We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Princess Riddick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Princess below.

Hi Princess, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I was vending at a school in Southeast for one of their afterschool events. Typically when you vend or sell products at school events, depending on the environment or location of the school and timing of the event, you may or may not receive a lot of sales. However, that’s okay with me because I simply love connecting with families and having children see that someone who looks like them is succeeding in other professional realms than your usual 9-5.

As I was vending and vibing with everyone, I made some sales here and there but I didn’t quite hit my goal just yet. Then all of a sudden, one of the educators in the building came over (she loves earrings), and she purchased several pair. She then said, “Add $100 on top of my purchase.” I couldn’t believe it. I have never received an extra payment along with a purchase before so I’m sure you can imagine my shock. She went on to explain that she’s proud of what I’m doing, she’s sees my talent, and she wants to invest in me. From one Black woman to another, it felt so validating to know that my creativity garnered such a genuine response and I was so thankful in that moment. She also went to another vendor and extended the same generosity. My heart was filled and my spirit smiled.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been a creative person. From drawing, to writing, to dancing, and now jewelry, creativity was always around me and in me. When you see the tagline, “Not just a brand but an artistry”, it’s because Official Royal Watch is all encompassing. It represents me as a creative in all aspects of my mind and how I show up.

Dance has always been a big part of my life since I was seven, and it’s also included within my brand. I’ve done workshops, donated dance classes to schools, conducted private sessions, choreographed for events, and much more.

With polymer clay, which is a fairly new addition to my creativity and artistry, I’ve been able to expand my reach more nationally. I started with polymer clay in 2018 because I wanted to create pieces that fit whatever mood I was in. I felt that when I went shopping for jewelry, there was nothing that quite stood out from the rest. Additionally, after a trip to ALDO, I realized I didn’t want to pay money for items that would break when you dropped them. I chose polymer clay because of its durability and flexibility. I still have pieces that I made when I first started seven years ago.

The thing that sets Official Royal Watch apart from other brands is the intention. I hadn’t expected to make this into a business. I simply wanted to create and share. It wasn’t until friends and family mentioned paying me to design an earring for them that I even thought about profiting from this creative practice. At times, I still don’t. It’s an outlet for me that just so happens to serve as a connector to others who love what I make and want to purchase it. I am inspired by so much when my hands touch the clay. From fashion, to books, to architecture, and interior design, I’m inspired by it all.

I am most proud of the support that I have encountered on this journey. Having repeat clients/customers and meeting new people who speak life and positivity over both ORW and myself, have been the highlight of my time thus far. When you support Official Royal Watch, you’re not just buying handmade jewelry or booking a dance class, you’re creating peace of mind for a creative in a world of chaos.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me is the fact that it’s a therapeutic process. I can just sit in my chair, at my workspace, throw on some music, and just get lost in polymer clay.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I had to unlearn is that you don’t have to be everywhere to be seen. When I first started, I wanted to be at every pop-up possible to get myself out there and share my jewelry. I quickly learned how exhausting and expensive participating in pop-ups can be. For one event, I had to get there at 11 am to set up, the event started at 2pm, and then you wrap up at midnight. That’s an all-day venture and hopefully someone is with you for bathroom breaks. No, you have to formulate a plan for yourself that works alongside your goals. If you have a retail business, think of participating in a retail space. That brings both exposure and stability to your brand that doesn’t require you to have to move around so much. I currently sale my items at three retail locations in Washington, DC. If you’re a service-based business, find established businesses that you can collaborate with and offer your service to their clients. Always look for stability within your practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.officialroyalwatch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialroyalwatch

Image Credits

Photographer: Hawa Maya (photo with sequin blazer)