We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daroya Mcalister a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Daroya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
DaRoyalWay was born from my own story. As a single mom and full-time student, I know what it feels like to give your all to everyone else and have little left for yourself. I started this brand to change that narrative. Not just for me, but for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, exhausted, or stuck.
Our mission is to help people feel like royalty – inside and out. That means skincare for sensitive skin, products that boost confidence, and digital tools that guide you toward your goals. For me, this work is personal. It’s about empowerment, self-worth, and showing others that you can build a life of beauty, strength, and purpose.. your way. That’s what DaRoyalWay is all about.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi, I’m the founder of DaRoyalWay, a beauty and lifestyle brand rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and self-worth. I started this business as a single mom and full-time student, navigating life, motherhood, and my own journey of personal growth. I wanted to create something that would not only support me and my son.. but also inspire others to love themselves through every phase of life.
DaRoyalWay is about more than just products: it’s a movement. We offer skincare essentials designed for sensitive skin, like our signature chapstick, motivational digital tools, and accessories that help people express confidence and royalty in their own way. Whether it’s a tote bag with affirmations or a digital guide for self-growth, everything we create is designed to uplift, inspire, and remind you of your value.
I got into this space because I was looking for representation and support. Products that worked for my skin, that made me feel beautiful without being overdone, and a brand that felt like it truly cared. I couldn’t find it: so I built it. From designing my own logos to packaging orders, I’ve built DaRoyalWay from the ground up with intention and heart.
What sets us apart is that we see people. Especially women and moms — as whole, powerful, and worthy of feeling royal every day. Our mission is deeply personal: we’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and beautiful — not just with your skin, but in your spirit. I know what it’s like to chase dreams while juggling responsibilities, and I want DaRoyalWay to be a brand that reminds you that you’re doing amazing — and you deserve to treat yourself like royalty while doing it.
I’m most proud of how far the brand has come, and how it’s connected me with others who share similar stories. Every message from someone who feels more confident or inspired because of something DaRoyalWay offers is a reminder that this work matters.
If you’re just discovering us, I want you to know this: DaRoyalWay is here for the real ones — the dreamers, the moms, the dads, the go-getters, the underdogs. We’re building something powerful, one product and one purpose-filled message at a time. And we’re just getting started.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my journey with DaRoyalWay came during a period when I was balancing full-time school, single motherhood, and launching my business all at once. There was a time when everything felt overwhelming—late nights studying, caring for my son, and managing every detail of building a brand from scratch.
I remember a particular evening when I stayed up past midnight packing orders after a long day of classes and parenting. I was exhausted, physically and emotionally drained, and doubting if I could keep up with it all. But then I thought about why I started this journey: to create something meaningful that would uplift not only myself but others who feel unseen or undervalued.
That purpose gave me the strength to push forward. I reminded myself that resilience isn’t about never feeling tired or overwhelmed; it’s about continuing despite those feelings. Every challenge became fuel to work harder, to be better, and to make DaRoyalWay a beacon for others juggling multiple roles and dreams.
That experience taught me that resilience is rooted in purpose, and with purpose, even the toughest days can lead to growth and success. Today, I’m proud to share that story as part of the heart behind DaRoyalWay — a brand created by someone who understands struggle but chooses to rise like royalty every day
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn on this journey was realizing that the people closest to me wouldn’t always be the ones to support my dreams and ambitions. Early on, I expected my family and friends to cheer me on as I built DaRoyalWay, but instead, I often faced doubt, misunderstanding, or silence. That was painful because I thought they would be my biggest fans.
There was a moment when I shared my vision and excitement about growing the brand, only to be met with skepticism or even discouragement. It hurt, but it also forced me to look elsewhere for support — in myself, in online communities, and among strangers who believed in my mission. I learned to trust my own voice and to surround myself with people who genuinely uplifted me, even if they weren’t in my immediate circle.
That experience taught me that sometimes, the path to success means standing strong on your own before others catch up. It’s a tough truth, but embracing it helped me build resilience, focus, and a deeper belief in my purpose. Now, I celebrate every small victory, knowing that the support I’ve earned means so much more because I fought for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daroyalway.com
- Instagram: @daroyalway
Image Credits
Popsy Boudoir