Meet Cylinda Nesmith Davison

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cylinda Nesmith Davison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cylinda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was raised on a farm in a small town called Nesmith, SC. Even though we had “hired hands” I always saw my grandparents, uncles and aunts work along side the hired hands. I learned at a very young age that hard work, dedication, resilience and teamwork were there essential to obtaining desired goals. My grandmother started teaching me to hand sew around 6 years old. We used to cut up old clothing to make quilts. I started making clothing for my dolls, then for myself by the time I was in the 6th grade. I feel in love with sewing. It gave me something else to do rather than just work in the fields. I saved my money earned from working in the fields during Summer to put fabrics on lay-away at the local BC Moore’s store. By the time I was in high school, I was sewing nearly all of my clothing for school, pageants, prom as well clothing for people in the community. I would stay up all night sewing just to have a new outfit for the next day!
When I was about to graduate high school, I told the counselor that I wanted to study fashion design. She advised me to study in the medial field or be a secretary. I tried, but was not happy. Fashion school was so expensive, but I was determined. I joined the Army National Guard so that the GI Bill could help me pay for college. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Atlanta to study fashion at Bauder Fashion College. I loved it!! Every semester, I strived for my designs to be on display. I was hired by two of my professors who had fashion collections, which led to more doors opening. I worked as a tailor in high end boutiques and bridal stores. I recall on one of my jobs, I was the youngest and the only English speaking person. I really had to learn quickly and work hard to prove that I deserved a chance. I was in a secret competition daily. But in the end, I learned the most of my tailoring skills here and eventually promoted to Assistant Manager.
My first business, Royalty Children’s Wear, was inspired by a local children’s boutique. I was a subcontractor for this boutique where I made most of their clothing from my home and delivered to their warehouse. One day I ventured into their retail store and saw the retail prices for the clothing that I was making in my basement….I was distraught! I gave myself six months to start my own business. I still have this business today, 26 years later as The Royalty Collection. The Royalty Collection is a wholesale only collection of heirloom quality baby gift items such as baby bibs, blankets, bonnets, etc that is purchased by other businesses who specialize in personalized keepsakes.
With 911, business took a drastic hit. I was struggling to stay afloat. One day a friend asked me to fill in for her as a tailor on a movie set. I closed my business for a day and the rest is history! I continued to sell my collection online, but Ive since traveled all over the country and Cuba working on movies. To name a few, X-men First Class, Fast and the Furious 5, 6, & 8, Passengers, The Hunger Games, Godzilla, Red Notice, Coming to America 2, Assistant Costume Designer for the movie “Bessie”, Black Panther 2/Wakanda Forever, and so on.
I was so privileged to be a Costume Creator for the Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Las Vegas 2024, and recently travel to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as an assistant stylist to actor/comedian, Leslie Jones.
While continuing to work on films and special projects, I started a second business, ROYALTY DESIGN HOUSE. This is where I get to express a lot of my joy for fashion and accessories, as well as implement some of the styling that I’ve learned over the years working in film.
We are a boutique filled with all types of accessories for all occasions. I truly enjoy shopping for accessories, stying the displays and mostly, helping customers with the latest trends. We’ve also started having fashion shows twice a year to show our customers how to be versatile and stylish with accessories on a budget. So when I’m not working on a film, this is where you will find me.

I feel very fortunate to have had a grandmother to teach me what was such a basic skill….a family that was dedicated and hardworking and showed me how to make the best of every opportunity…no matter how big or how small.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My passion for fashion has led me to ROYALTY DESIGN HOUSE. This business started as a gift and monogramming shop. We had purchased a monogramming machine to monogram samples for another business in a different location.. We moved to a larger location and just thought that it was a no brainer to open a gift and monogramming business with a few fashion accessories. Well…I learned within a few months, that monogramming did not interest the majority of the people coming in the store. I was a little disappointed because I had invested in this monogram machine that wasn’t hardly being used. But then I was happy, because I really enjoyed purchasing the accessories. So now here was my chance to use this space to display more items that I really loved. And as time progressed, I turned the store into a handbags and accessories boutique. I am now able to express my love fashion thru bold statement accessories.
I am excited about ROYALTY DESIGN HOUSE because here I am able to use some of my designing and stying skills that I have learned thru years of working with some to the top Hollywood actors and actress in film/tv with my customers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love live music, so City Winery. There are so many wonder places to eat here and catch a live show or two. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of my most favorite places to visit during the early Summer. It’s just so beautiful and peaceful. There’s the beer garden, where you can grad a quick beer to quince your thirst after walking and there’s also a great restaurant on the property. It’s also a great place for photoshoot! The Atlanta Belt Line is a must visit. No matter the budget, taste, or diet, you can find something to eat and drink. It’s great for families. Kids can take their skates. I can spend the whole day here!
For a staycation, I like the big Marriott Marquis in downtown. The interior design is really cool. There are several bars and restaurants. Also, there is a bridge connection to the Hilton Hotel for event more food and entertainment options.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first shout out is to my mother, Mary Nesmith Davis. She took care of my daughter so that I could move to Atlanta to pursue my passion for fashion. She has been nothing but supportive throughout my life and I would truly not be here if it wasn’t for her sacrifice. I would also like to thank Cindy Ganoe. She saw my talents very early in Fashion School and opened the door for me to enter into the television and film world.

Website: Www.royaltydesignhouse.com

Instagram: @Royaltydesignhouse

Facebook: @Royaltydesignhouse

Youtube: @Royaltydesignhouse

Other: Email:royaltydesignhouse@gmail.com