On the Summit’s Horizon: Kingdom Crowns
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
“I didn’t want to be in a traditional barber shop environment and truly wanted to be mobile. A lot of people say that they are mobile, but they are not”, said Elgien Richardson, 47, Local Entrepreneur and Visionary of Kingdom Crowns.
Richardson stated that he has seen the “Barber Bus” concept in bigger cities and thought Fort Wayne would benefit from this innovation. Kingdom Crowns has been in existence for the last five years, but Richardson has been cutting hair since he was 13 years of age.
Richardson was inspired by his mother, Rev. Paulette Madison who always had a shop in her house. He also has fond memories of his Uncle Terry cutting his hair as a youngster. “I started cutting my little cousins’ hair in the beginning of my journey. I learned early from mistakes as a barber. “I tried to cut my own and messed it up”, said Richardson.
His clientele grew to friends and neighbors. It was in 2008 when the financial crisis hit, he decided to pursue his lifelong dream. Richardson later went to Ravenscroft Beauty College and eventually became an instructor. When asked, if he could advise his younger self, “he would encourage the 16 or 18-year-old Elgien to pursue his dreams and follow his passion. You will end up doing what you love.”
“If I had to describe my brother Elgien in one word it would be resilient. He has been through the fire rising like a phoenix and I’m proud of the Godly man he has become.” said, Charlotte Richardson, Elgien’s sister.
When asked, what is next for Kingdom Crowns? Richardson shared the vision of barbering full-time. Acquiring a building that would serve as an event space in addition to a full-service salon. His wife, Cassandra is also in the Beauty Business as a veteran hairstylist in the Summit City. She is also the owner of Casha Creations, an event planning enterprise that provides custom decorations and setup designs. The building would allow the Richardsons to work together in providing unique and innovative services to the city of Fort Wayne and beyond. Richardson is grateful for a wife who understand the struggles of being an entrepreneur and the ups and downs of the barber and beauty business.
Speaking of ups and downs, about a year after launching Kingdom Crowns the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, most barber and beauty shops were forced to close. However, this was when Richardson’s business began to flourish. He was mobile and could serve the customers in a one-on-one environment without the danger of people gathering in a shop. “I knew I needed to provide for my family, so I took safety precautions by masking and the business grew. I watched God move during this terrible ordeal that was affecting us all. God used me to help others fell better about themselves during a time where so many were depressed in social isolation.”
This same mantra is what led Richardson to share his talents and services to those who may be homebound or living in a residential treatment center. He has provided barbering to those justice-involved persons under house arrest. “A haircut will brighten anyone’s day. I am also aware of those who have anxiety or have special needs and a shop does not work for them. Kingdom Crowns will provide the client-centric experience to meet your needs.”
“We needed barbering services for the male and female residents of Glenbrook Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center (Parnell Avenue). Elgien Richardson was referred by one of our other staff members. He is very patient with our residents and is a very good barber. Our residents look like brand new people after he cuts their hair. He is very busy when he comes. He may cut 15 in a two-hour span. I like the service he provides for those who cannot travel. Most of our residents are wheelchair bound and Elgien’s service is convenient for our facility.” said, Raquel Jones, Activities Director.
You may wonder who the mastermind behind the eye-catching purple design that adorns the Barber Bus that can be seen throughout all four quadrants of the Summit City, Rev. Damen Morris, the former pastor of Gomez Temple AME Church in Fort Wayne and the current shepherd of Bethel AME Church in Muncie, Indiana worked with Richardson to develop the logo.
“Elgien’s commitment to the community through the vision for Kingdom Crowns is a breath of fresh air. Kingdom Crowns has been a blessing to retirement homes and other residential facilities. At times, some barber shops can be busy and customer service may be overlooked. Kingdom Crowns handles clients with kingdom kindness; the utmost care some may not experience elsewhere and ultimately consider it royalty or VIP treatment.” said, Rev. Morris.
“Elgien is non-stop. When he puts his mind to accomplish something, you better believe he will crush it. He is not afraid to step out on faith. He will show you and testify to what God is in his life. He is a real man, he’s made mistakes, he owns them and learns from them. I admire his work ethic and his love of God. Regarding his mobile hair business, he truly believes his customers demand and deserve his best.” Said, Tyra Watson, Elgien’s sister.
You can contact Kingdom Crowns, (260)249-5697. You can also follow Kingdom Crowns on Facebook and Instagram. YOUR ROYALTY DEMANDS VIP SERVICE.