We had the good fortune of connecting with A. Shiree and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A. Shiree, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been a creative, free spirit…taking things once/already made and changing them. Reinventing to make it my own, unique rather. I absolutely hated corporate America and definitely wasn’t about that cubicle life. It was draining my spirit and repetitive. I’ve always enjoyed variety and wanted to do something more fulfilling, you know, achieve my own dreams and aspirations; Build my own empire instead of putting blood, sweat and tears into building someone else’s. Then on top of that I’m a mom and need to be flexible. Keeping all of that in mind lead me to current career endeavors. Design and art has always been a positive outlet for me and being a licensed Cosmetologist and running my companies have allowed me to do just that. I am an artist in my own lane with creativity that reaches beyond the stars so you never know what I’m going to come up with next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a licensed Cosmetologist and I have been self- employed since 2011. With learning the hair industry and having a large sew-in based clientele I decided to start a company which I later considered a black umbrella company, called Suspended Royalty LLC. Under Suspended Royalty, I started a hairline called The Royal Collection (www.yourroyalcollection.com), specializing in virgin hair extensions. While branding The Royal Collection, I was having a hard time finding quality, professional t-shirt printing at a reasonable price. So I’m like wait a minute I can do this myself! Quarantine was upon us and I had nothing but time lol. My sis mailed me a Cricut and I grabbed a heat press and got busy creating the first promo shirts for The Royal Collection. Once I learned how to work the Cricut I started creating a bunch of other designs for my family and myself. I then made a few church shirts for my mom’s church and this all birthed my secondary business, The Royal-Tee Co.(www.royalteecompany.com) Getting to where I am professionally has definitely been a journey. There have been plenty of long nights and wet eyes lol…but that doesn’t count out all the laughs, wins, and tears of joy. This is still the beginning of my journey and I am learning lessons regularly. One thing i want the world to know is my brand will one day be a household name.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
ohhh we are definitely eating! Dallas has some of the best food. We at Aunt Irene’s Kitchen, Catfish Smith’s , or Sweet Georgia Brown’s at dinner, Rudy’s chicken or The BBQ truck at lunch…They have amazing tacos at Fuel City Downtown 24/7! Before Covid-19 we hung out in bars all over the metro-plex…lower Greenville, Addison, Uptown and Deep Ellum were some of our favorite areas…the drink specials were always on deck! Bowling at Pin Stack or pool at Main Event is always a good time…and Go-Kart racing on a 3 level track at Andretti’s in the Colony is a guaranteed good night. And we can’t forget about the Improv Comedy Clubs because who don’t like to laugh lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is definitely a great support system behind all that I do. My husband offers me more support than a little and is amazing at filling in when needed. He’s there to help with the kids when I’m busy, hold the camera when I need another hand, wipe my tears when I’m frustrated and push me when I need to be pushed. My best friends are also business owners and amazing motivators and mentors. My siblings and parents have supported my dreams since day one making it all possible. Everything I do is for my children, they are all the drive I need to succeed.

Website: www.yourroyalcollection.com, www.royalteecompany.com
Instagram: @myroyalhair, @_royaltee.company, @a.shireehair
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myroyalhaircollection, http://www.facebook.com/RTee.company, http//www.facebook.com/a.shireehair

Image Credits
A.Shiree

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.