We recently connected with Alexia McKay and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexia, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea of RoyalTee Magazine was developed over a series of chapters in my life. Growing up, I was a very imaginative child. I loved to read, I was a huge bookworm. I started reading full novels by the time I was 11 and I also loved to write. I would pen short stories and poetry. Looking back I found it to be therapeutic and discovered how invested and passionate I was about learning about others. It’s a passion that paved the way for my journalistic career ahead, including RoyalTee, which I was unknowingly developing.

While attending Florida A&M University, I majored in magazine production and during my tenure there, I developed the desire to create my own publication. I would discuss with friends and family. However, I did not act on this desire until a few years later while working as a television producer. What really sparked the flame was my observation of Black and brown media coverage in the news or its lack thereof. As a Black journalist, I understood that the power of media and how it can shape individuals and communities and influence the perceptions of people, but not only the facts but images and narrative angles. I wanted to create a platform that provided accurate reporting and representation of the African American and minority communities. Additionally, I wanted to create a platform that highlighted minority women and men across the country through professional, personal and social ventures, as well as spread awareness to issues specific to Black communities- hence the official birth of RoyalTee in 2015. The first, official issue of the magazine did not make its debut until 2018.

RoyalTee itself stands for To Triumph, To Evolve, To Be Elite. The name is an affirmation of what we should be seeking to achieve in ourselves everyday. We should seek to triumph, especially in the midst of our storms. Our greatest wins cam come from what we *thought* were failures. Those triumphs could be professional, financial, spiritual or mental. Evolve through those experiences and personal growth, and seek to strive to your fullest potential and purpose, becoming elite. Representation is very important personally and to RoyalTee’s brands. I always tell people you never how you story or testimony could inspire someone else.

Alexia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I been working in the journalism/media industry for over a decade. My love for reading and writing and telling stories was the fuel that got me interested in the industry. I have always been very inquisitive, I have always loved telling stories and learning new things about people, places, and moments. While attending FAMU, I started working as a magazine writer for the Tallahassee Magazine and a news reporter and editor for the university’s newspaper, the FAMUAN. From there, I went on to work in the broadcast industry as a television producer at CBS, FOX, ABC, and Spectrum news affiliates. After leaving television in 2019, I started working as a freelance writer and editor for a Black-owned, Florida-based publication called the Florida Courier and writing celebrity, and entertainment news for lifestyle, and parenting outlet, Romper.

During this time, I was also building and developing RoyalTee Enterprises, LLC., which is what RoyalTee Magazine is under and I am most proud of in my career thus far. and personally. As mentioned before, RoyalTee stands for ‘To Triumph, To Evolve, To Be Elite’. We highlight millennial and younger people of color who are breaking barriers and making strides in business, arts, and humanitarian work through their career and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Additionally, I love mentoring and helping younger journalists and I occasionally collaborate with organizations to provide media coaching.

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

Unlearning not to be disappointed in failures and understanding that those shortcomings are part of my growth as an entrepreneur, as a journalist, and as a woman. Growing up I was the kid who cried about getting a C on a report card. This is a lesson I am still unlearning daily from a professional aspect to a personal one. And in return, learning to be more patient with myself and celebrate the small accomplishments.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media (specifically Instagram) and word of mouth. I value networking and appreciate my inner and outer circle and having supporters and friends/family who can not only uplift you but also tell someone else about you. It’s like the phrase, ‘ having your name in a room you haven’t walked in yet.’ The professional relationships I have been able to foster with other journalists, publicists, and influencers in the industry also are a constant source of clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.royalteemagazine.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/royalteemag
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexiaMcKayProducer/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-mckay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexiaMcKayProd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHg3Z0_XBtHUVqz2x-_DfAg/featured
• Other: Personal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe9PTARpZ-FkN6MYHTRDebw Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexie_dominique90/

Image Credits
Courtesy of Alexia McKay