Chicago native Darrell Spencer is redefining men’s grooming with a bold, holistic approach rooted in both style and self-confidence. While the beauty industry has long overlooked men—particularly Black men—Spencer saw an opportunity to change the narrative. Inspired by his upbringing in Chicago and driven by values of perseverance instilled by his father, he created Kings Crowning and, more recently, Crowned Skin, a luxe skincare line tailored for men. Blending shea butter, exotic oils, and masculine scents, the brand has already generated over $4M in sales since its 2024 launch. With deep roots in the city’s culture and a clear vision for the future, Spencer is building more than just a brand—he’s leading a movement toward inclusive beauty from the heart of Chicago.
Growing up in Chicago, how did your upbringing and experiences in the city shape your perspective on business and your passion for the hair and beauty industry.
Chicago taught me how to hustle smart. Everything here moves fast—you learn how to navigate real situations, read people, and make things happen with what you’ve got. That mindset shaped my approach to Crowned Skin. I built something that speaks directly to our people, because I am the customer. I know what it’s like to walk into stores and not see anything made with us in mind. So instead of waiting, I created it.
You had a successful career at major tech companies like Meta, Google, and LinkedIn. What inspired your transition from digital advertising to launching Kings Crowning and later, Crowned Skin?
I got tired of building for everyone else. After years in tech, running campaigns and making millions for other brands, I realized nobody was investing in us—especially not Black men in beauty and self-care. I knew how to grow brands, I understood the data, and more importantly, I had a vision. Crowned Skin started because I wanted to create products that made us feel seen. We deserve luxury too. I just applied everything I learned in tech to my own culture.
What inspired you to launch Crowned Skin, and what challenges did you see in the men’s beauty and skincare industry that you felt needed to be addressed?
Nobody was talking to us. Men’s skincare felt cold, boring, and disconnected. I wanted to flip that and make something that felt dope, smelled incredible, and actually worked. We took what people knew—body butters—and turned it into something that made you feel confident without needing cologne. The challenge wasn’t the product, it was the perception. A lot of guys didn’t grow up with a skincare routine. So we had to educate and inspire at the same time. Now, we’re leading the conversation.
Kings Crowning introduced “The Crown” as a modern alternative to traditional hair bonnets. What was the thought process behind this innovation, and how has it been received by your customers?
The Crown was born out of frustration. Bonnets didn’t feel like they were for us—especially not for Black men. I wanted to create something functional and fly. It had to protect textured hair, but also look good if you stepped outside. From day one, it clicked. Customers instantly felt like it was made for them, and that’s because it was. The response showed me that when you build with intention, people feel it.
You’re a strong advocate for Black men and emphasize the importance of a support system. How do you integrate this philosophy into your brand, and what initiatives are you working on to uplift the community?
Everything we do is rooted in representation. Crowned Skin isn’t just selling body butter—it’s selling confidence, pride, and presence. I make it a point to hire Black creatives, partner with Black influencers, and pour into people who come from where I come from. We’ve got plans to do more—pop-ups in underserved neighborhoods, mentorships, collabs with schools. This brand is bigger than products. It’s about ownership and legacy.
Crowned Skin’s rapid success is impressive. What strategies did you use to capture attention and create a loyal customer base so quickly?
We didn’t wait for permission. I understood how to make something go viral—strong visuals, real messaging, and products that speak for themselves. We tapped into culture, used storytelling to our advantage, and made people feel like they were a part of something fresh. We didn’t just sell skincare—we sold an experience. This didn’t happen overnight, but we stayed consistent and locked in on our mission.
As a visionary in the beauty and grooming space, what’s next for Crowned Skin? Are there any new products, partnerships, or long-term goals you can share?
We’re just getting started. New products are coming—colognes, more retail placements, and some fire collabs that’ll shake things up. Long term? We’re building an empire. I want Crowned Skin in every household, not just as a product, but as a brand that represents excellence, culture, and care for our people. We’re not chasing trends—we’re setting the standard
