We recently had the chance to connect with Renauld Shelton II and have shared our conversation below.
Renauld, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing legacy, impact, and freedom. Through Material Opulence, I’m building something that will outlive me. It’s something that is ingrained in resilience, excellence, and Kansas City pride Through mentorship, community work, and storytelling, I’m giving others the belief that their dreams are possible. And through acting and entrepreneurship, I’m chasing the freedom to live fully on my own terms. If I stopped, I know I’d feel a void because ambition and drive are core parts of who I am. My community and those I inspire would lose an example of what it means to rise “From Nothing to Something,” and opportunities in fashion and acting would slip away to those who kept moving. In short, stopping wouldn’t bring peace — it would dim the fire that keeps me living in alignment with my purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Renauld Shelton II, a multi-hyphenate creative, and founder of Material Opulence, a Kansas City-based luxury lifestyle brand that started in 2013. What makes my story unique is that I built this brand from limited resources and a lot of resilience, with the goal of creating something that blends timeless sophistication with inclusivity and community empowerment. Beyond fashion, I’m also an actor, model and voiceover artist, constantly pursuing creative projects that allow me to tell meaningful stories. Right now, I’m focused on growing Material Opulence through our Legacy Standard Collection, which highlights affordable luxury staples designed to stand the test of time like the Crownmark Tee and Heritage Crown bucket hat. For me, it’s not just about clothing, it’s about inspiring others to believe in their dreams, no matter where they start.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often a mix of pride, unspoken expectations, and the inability to truly listen. Miscommunication, betrayal of trust, or even just the slow drift of neglect can quietly create distance until the connection feels fractured. What restores those bonds is humility, the willingness to own mistakes, vulnerability to speak truthfully, and grace to forgive. Restoration comes when both sides choose empathy over ego, and when love, respect, and intentional effort outweigh whatever caused the break. In short, bonds break when we stop seeing each other, and they heal when we decide to see each other again.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resolve, and perspective in a way success never could. It showed me what it means to endure when everything feels stacked against me, and it revealed strengths I didn’t know I had. Suffering stripped away illusions and forced me to face myself honestly, teaching me gratitude for even the smallest wins. Success can affirm you, but suffering transforms you. It deepens your empathy, sharpens your vision, and reminds you that joy means more when you’ve walked through pain to reach it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to my acting career and Material Opulence, no matter how long it takes. Both are journeys that demand patience, discipline, and belief in the process, and I’ve come to understand that real growth isn’t overnight. Acting allows me to tell powerful stories and step into worlds bigger than myself, while MO gives me the platform to build a legacy engrained in resilience, culture, and timeless style. Everything takes time, but I’m focused on the long run because I know the impact will be worth it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was someone who truly mattered. That I made a significant impact and meaningful contribution through my work, my art, and my presence. I want to be remembered as a good person, someone who uplifted others, created opportunities, and lived within purpose. More than accomplishments alone, I want my legacy to be that I left the world, and the people I encountered, better than I found them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://materialopulence.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/materialopulence
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/material-opulence/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mo_opulence
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaterialOpulence
