Photographed by Renzo Navarro.
Whether it’s her career in real estate or her upcoming creative pursuits, Chong shares that what fuels her is “the desire to make a positive impact by blending my passions with my entrepreneurial spirit”
When looking back on the inspirations that pushed her to be the realtor and developer she is today, Rhea Camille Chong shares that it was seeing her entrepreneurial parents in action that taught her the values of integrity and independence.
Laying the foundations
“Initially, being a realtor and developer was just an opportunity I wanted to explore, but as I delved deeper, I discovered a genuine passion for the field that ignited a fire within me,” Chong shares. Despite the budding matchmaker’s tenacity, the early days of ascending through a male-dominated industry were challenged quite early by the stereotypes and biases that placed doubt on her potential.
Yet, despite the hearsay, these same capabilities allowed her to go from closing studio apartments to commercial buildings. “One pivotal moment stands out to me vividly: the day I closed my first major deal,” she recalls. “The exhilaration I had in that moment felt like it was not just the culmination of the effort I put in, but more like an affirmation and a lesson in perseverance and self-belief.”
As she continued to develop her skills in the field, Chong later decided to pursue her career independently through her eponymous brand, Rhealtor. “I help people find more than just houses— I want to help them build homes, futures, and financial freedom. I always make sure to lead with service, close with excellence, and grow through consistency. As a matchmaker and negotiator for my clients, I learned the value of being knowledgeable in market trends and of having strong and genuine relationships with my clients and real estate partners.”
Moving in
All while the realtor and developer was growing both her portfolio and her business, Chong’s personal Instagram served as the medium for her to develop a facet as a lifestyle creator. “My parents were in the clothing business, so I had the privilege of wearing pieces from our own brands, later sparking my creativity,” she shares.
Maximizing the platform during its early popularity, Chong then saw an opportunity to post her outfits that styled pieces from her family’s clothing lines, later leading to other brands reaching out to collaborate.
“Because of these experiences, I learned how to slowly turn my passions into a career,” she explains, referencing her jet-set lifestyle and the opportunities it has opened for her creative pursuits. “My unintentional path as a lifestyle creator and influencer has been a beautiful surprise, one that has not only enriched my life but has also opened doors in my real estate career.”
While remaining focused on the growth of her career as a realtor and developer, the entrepreneur is already looking forward to seeing her passions come to fruition in the near future, starting with her corporate clothing brand Camilla Atelier. She also teased the arrival of Café 17, a passion project shared between her and her husband, which centers its identity on conversation-driven ambiance through communal spaces. “We believe that food brings people together. We want to cultivate an inviting atmosphere that encourages gatherings, whether it’s hosting parties, meetings, or simply enjoying a relaxing moment with friends.”
As she reflects on the lessons amassed from her multi-faceted career, Chong hopes to see a future where the next generation grows not only through their supportive networks but in the belief they have for themselves.
“As we continue to amplify women’s voices, we will create ripples that will then inspire the next generation of female leaders. Together, we can cultivate a culture that celebrates creativity, community, and the beauty of pursuing our dreams.”
Photography by Renzo Navarro. Written by Liam Biteng. Art direction by Lara Castaneda. Styling by Cath Sobrevega. Account manager Mia Laurel. Project implemented by Esab Raymundo.
