We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Bear and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, how does your business help the community?
I help women become more confident with themselves and their business. This helps bring more woman into the corporate and entrepreneurial world creating a more balanced and open-minded society.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a single women, photographer, educator and business owner. I built my business with no financial help, having to take risks that sometimes didn’t pan out, but were amazing learning opportunities.

I have invested nearly everything back into my business and have this attitude that little failures are just the path to success. I refuse to give up, which is what actual failure is. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done and continues to be difficult. However, having my own business, helping women feel better abut themselves is worth everything. Plus I have the freedom in my schedule to visit family, new places and see the world.

My brand is all about showcasing the beautiful moments and parts of life, weather it’s love, business or lifestyle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re near San Francisco, I would suggest walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, eating at the little hole in the wall places in the Mission District or Nob Hill. If you have time a trip to Sonoma Valley is a great place to take in the vineyards and the sparking wine.

If you love being active, I recommend hiking to Mt. Tam. It has an amazing view of the entire Bay Area.

There are so many other places and things to do, I could go and on, but time doesn’t allow.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge reason I have been able to grow and build my business is because of Amy and Jordan Demos. After having a horrible experience with an educator, I almost gave up on investing in more education, but they crept into my heart and I ended up purchasing all of their programs that have helped me become a better photographer and business owner.

My experience with them put me on my path to investing more and more in my business, which is the key to success in business.

Website: Summerbearphotography.com

Instagram: @summerbearphoto

Linkedin: Summer Bear Photography

Facebook: @summerbearphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.