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

Hi Crystal, how do you define success?
Success to me is achieving goals and milestones that you set for yourself and having the ability to inspire others around you. Success is also not giving up when things aren’t going as planned. Not quitting is succeeding in my eyes.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of my desire to serve others and my community. If it wasn’t for my community and the support they give me I wouldn’t be here. It’s through hard work, perseverance and dedication that you overcome challenges and not giving up. Being able to share my talents with people through expressions on a Tshirt. I recently started a campaign for “Helpful Resources” it’s a tshirt I created with phone numbers for Suicide, domestic violence and mental health. Proceeds of the shirt will go to local organizations that help people. So many people suffer in silence and don’t have the “resources” to get out so maybe if one day they see me out wearing the shirt it’ll help someone and they can call one of the numbers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ha if my best friend was coming to town I’d definitely take him to all the hood spots like Big, T, Kiest Bazaar, Red Bird mall, Rudy’s Chicken, Tha Lunchroom then we’d go to the suburbs and eat at Shells and Tails for a real seafood boil and then to Heaven on Earth for the ultimate experience of holistic healing and natural Devine treasures. The only place in the city where you can get alkaline water for free and so many more gems! Yesssss come on best friend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely give a huge shoutout to my mentor and friend Tamara Allen who’s taught me so much about entrepreneurship. She’s the first person to actually tell me I was “FULL OF POOP” and gave me the tools to become a successful entrepreneur. She afforded me the opportunity to share her luxurious office space so that I could create and conduct business on a professional level. Tamara will give you the necessary steps you need to take and it’s up to you to execute it. She’s very direct, authentic and super smart. Her no nonsense approach pushes you to be the best version of yourself inward and outward. Tamara taught me that when “a customer is serious about ordering, they’re serious about paying”, “no middleman” and one of my favorite quotes she says when it comes to “chasing the bag” you don’t “Treat money cheaply and it’ll chase you”. I could go on and on about her but hopefully that sums it up. I love her and appreciate all she’s taught me!

Instagram: I’m on Instagram as tshirtenvybycrystalj. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=x1jaarwl6kg5&utm_content=1tpvpsw
Twitter: @thecrystaljexp
Youtube: https://youtu.be/80j8EusGe3k
Other: Etsy… https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tshirtenvybycrystalj

Image Credits
Photos by the infamous and brilliant photographer Miss Ari Photography

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