Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Knight.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In the summer of 2017, I wanted to find a way to say thank you to all of the black women in my life (personally and professionally) that have guided me through my journey. With that idea, I came up with my first bracelet called Queen 2 Queen. I used specific colors that represent joy, creativity, love, and compassion and added the crown as a signature piece. It was a way to remind each other how important it is to support and inspire each other and treat each other as queens. After that bracelet, my friends started asking me about men’s bracelets so I designed My Brothers’ Keeper. With a lion as the signature piece, it is a reminder to black men that they are resilient, strong, and so necessary for our communities regardless of what the media or other people say. That it is important for them to support and protect each other and the people within their communities. From those two bracelets, I have expanded to four other bracelets (Royalty, My Sisters Keeper, MBK/Bloodline and N.O.L.A). Each bracelet having its own meaning and purpose. Although it may seem like it, none of my bracelets are gender specific. We also carry t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, hoodies and soon swimwear, hats, and tank tops. The colors of my clothing are bright and vibrant and are significant in meaning and so are the designs and words that come on them. My company is about empowering, inspiring, unifying and reminding black men and women that we come from Royalty, that we are strong and powerful and it’s imperative that we support each other.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say my journey has been smooth but I’ve been lucky to have help along the way. Starting a business is hard. It takes time and patience and the understanding that for some time, you’ll be investing a lot of time and money in yourself but the return on that investment won’t come overnight. As for advice, I’d tell them don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. It’s YOUR journey and regardless of how long it may take to get to the “top” stay focused. Keep people around you that support you and cheer you on. Seeing your dream come to fruition is so rewarding so don’t ever give up.
What should we know about Royal Court 4 Us? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in jewelry and apparel that is meant to empower and uplift those who wear them. I’m most proud of the quality, consistency, and uniqueness of my brand. What sets me apart is I’m a small black-owned business that uses a small black-owned business as a supplier, uses black models and hires black men and women within the company. I make sure I do my best to have our dollar circulate within my small community so other people can be successful.
From the colors of all of my products, the notes you receive with some of the bracelets and the people that I work with, my products are the tangible items that carry out the mission and vision of my company.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice is to find someone who’s been where you’re going and that you trust. A mentor must understand that there’s room for everyone and it’s not a competition. As for networking, you have to get your face and name out there however, this is easier said than done. I work a full-time job so finding the time to devote to my company can be difficult sometimes. What’s worked for me is having a friend like LaCrystal. She’s the owner of LeBombshell and has been my mentor and friend throughout this journey. She’s given me advice, helped design some of my pieces, traveled with me to events, etc. Having someone like that in your corner makes the journey more fun!
Pricing:
- Bracelets are $20
- Shirts, hoodies, and long sleeves are from $20 -$35
- Swimsuits, hats and tank tops will be from $20-35
Contact Info:
- Website: www.royalcourt4us.com
- Phone: 678-464-6582
- Email: royalcourt4us@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
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