For the better part of three decades, Rhona Bennett has been a fixture on screens and stages across the world. From her time spent as a Mouseketeer on Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club alongside future industry legends Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling, to her role as soulful jingle writer Nicole on The Jamie Foxx Show, and her more than twenty years as a member of the legendary Pop/R&B group En Vogue, Bennett has unquestionably left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The Chicago native got her start singing in church before eventually becoming a member of the famed Soul Children of Chicago. Bennett’s first big break came a year before The Mickey Mouse Club when she was cast as young Ernestine Dillard Johnson in Oprah Winfrey‘s short-lived drama series, Brewster Place. She would later appear on the hit series’ Martin and Living Single before her role as Nicole on The Jamie Foxx Show put audiences on notice about her singing abilities as she launched her solo singing career as the “First Lady” of Darkchild under Rodney Jerkins’ Darkchild/Sony imprint.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Bennett is also a Life Coach and the founder of Personal Power University, a global coaching school she established in 2016. Her passion for growth is captured in her motto: “I believe in personal growth and contribution until we leave the planet.”
N’DIGO recently sat down with the ever-busy multi-hyphenate to discuss her storied career, what the future holds, and what fans can expect next.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Rhona Bennett?
Rhona Bennett: I am a multi-faceted person who is tapped into my passion and purpose. I value family, friends, integrity, hard work, and serving others. I can also be super silly, and I welcome intellectually stimulating conversations.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Hmm… maybe loyal, fun, or driven……….and loving. Sorry, I know that’s four!
As a child, did you dream of another profession before music and song took hold of you?
Not at all. I got bitten by the entertainment bug early. I tapped into my imagination regularly as a kid. I could self-entertain for hours, performing and playing in my own worlds. When I was 10, riding down the street in our 1976 Monte Carlo, my mom asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, I told her I wanted to be a singer like Whitney Houston. She acknowledged it… maybe looking for a different answer… then asked, “What’s your plan B?” I told her I didn’t have one. That’s it. I want to sing.
What’s a lesson that’s become clear to you in light of your recent split from En Vogue?
I’d say my shift from En Vogue was an unexpected pivot that brought more clarity and drive to actualize my personal dreams and aspirations. I’ve been leaning into the question marks and uncharted waters with a leap of faith. I’ve already become a stronger version of myself.
Now… let’s see what God does next.
Please tell us about your show, Rhona Bennett – ‘The Sound & The Story‘, and what fans can expect when they see you hit the stage?
It’s a live journey through moments you might remember from my career… being a Mouseketeer, The First Lady of Darkchild, The Jamie Foxx Show, and more. I weave in music I’ve created over the years while also covering some amazing songs from artists we all know… Whitney Houston, Musiq Soulchild, H.E.R., D’Angelo, Angie Stone, Aretha Franklin… and more.
It’s expansive. It’s vocals. It’s legacy!
What are some of the things you do with your Personal Power University brand?
I specialize in empowering adults to find fulfillment and purpose in life. Whether they’re at a critical crossroad or striving for accelerated growth, I offer support for deep self-development, and we use cutting-edge productivity tools to facilitate the change they would like to see. I also have a community called The Charging Station that supports creatives and heart-led professionals to tap into their authentic selves and operate from that space with greater creativity and personal power. In an annual private retreat for PPU attendees, we visit different locations, domestic and international, to continue connecting, elevating, and celebrating their achievements. I call it my “heart-work.”
Last great book you read?
Never Finished by David Goggins. It’s been a little while, but it left a lasting impact.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?
I’ve heard so much good advice over the years, so I’ll lean into the quote that partly drives the motto of my coaching school. “You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on.” I’ve learned that the more I heal, develop, and grow… so does my ability to create and sustain success, whether personally or professionally. It’s what further buoys my leaps of faith. I’ve learned to trust myself more and continue strengthening my bond with my Creator.
What’s the best piece of advice that you can give?
Continue finding ways to heal. Whether that’s your perspective about something, your physical body, or your relationship with yourself. As you become your next greatest version, you get to be a witness to what else you can attract from that more healed and authentic space. The overall quality of your life can shift and bring in much more joy and contentment, in spite of the curveballs life will continue to throw. I’ve learned to claim that it’s all working out for my highest good.
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
“A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”
What’s next for Rhona Bennett?
Everything. I’m looking forward to performing on my own again, creating more music, and getting back into my acting bag, whether it’s TV, film, or theater. There’s also a very special something else I’ve got my eyes on that’s not quiiiiiite ready yet to be shared. I’ll keep you posted!
For more information on Rhona Bennett, please visit www.rhonabennett.com and connect with her on social media at @officialmissrnb
