Before Veeroyal, there was Donisha, the little madame!

If you’re Dominican (from Dominica, the nature island), you know exactly what I mean when I call somebody a little madam. Not necessarily too grown for their age. Not rude or troublesome. Just… a little madam. Full of life and personality. Knows what she wants to say and is absolutely going to say it. Stylish, outspoken, confident, and somehow carrying herself like she’s been here before. That’s how I remember Donisha Humphries. Long before I and her now 11k and counting Instagram followers, knew her as Veeroyal, I knew her as the daughter of one of my colleagues at the all-boys Primary School, where I taught for several years. She would come by after her own school was over, and even then, Donisha was hard to miss. She was spunky, expressive, well-spoken and already developing that unmistakable sense of self that anyone who follows her today will recognize immediately.

And she certainly didn’t get the quiet gene from her mother. Her mom was definitely one of the reasons why I enjoyed teaching back in the day. Bless her heart. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching that little girl grow up—and, more recently, watching her turn all of that personality into something remarkable.

Today, Veeroyal has built a growing online community of more than 11,000 followers, but what I love most about what she has created isn’t simply the numbers. She hasn’t had to dilute herself to do it. The style is hers. The humor is hers. The confidence is hers. And that Dominican accent? VERY hers. I am Dominican myself and when I hear Donisha give her vide narratives I am rolling at the juiciness! But perhaps that authenticity is exactly why people connect with her. Whether she’s putting together an outfit, sharing pieces of everyday life or taking her audience along as she explores beautiful corners of Dominica, there is something refreshingly Donisha about it all. And now, that reach is beginning to stretch beyond Dominica, with opportunities to experience and showcase other Caribbean destinations coming her way as well.

Watching that evolution has been especially sweet for me because when I look at Veeroyal today, I can still see traces of that little madam who used to come around after school. She didn’t suddenly find her personality when she found social media. She simply found a bigger stage for it. So, naturally, I had questions. And Donisha—being Donisha—had answers. Guys I hope that you enjoy this interview as much as I did. I am thrilled to share this one as my “come-back” interview after almost a two-year hiatus.

1. What was the first moment you realized you had this kind of influence? Was there a particular post or event that changed everything?

I don’t even think it has fully clicked for me yet that I have that much influence. I’m always sooo happy whenever someone tells me they tried something or went somewhere because of me, and I’m like, “Huh??? Really?” lol. I think that’s the part that still shocks me the most: realizing people genuinely trust my opinion and experiences enough to act on them. I think because I’m still very much just myself online, it sometimes feels surreal when I remember how many people are actually watching and engaging with what I do.

2. Your dad is from our sister island, Antigua. What’s your favorite thing about the country and culture there?

Yes! My dad is from Antigua, so that connection has always been a huge part of who I am. My favorite thing about Antigua is definitely the fooddd. I love love love ducuna so bad lol. But another thing that’s really close to my heart is the beaches. I feel most at peace when I’m next to the sea, and I genuinely think that comes from spending so much time in Antigua growing up because, honestly, some of the best beaches in the world are there.

3. How did growing up in Dominica—or, rather, between islands—shape your sense of style and confidence?

Growing up between both islands really shaped my love for travel and meeting new people. Because I traveled back and forth so often, and most of the time alone, it made me very independent from young. I also developed a real knack for talking to people and adapting to different spaces and personalities.

4. What’s one little-known fact about you that might surprise people?

I’m actually an introvert lol. People may not be able to tell because of social media, but I genuinely loveeee isolation and my personal space. I definitely have a switch; I turn it on when needed and then turn it right back off again lol. Another thing people may not know is that I’m a huge creative in every sense. I love art, fashion, music and anything connected to creativity, and not just on a surface level either. I love history, museums and storytelling.

******Also, one thing I absolutely have to highlight is that you were actually the first person to ever get me to do a professional photoshoot and made me realize how much I loveddddd it.*******

Ok so Veeroyal chose violence and had me tearing up so bad I couldn’t see straight. Photoshoots and videoshoots are soooooo precious to me and I had no idea I was giving someone their first. Full circle is crazy!

