The power of positioning: Futurpreneur Rhodie Lamour on turning style into professional influence

At the intersection of style, leadership and inclusion, Rhodie Lamour Inc. is a Montréal-based company using fashion as a strategic tool for professional positioning. Founded by Haitian-born newcomer entrepreneur Rhodie Lamour, the company helps professionals and organizations communicate with authenticity and impact. With a background in engineering and a successful business in the Dominican Republic, Rhodie blends image consulting, EDI principles, and governance expertise to support a diverse, global clientele. We spoke with her about the inspiration, challenges, and bold vision driving her mission to make professional presence more intentional, inclusive, and empowering. 

1. Please tell us about yourself and your experience as a newcomer entrepreneur in Canada. 

My name is Rhodie Lamour. I am a Professional Image and Positioning Consultant, and the Founder and President of Rhodie Lamour Inc., a company that transforms style into a strategic tool for communication and positioning, serving both professionals and organizations. We are based in Montréal and provide our services online to an international clientele. 

2. Please tell us about your business, its origin story, your mission and vision. 

After a career as a telecommunications engineer, I noticed how image often outweighs skill in professional success, limiting opportunities for many. Returning to my passion for fashion, I trained in Image Consulting in New York and deepened my understanding of Leadership, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Governance to better support diverse professionals and businesses. I use fashion as a communication tool to help clients stay authentic and respected at work.  

As a Haitian woman and former entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic, I faced cultural challenges arriving in Canada, rebuilding my network and visibility, which led me to Futurpreneur. Now, I’m growing my services in Québec, the Francophonie, and expanding to Latin America, with a growing interest in neurodiversity and communication for high-potential professionals. 

3. What inspired you to start your own business in Canada? 

Even before coming to Canada, I knew I would start another business; it was a natural reflex. I already had a flourishing company in the Dominican Republic, so entrepreneurship was already a part of me. 

4. What are some of your biggest wins since launching your business? 

One of my greatest accomplishments has been learning to adapt and becoming more versatile and open to change. That mindset led to the creation of my signature program: 
VSP (Visibility, Style and Professional Positioning), which I’m incredibly proud of. Not just because I created it, but because of the transformation it creates. Seeing my clients step into their full potential, claim their space, and grow their influence. That’s the real reward. 

5. How did Futurpreneur support your entrepreneurial journey? 

Before anything else, Futurpreneur gave me confidence. They believed in me. And let’s be honest, although I knew what I was doing, the fashion industry is often seen as risky. But Futurpreneur wasn’t afraid to take that risk with me, when others said no.

I’m incredibly grateful to them for recognizing someone who simply needed an opportunity. Thanks to their support, I was able to build stronger relationships in Montréal, adapt my tools into French (including my website), access the right coaches for my growth, and keep going, even through a recent life-threatening health situation. 

Futurpreneur showed me not only financial support but also human empathy. When I was hesitant to talk about what I was going through, they were simply there. They’ve also amplified my visibility, promoted my work through their channels, and included me in events — that’s a huge plus. 

6. What advice would you offer to newcomer entrepreneurs starting their businesses in Canada? 

Before arriving, research widely and stay curious. Don’t rely only on advice from non-entrepreneurs or locals, as it may be outdated or irrelevant. Use platforms like LinkedIn to prepare and minimize surprises.  

Also, and this is key, open yourself to communities beyond your own. I’m Haitian, but I’ve intentionally built relationships with Québécois, Latinos, Italians, Senegalese and more. That’s how you grow. 

7. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself as an entrepreneur? 

Everything in us can become an asset, even our so-called “flaws,” when used with purpose.  

The complexity of my mind and my personality have become my greatest strengths. They allow me to face adversity, evolve, and reinvent myself on my own terms. 

If you are a newcomer entrepreneur like Rhodie, click here  to learn more about Futurpreneur’s My Canadian Startup program presented by TD Bank.