Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin

Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin

Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin is the founder of the clothing line, China Royal. Check out China Royal at shopchinaroyal.com/. Below is her bio from the China Royal webpage.

Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin, Founder & CEO

Of Chinese and African-American descent, the Berkley, California native grew up amidst a diverse family dynamic. Her mother immersed Shikiri in Chinese heritage, while her father was a member of the Black Panther Party, so she was able to experience “the pro-black love mixed with the Asian revolutionary spirit.” But as a young girl watching her aunt work in fashion, she realized early on that she’d found her calling.

“I have the most stylish aunt. One day, she took me to work with her and the idea that you could make money by selling clothing was the most fascinating thing to me.”

Hightower-Gaskin received a BA from the University of Southern California as a journalism major. While there, she met and married Keyshawn Johnson, who would later become the first pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. She later earned a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Graduate School of Journalism.

In 2001, Hightower-Gaskin opened the doors to Shikiri in one of Los Angeles’ hippest shopping districts on Robertson Boulevard. A stone’s throw from luxury brand fashion houses like Chanel and Fendi,Shikiri’s racks drew a wide array of celebrity clientele. Essence Magazine called Shikiri a “must-stop for the Hollywood set” and an “ultrachic unique shopping experience.” In 2005, Hightower-Gaskin launched Golden Butterfly in Santa Monica. A breathtakingly ornate boutique located on Montana Avenue, Golden Butterfly specialized in high-end shoes and accessories.

Shikiri lives with her husband Bela and their four children in Oakland, California.

Contact Shikiri at shikiri@shopchinaroyal.com.