5. Do you remember the wildest, boldest and/or craziest outfit you’ve ever worn? How did people react?

Fashion honestly comes second nature to me because I’ve always loved clothes and dressing up. I think one of my favorite outfits to date was definitely my look for Soca & Mimosas in 2023, where I wore the pearl-beaded top. I wanted something different but simple, and it was just that.

6. Cacao tea or coffee? (Hehe!)

Cocoa tea every single time, and if not that, then definitely bush tea. I don’t like coffee.

7. What fears, if any, did you have to overcome to step into the public eye so boldly? You’ve built a strong brand and a solid social media following—congratulations!

To be honest, I don’t think I really had fears stepping into the public eye because I truly believe there’s a niche and audience for everyone. I still honestly cannot fathom that over 10,000 people like me that much, but hey lol. One thing that has always been important to me, though, is keeping my authentic self. No matter what opportunities come my way, I never want to lose who I genuinely am.

8. When did businesses first start reaching out to you, and how did you decide which opportunities to say yes to?

For me, it’s always about what aligns with my brand and my audience. I’m actually very picky about the brands I choose to work with or give a voice to because it has to feel true to me. It has to be something I genuinely love or would naturally use. I can’t fake it, I swearrrr lol.

9. Cricket, football, or something else?

Definitely cricket. I miss the West Indies games so bad. Please come back 

10. How do you balance being authentic with the expectations of brands or your audience?

I don’t do anything that takes away from me as a person or my brand. It always has to feel genuine and true to who I am. I truly have no problem saying no if something doesn’t align naturally with me.

11. In five words or short phrases, what does a day in your life look like when you’re preparing for a major event or campaign?

Planning, nonstop communication, outfit coordination, editing mode and very little sleep.

12. How do you handle criticism, whether it comes from strangers or even family and friends?

Lol, I crash out 😀 jk jk. Honestly, it depends. A lot of things genuinely don’t bother me because I simply couldn’t care less about certain opinions. But for the things that do affect me, I’m definitely calling my sister or my momma, chileee  Once I vent to them, though, I take it to the Lord in prayer and move on. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that I personally never really have to fight to defend myself because there are people who genuinely love and support me, and they naturally do that for me.

13. What’s your favorite color, and why?

Ouuu, I love so many colors, honestly, but no matter what, I think pink will always be my number one favorite. It’s just such a girly color, and it makes me happy every single time.

14. What advice would you give someone who wants to stand out but is afraid to be seen?

I would tell them that the things that make you stand out are usually the exact things people end up loving you for. Being seen can feel scary at first, but you can’t shrink yourself forever because of fear. The right people will connect with you when you’re genuinely yourself.

15. What has been the most surreal moment of your journey so far?

Ooof, honestly, the support and the love. Realizing that my voice is actually being heard and that people genuinely listen to me is insane sometimes. Like… me???  It still feels surreal.

16. If you could go back and speak to your younger self—maybe the little girl I knew—what would you tell her about the woman you are today?

I would tell my younger self to stay focused and keep doing exactly what she’s doing. I’d also tell her that the women she grew up idolizing, like you, Mel, she actually grows up to become just like them one day.

Ok guys so this is me. Bawling my eyes out! I for sure did no expect that. You just never know who is looking at you.

17. What’s next for you? Are there any dream projects or new directions you’re excited about?

Right now, my biggest focus is honestly growing VeeRoyal again. I think over the last year, I poured so much into other people’s brands and businesses that I unintentionally stopped pouring into myself. I shrunk myself drastically, and it definitely took a huge mental toll on me creatively and personally.

This year, I made a promise to myself to post more, create more and do more of the things that genuinely make me happy. So my focus this year is choosing myself again, both as VeeRoyal and in my personal life too.

18. Is there a project or piece of work you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of? Why? It doesn’t have to be connected to your work as an influencer.

There are honestly quite a few projects I’ve worked on behind the scenes that I think people don’t even realize I was involved in because I actually love being behind the scenes lol.

I think one thing I’m really proud of is helping brands and businesses develop stronger identities and experiences through marketing, creativity and storytelling. Seeing ideas come to life from just a concept and watching people connect with them afterwards is something that genuinely fulfills me.

19. Describe yourself—or your life right now—in three words.

Faithful, evolving, multidimensional.

Thank you again for this opportunity and for always pouring into me over the years. It truly means more than you know.