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

Royal, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Under Construxtion originally was the wording I used back in Bebo days whenever I needed a social media break (but of course I spelt construxtion the right way). It wasn’t until after I released the second book that I was able to put 2 and 2 together..

I remember writing my first book and I couldn’t think of a title to save my life. The book was finished and my book signing was being planned, but I needed the perfect title…Under Construxtion. I played with the spelling for a while because I wanted it to be unique. I tried construktion, construcktion, or the right way construction until someone close to me came up with the legendary “x” and I’ve been in love ever since.

I realized then that we as people are always under construxtion, no matter what area or stage of life. A ball player is under construxtion in the gym or on the field before they play; an artist is under construxtion in the studio before they perform; any style of writing or drawing is under construxtion before it is displayed; a building is under construxtion before it’s able to welcome people inside, and my life shows how I was and still am under construxtion because I’m still growing.

Under Construxtion is not just my book, my brand, or any business that I start…it’s mine and your lifestyle. My book (Under Construxtion: The Evolution) is meant to encourage you to heal and become your better self after a life change (mine was a relationship), my podcast (Under Construxtion: The Podcast) is meant to walk with you in the process of becoming our better selves in all areas of life, and the speaking engagements I speak at is meant to help uplift you.

Royal, 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?

Hindsight, I truly believe it was destined for me to be in the creative industry. As a child, I remember pretending I was teaching students or preaching to a congregation in my parents living room. Although I fluctuated between A and A/B honor roll in school, I often came home with a C in conduct due to talking. I originally went to The University of Alabama to be an attorney then switched to business administration, but communications won. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication specializing in Production Management. After graduation, I started directing music videos for local artists because I quickly realized that directing movies could sometimes result in me not getting paid if the movie tanked.

I was on site working with a local artist when his manager complimented my work ethic and asked if I could model one of her shirts at an event. Already having an amateur modeling background from a few years prior, I agreed. From that one show, I was thrown into the modeling industry full-time without an opportunity to mold myself. I joke a lot about the industry creating a monster because I became someone I couldn’t identify and I completely lost myself. Not just in the industry but also in a relationship that was a close connection to modeling. During my broken phase, my mom asked me if I was going to cry the rest of my life or do something about it. She always hinted towards me writing a book but I would have never thought in a million years that I would’ve actually done so. Here I am 6 years later: 1 brand, 2 books, a podcast, and several speaking engagements.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m here to solve a problem because I view problems as a speed bump. I’m here to assist individuals to get over that bump so they can propel themselves to greater. I aim to be relatable because no one wants to talk or hear from someone who they don’t feel understands them.

One of my proudest moments is when I started on that nasty healing journey. The determination, discipline, and empathy that came from it positioned me to aid others. Although I want anyone that reads my book (Under Construxtion: The Evolution), listen to my podcast (Under Construxtion: The Podcast), or attend any speaking engagement I speak at to leave encouraged…I more so want them to come positioned for change.

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

The most rewarding feature of being a creative is knowing the fruit of my labor will not be in vain. My literature, footage, and recordings will live beyond me and continue to change lives for the better.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I want to be effective. I want to impact lives for the better. Get someone to understand that they’re not broken, they’re just under construxtion. Give another person a reason to embrace the stage of construxtion they’re currently in. Remind someone that the concrete used to pour foundation for a home has to sometimes be reapplied for different reasons so it’s never too late to start over. My goal and mission is to assist in the maneuvering of becoming your better self.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.underconstruxtion.com
• Instagram: @authorroyalboles
• Facebook: Author Royal Boles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorroyalboles
• Other: 
• TikTok: @authorroyalboles
• Podcast website: https://bio.site/underconstruxtionpodcast
• Podcast IG and TikTok: @underconstruxtionpodcast
• Podcast Facebook: Under Construxtion: The Podcast
• Podcast Youtube: @underconstruxtionpodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzjNsgzI460s7fx4j9sLkQ

Image Credits
Reinard Scarbrough D Jerome Smedley Tywain Griffen