quality at the right price when it comes to such products.

“I developed a lot of interest in beauty, but then I realised that there wasn’t affordable quality stuff here and by the time I order online and it gets here, it’s more expensive. It’s difficult for me to put my hands on quality ones here, so I found solutions to that,” she explained.

The handbags are retailing between $9,500 — $11,000, while the palette goes for $4,000 and the lip glosses for $1,600, the eyelashes are retailing at $2,200.
The products will be available at Amanda’s Bridal, Pieces & Things, and at The Little Black Dress store in Linden.

The products come just as Kehinde has launched her fourth fashion collection “Morenikeji”.
Kehinde, who has been in Guyana since 2013 studying medicine, has been designing since around the age of seven.

The 26-year-old officially came out and began designing commercially in 2014, with the launch of her first collection. She has since launched three other collections, all dedicated to incorporating African print into everyday wear.
Aside from designing and retailing African print fabric, Kehinde also runs a fashion blog (www.rhodadoxa.blogspot.com).