About I-Wear by Raqui

RAQUEl M RHODES

Founder & Creative Director

Salutations Beautiful People,

My name is Raquel—most know me as "Raqui"—and I am the founder, CEO, and creative soul behind I-Wear by Raqui.

My journey began in 2003 as a jewelry artist. After years of growth, I faced a challenging season that led to deep self-reflection and a creative breakdown. In the midst of that trial, I realized I was no longer creating; I was simply making accessories. That was not the language my soul spoke, nor was it the energy my community connected with.

So I prayed, asking for guidance to build something the world had never seen—wearable art that serves as a doorway to strength, grounding, self-love, and pride in being our INDIVIDUAL SELVES, exactly as we were designed to be.

In 2010, those prayers were answered, and I-Wear by Raqui was born.

In The Spotlight

"Museum pieces for your face" — Exploring the story, passion, and artistic journey behind I-Wear by Raqui.

VoyageLA Feature - Raquel M Rhodes
Featured Interview

VoyageLA: Daily Inspiration

Raqui shares her journey—from relocating to LA to designing custom avant-garde eyewear featured on HBO's We're Here, RuPaul's Drag Race, and worn by celebrity icons.

CanvasRebel Feature - Raquel M Rhodes
Creative Spotlight

CanvasRebel: How She Came Up With the Idea

A deep dive into how Raquel transitioned from standard accessory-making to finding her true creative soul in custom eyewear designed for self-love.

I took my personal struggles, found beauty in the ashes, and turned my pain into passion and trials into triumph. Each pair of handcrafted frames tells a story designed to give you a bold, elevated perspective of yourself and the world around you.

We have been so programmed by this world that we get sucked into a non-realistic view of who we should be. I-Wear by Raqui is a celebration of who you truly are—designed to honor your authentic, individual self.

Drawing inspiration from global travels and living abroad, each design is infused with stories of strength, humility, and resilience. This journey has allowed me to live Habakkuk 2:2 out loud, bringing my art into extraordinary spaces and catching the eyes of visionary artists, performers, and public figures, including Kym Whitley, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, LaLa Anthony, Kim Coles, Comedian Godfrey, Eric Roberson, and many more!

We invite you to step into the world of I-Wear by Raqui, embrace every curve, flaw, scar, and triumph, and see the beauty and strength in YOU.

— Leave Love Everywhere