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Conversations with the Inspiring Shyona Royston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shyona Royston.

Shyona, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in the small city of Lansing, Michigan and I always had big dreams. I knew one day, I was going to be successful, coincidentally I was aspiring to be a WNBA basketball player and business owner but after a traumatic asthma attack in high school, my career was short-lived. Basketball was all I ever knew and I was such a tomboy, so let’s just say I had no fashion sense or style whatsoever. The interesting part is after moving to Atlanta for the business college, my peers and even strangers encouraged me to try modeling so I decided to go for it, one thing led to another, and eventually, it led to acting and even to where I am today. Through the journey of struggle, sacrifice, disappointment, setbacks, becoming a young single parent, I somehow still managed to make it thus far. Now, I’m not all the way where I want to be but I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunities to be featured in magazines, fashion shows, on TV shows, and even film. Now, mind you growing up I had a low self-esteem, lacked confidence, and even was bullied but during those times I took my frustration out on the basketball court. Through it all, it somehow led me to my brand class & confidence. What it means is that everything I do I implement just that Class|Confidence. If it doesn’t coincide with me and my brand, I usually will turn down the gig. So, in other words when you work with Shyona Royston you know you are getting classy, confident, raw, authentic, diverse content along with professionalism and a great personality. I am currently residing in Los Angeles with my daughter, I have my own business of 2 years called “The Intuitive Indigo”, I am producing a documentary, and I am continuously pursuing my acting & modeling career. I’ve learned many things on this journey, and I’ve had many experiences good and bad but through it all, I’ve learned that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. My life’s motto is: “If you can’t find a way, create one”. My biggest advice I would give to others is to: “Let your spirit guide you, and not the world we live in.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had many obstacles and struggles along my journey but I think the most difficult was having the lack of support. This industry has a lot of ups and downs and it’s hard for people to understand how to stay sane when it’s down. It’s literally like if you don’t want it bad enough I encourage you to find something else you love to do because it’s tough and it takes a brave and strong person to endure the amount of rejection, yet still keep going. I remember being an extra on set for 3 days straight literally 10-15 hour days and pulling over on the side of the highway crying my eyes out questioning myself why I wasn’t progressing fast enough. It was a lot of pressure being a young single mother trying to pursue a career in this industry, with people telling you how you should be living your life with a child. My advice would be to keep going and never give up on your goals and dreams. Don’t allow people to tell you how to live your life, be brave, take chances, and believe in yourself. Know that everything you need is already within you, literally, everything.

what should we know about Class | Confidence? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an actress, model, & business owner. A few highlights in my entertainment career include features on She’s Got Game VH1, All Eyez On Me, Survivors Remorse, Vampire Diaries, Empire, Zane “Twisted Entrapment” Book Cover, Elle UK Magazine, etc. I appreciate the fact that I stayed true to myself and my brand thus far because it isn’t easy to in an industry that’s ready to change you. What sets me apart from others is my spirit and my ambition. I’m a rare breed in my eyes and I am more than what meets the eye.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Yes, my favorite book “The Seat of the Soul” as well as “Indigo Adults” these two literally helped me put my life into perspective and it set the foundation for a lot of things in my business.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

PhotobyJamx, GeenoMizelli, Marjoni, Krish Photos, Getty Images, Rious Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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