Meet Crystal Ohikhuare | Blogger and Career/Life Coach

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

Hi Crystal, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Often times people don’t think about the price they’re willing to pay to be in their dream situation. Whether that be in leadership or a business owner – you have to set your price before you start down the journey. And by price I’m not just talking about how much of your financial resources you’re willing to invest, but also your time, your mental health, relationships you may have to put on the back burner to achieve your goal. Once you determine what you’re willing to pay or sacrifice to reach your goal then go forward and give it everything you’ve got. However, sometimes you can only go so far and once you reach a point where you’re no longer willing to pay the cost that’s required that is when you walk away. And don’t think of it as giving up – you’re pivoting on to something that could be even better than what you originally had planned.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my career doing public relations and communications for professional athletes, politicians and large brands and fell into the crazy world of Human Resources on a whim. Everything that I do is focused on helping candidates best present themselves on their resume and in interviews to land their dream job. With my blog and social media outlets, I specifically coach working millennial women and mothers on how to manage having one foot in the boardroom and another in the nursery. What excites me the most is seeing the women I’ve coached go on to bigger and greater things than they originally planned. I love seeing women and especially women of color sitting in positions of power. Getting to where I am today has not been a cake walk. So often I found myself battling leadership who felt you had to pay your dues and bide your time to get a seat at the table instead of getting there off of hard work and brain power. Once I got a seat at the table then the work began to bring in other like minded people. Along the way I’ve learned so many lessons but the most important is don’t be afraid to take up space. Even as I’ve climbed the ladder I’ve had to battle imposter syndrome – not feeling like I had the experience or the wit to sit in certain rooms. I’ve had to remind myself and others to not be scared of speaking out. Share your thoughts and ideas, point out ways you can improve processes and procedures, raise your hand for leadership opportunities. Give yourself more credit.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So first up is brunch! One of my favorite spots to go is First Watch. They have several places around the metroplex. They have what’s called the “million dollar bacon.” I don’t know what voodoo magic they’re whipping up in that kitchen but that is heaven on a plate. After that we’d head to the Galleria for a little shopping then off to Cosmo Nails in Murphy for a mani/pedi. Of course we’d have to hit up Two Podnuhs across from the Fair Park for some good soul food and then maybe drinks at the NYLO downtown. We’d have to spend time in Rockwall – the water is beautiful and they have plenty of top knotch restaurants. For more shopping we’d hit Bishop Arts because they have some of the cutest boutiques and while we’re in the area we might as well stop by the Cake Bar for a little something sweet. Dallas is so full of life and culture. It all depends on your flavor. I’m pretty outgoing to so I can have a good time whether I’m hanging with the artsy type in Deep Ellum or sipping moscoto in Legacy West.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mama! That’s so cliche – every actress that wins an award, every graduate that walks the stage – they always give a shout out to their mom, but in all seriousness, I am the woman I am today because of her. She has poured and continues to pour into me every day and keeps me grounded when my world is spinning. She is the ultimate wonder woman and I’m grateful she’s in my corner.

Website: www.thecrystaloh.com
Instagram: thecrystaloh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalohikhuare/

Image Credits
Shannon Walker