We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elijah Royal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elijah, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

My very first big client was with Hydroxycut. I’ll never forget walking into the studio not knowing what was really going on and, very nervous. One of my best friends had asked me to come assist them to be the lead hairstylist so I did. Come to find out it was for a Hydroxycut photo shoot for the product best known for boosting ones metabolism. I was very excited once I realized what I was really doing. I had so many ideas running through my head. Making something out of nothing is what I love about being a Hairstylist. They were very impressed which brought me joy. It was such a rush having to come up with multiple looks off the top of my head. I wouldn’t trade that day for anything.

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?

My story starts with a little boy that was raised in a hair salon. Both my mother and father were professional cosmetologists. They had the first African American hair salon in downtown Seattle. Needles to say, I was there all the time so it was my second home. I was always fascinated with anything involving style. Watching my parents whip up hair so fast was my version of Disney channel. My parents were well known all over the city. My father use to do celebrity hair and fly all over the country. At that age, I was completely unaware of the potential my environment was cultivating for my future endeavors. Fast forward to present day, I recognize the influence my parent’s passion had on my life and the impact on my desire to follow in their footsteps.

So my journey continued with me asking my father to bring home a mannequin to practice on. My challenge was mimicking hair styles I would see at church. Play time outside went to play time inside. From there on all I did was play with that mannequin. I taught myself how to braid, curl, color, style etc. The kids on my street would come to me for braids all the time. At that time men doing hair wasn’t that popular, but I didn’t care they all still came. From braids I graduated to extensions and began to master it. I was well-known throughout high school for my extensions aka hair weaves. That became one of my favorite things to do.

Once I graduated high school, I moved to California, and continued my journey. I worked at Macys while doing hair on the side. The more I did hair the more I fell in love with my craft. From there, I enrolled into cosmetology school. I knew exactly what I wanted to to do. After finishing hair school I started working on numerous photo shoots and music videos. I also worked with up-and-coming artist as well as established artists such as Joyce Bonelli. I was living my dream. Soon after, I began working on movie sets. My first big movie I ever worked on was Love and Death which is currently streaming on HBO Max.

At this point in my journey, I can say I’m truly proud of the skills I’ve attained with wigs, color, and extensions! It’s beautiful to make something out of nothing on a blank canvas and the process is a form of therapy for me. One challenge that I came across when I first started working on movie sets was trying not to be so polished. I was so use to photoshoots and music videos where you have to be precise and pristine. I had to learn to be flexible, reason being I was working on what they call period pieces. There was a natural learning curve, but I adapt quickly and before I knew it, I was able to accomplish the looks needed for the roles.

One thing I like to tell people is to never give up on their dreams and allow God to guide them towards their purpose. I use to be slightly insecure in my gift but over time, I’ve grown more confident which has ultimately opened many doors of opportunity. In addition, I love being able to assist people in realizing the beauty they behold; many in which never embraced before. I’d say that’s what sets me apart from others; seeing the potential in an individual and bringing it to life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Before my father passed away in 2014, he would always tell me, “Son, you’re going to do way better than I did, and I’m proud of you!” His words have pushed me along, through all the challenges and now I aim to go even further by owning my own business. Ultimately, I want to provide my customers and clients a brand of premium hair that represents me as an artist; exceptional in quality, integral, and sustainable.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a Creative is the freedom to express yourself! If I’m upset I can be creative, If I’m happy I can be creative etc. One doesn’t have to be confined to one thing or placed in a box.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @elijahscrownn

Image Credits
Tyren Redd