The Clark Atlanta University alum and Alpha Phi Alpha member discusses brotherhood, building GREY AREA Brand, and why entrepreneurship is a long game that requires faith.
Rodney Johnson is the founder of GREY AREA Brand, a fashion line that bridges the gap between everyday basics and luxury streetwear. After spending nearly two decades in corporate America, Johnson left to pursue entrepreneurship on his own terms. A Clark Atlanta University graduate and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he’s building a brand rooted in quality, accessibility, and community. Here, he shares lessons from his HBCU experience, the realities of entrepreneurship, and what keeps him motivated through the challenges.
What HBCU did you attend, and what three key lessons or principles did you learn there that continue to strengthen and guide you as an entrepreneur? How do you apply those principles in your daily life and business journey?
I attended Clark Atlanta University, where I developed the foundation for my entrepreneurial mindset. Three key principles continue to guide me today: the power of networking, the courage to dream big, and the belief in “find a way or make one,” which is CAU’s school motto that essentially means to never give up. Clark Atlanta taught me that success is built through community and persistence. I can actively lean on my network for guidance, collaboration, and opportunity, which has helped me avoid common pitfalls and move with greater confidence in my business journey.
What does sisterhood, brotherhood, or community engagement mean to you as an HBCU alum and business leader? What three core principles keep you grounded in your relationships and your work?
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., brotherhood and community engagement are central to who I am as a leader. To me, they represent service, integrity, and collective growth. I believe leadership is about uplifting others, doing business with trust and accountability, and creating opportunities that allow everyone to succeed.
What are the top three things that motivate you to be an entrepreneur? How do you stay encouraged, even on challenging days?
After spending almost two decades in corporate America, I was motivated to pursue entrepreneurship by a desire for purpose, fulfillment, and ownership of my time and vision. Building something meaningful on my own terms drives me every day. I stay encouraged through my faith and trust that everything works together for good, even during challenging seasons. Additionally, hearing stories of other entrepreneurs who were on the brink of quitting before reaching success keeps my journey in perspective and reminds me to keep going.
How did you choose your industry, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally to be a leader in this field as an HBCU graduate?
I chose my industry because of my lifelong love for fashion. It’s an authentic expression of who I am and something that genuinely fulfills me, which makes creating and selling products in this space feel natural. It means a lot for me to be in this space because there are very few HBCU graduates who have successfully occupied this field on a large scale. I am determined to scale my brand and show what is possible while opening doors for others to follow.
How did you choose the name of your business or organization, and what significance does it hold for your mission and the work you do?
The mission of my business comes from a personal gripe as a consumer. The name GREY AREA Brand represents the space between everyday basics and luxury streetwear, which has always been hard for me to find. So, I created the brand to bridge the gap between quality garments that feel premium and prices that remain accessible. GREY AREA reflects balance, classic silhouettes with modern design, a strong focus on fit and quality, and pieces that blend effortlessly into your wardrobes.
What would you like people to know about supporting your business? What is one tangible action readers can take today to support you?
I want people to know that I genuinely care about every aspect of the customer experience from packaging to fast shipping and satisfaction. For me, it is not just about profit. It’s about building a brand with longevity and a loyal community. Aside from making a purchase at www.greyareabrand.com, one simple way to support is to follow @greyareabrand_ on Instagram.
What would you tell aspiring entrepreneurs, especially fellow HBCU graduates, about the real difficulties and challenges of entrepreneurship that people don’t always talk about?
I’d tell entrepreneurs, especially fellow HBCU graduates, to expect more losses than wins in the beginning. Entrepreneurship is a long game, and success rarely comes quickly. If you start expecting immediate profit or widespread support, you will likely quit shortly after starting.
When you’re facing a difficult day, what do you say or do to remind yourself that you can keep going and show up again tomorrow?
On difficult days, I remind myself that every experience is a lesson or a blessing. That perspective keeps me grounded and focused on growth instead of setbacks. One thing that I know for certain is that God is in control.
After you’ve reached a milestone or hosted a successful event, what is your favorite way to relax, unwind, and celebrate?
After reaching a milestone or hosting a successful event, I like to personally thank everyone who helped make it happen. I take pride in being self-sufficient, so when others show up and support me, it means a lot. Expressing gratitude is my way of celebrating.
How do you maintain motivation and optimism during the ups and downs of running your business?
I am naturally optimistic, so maintaining motivation comes instinctively. I honestly do not know any other way to be.
What is your favorite quote or mantra that keeps you grounded and focused when times get tough?
My favorite mantra is “Everything happens the way it’s supposed to.” I truly believe in my product and trust that success is a matter of time. That belief keeps me focused, confident, and committed, even when the journey gets challenging. “God got me” is another mantra that keeps me grounded.
Why is self-care important for entrepreneurs, and how do you prioritize your well-being while growing your business?
Self-care is essential for everyone, but especially entrepreneurs because you cannot lead, create, or serve others effectively if you are not well yourself, mentally, physically, or spiritually. Prioritizing well-being allows me to show up fully and sustain long-term growth in my business.
Why is teamwork important for entrepreneurs, and how do you build and maintain strong partnerships or collaborations in your business?
Early on, I tried to do everything myself and would jokingly refer to myself as a “one man band,” but I quickly learned that entrepreneurship is stronger with a team. Surrounding yourself with experts and trusting them to do what they do best leads to better results and less stress. I build strong partnerships by operating with honesty, transparency, and respect, which creates trust and lasting working relationships.
