Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Johnson.
Hi Mariah , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Grand Blanc, Michigan, a small town where creativity and self-expression were always part of my upbringing. After high school, I moved to Denton, Texas, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Marketing at the University of North Texas. Following graduation, I worked at Neiman Marcus, where I gained valuable insight into the luxury retail industry while applying to graduate programs.
Not long after, I was accepted into Hult International Business School and made the leap to London, England and within a month, I was living abroad. I spent the next three years in London, where I fell in love with the city’s charm, culture, and fashion. It was there that Royale was born. A luxury womenswear and menswear brand my brother and I co-founded, rooted in heritage, quality, and modern elegance.
Fashion has always been a part of our story. Growing up, we matched our mother and father every day. Style was never just about clothes, it was how we communicated who we were. Launching Royale felt like a natural extension of that. Now, we’re preparing to fully debut our brand, offering extravagant, well-crafted statement pieces. This includes matching mens and womenswear sets that celebrate bold personal style and timeless craftsmanship.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. It has been anything but a clear road. While I was finishing my bachelor’s degree, COVID-19 hit and, like most people, my life was completely turned upside down. After graduation, I worked for a few months and ended up applying to grad school at the very last minute. I was accepted just before the deadline, and within a few weeks, I had to pack my things and move to London. I had no savings and no pre-planning. It was definitely an impulse decision, but I knew it was something I had to do.
I had never been to London before, and I had never traveled abroad alone. So, to say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I had to navigate a new city, build a social life from scratches an introvert, and adapt to a completely new environment. Even simple things like a faster walking pace was normalised.
My grad school experience was incredibly diverse, and for that I’m truly grateful. It was the first time I got to collaborate and form friendships with people from so many different countries, cultures, and languages. That experience really changed the way I view the world. As Americans, we sometimes grow up thinking we’re the center of the universe. But when you fully immerse yourself in other cultures, you realize how many different and beautiful ways there are to live, to think, and to navigate the world.
That’s what I loved most about London. You could experience a dozen cultures just by walking down the street. On any given tube ride, you’d hear French, Italian, English, Chinese, Spanish, and Shona all in one carriage. London taught me to be resilient. It challenged me to figure things out, to define what really matters, and to keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multi-disciplinary creative and entrepreneur, and my work lives at the intersection of luxury fashion and fine art. I’m the co-founder of Royale, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand that I run with my brother. Our focus is on creating timeless, statement-making pieces that blend heritage-inspired design with modern flair. Every garment is crafted with intention, from the quality fabrics to the fit, because we believe clothing should be wearable art, something to treasure and pass down.
What sets Royale apart is our deep-rooted love for self-expression and storytelling through style. Growing up, my brother and I matched our parents every day. Fashion wasn’t just about looking good, it was about feeling confident being yourself. That energy lives in our designs today. Royale celebrates individuality, opulence, and confidence, offering matching sets and unique pieces that invite wearers to embrace their personal style like royalty.
Alongside Royale, I’m also the founder of Everything Artsy Co., where I create abstract and mixed media artwork. My art has been featured in publications like British Vogue and Voyage Dallas, and I’ve worked with clients around the world on custom pieces. My specialty lies in textures, embellishments, and emotionally driven color palettes that bring boldness and softness into one space.
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve built both brands with heart. Nothing has been fast or easy, but I’ve stayed true to the vision. Whether it’s a couture blazer or a large-scale painting, everything I create is meant to inspire confidence, beauty, and originality. I want people to feel something, and more importantly, to see themselves reflected in my work.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is legacy. As an African American woman, I’m not chasing fame or recognition. I care far more about the impact of my work than being known for it. I want my designs and my art to speak for themselves. I want the next generation, especially little boys and girls of any background, to know that they can accomplish anything no matter where they come from.
One of my long-term goals is to create a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing young creatives. Being a creative without guidance can feel very overwhelming and solitary. There is no blueprint, and everyone’s path is different. For many Black and brown kids, the arts are not even presented as a viable option. There is often no real support or exposure to what is possible. In many households, being creative is seen as a hobby or a waste of time, not a future to invest in. Unless it is sports or STEM, dreams are often dismissed.
I want to help change that. I want to create space where talent is not only recognized but nurtured, guided, and celebrated. Our stories deserve to be told, and the world needs to see the beauty we bring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://royale-london.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royale__london/
- Other: https://www.everythingartsyco.com
