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

Hi Crystal, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Two years ago I was pursuing a career in the medical field. I jumped from pursuing a pharmacy degree to becoming a PA and everything in-between. I didn’t believe I was creative. Then in Jan 2020, I was hospitalized and had to have a major surgery. Through all of 2020 and most of 2021, I had many complications and surgeries. This took a huge toll on my mental health. I decided to order one of those embroidery kits on Etsy to give myself something to do while I laid in bed.

It was then something went off in me, I became infatuated with embroidery which then moved to macramé and pottery. Art gave me an escape from the hell I was living. The repetition of embroidery stitches allowed my brain to have moments of peace. A couple months later, I turned that passion and healing into an art form that will hopefully help heal others and build a community.

My first surgery was composed of taking out my colon and creating an ileostomy. With IBD and this procedure, there is a 95% increase risk of suicide. There are huge stigmas with having an ileostomy. Comments and reactions to it on social media proves that there is not enough education or awareness on this disability. On top of that, there are so many that struggle with believing they are still beautiful with the scars and ileostomy bag. I decided to create art that portrays different body types and disabilities in beautiful manners.

After I became sick and disabled, I decided to take my experiences and passions and bring them together to help other people like me. I now create art representing different body types and disabilities to advocate, educate, and create a community where people feel safe, loved, and respected.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The one thing I want you to get out of my art is that you are beautiful and loved just how you come. I want you to look at my art and think how beautiful it is… and then realize that it is you who is art.

I am honestly just at the beginning of my art career. I found my niche a little over 3 months ago and have been trying to get out as many ideas I can. I have so many body types and disabilities I want to portray; however, each embroidery piece takes about 2-4 hours. It wasn’t easy deciding what I wanted my art to portray. I started with custom orders, then to anime, and then to body positive products. What made me truly decide to head this direction is what I am most proud of… and that is the connections I’ve made with people. The look on others faces when they realize they aren’t alone. The excitement in their voice when they feel seen and heard. The fact that so many have become vulnerable with me and share their stories with dealing with body shame, disabilities, and diseases.

Starting a business has been confusing, especially when it comes from a hobby. Luckily, there have been many other small brands that have helped me along the way and gave me advice. I think the best thing I have done is make connections and listen to all the advice people are willing to give. In this community of small businesses and arts market vendors, people are so willing to help others because understand the struggle of starting.

The one piece of advice I would give someone starting out is to make connections on social media. Fine someone around you with a good following and like their posts, comment on their photos, DM them about their products, create a genuine relationship with creators and when it comes time that you need help they will be more than willing to share their insight.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my closest friends is coming to DFW in February for the first time! I am a foodie, so with that a few places we have to go to are the Prince Lebanese Grill in Arlington, Cane Rosso in Fort Worth, Hawkers in Dallas, Velvet Taco in Forth Worth and the food truck alley. For entertainment, I plan on taking her to the Rockwood go carts in Fort Worth. I grew up going to that place so its close to my heart. We will also go to the museums, the omni theater, and walk around fort worth. Thrift shopping is a favorite of both of ours so we will hit up a couple antique malls and thrift stores we find.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am as an artist without many people in my life. My love, Manny, who cared for me as I was sick and in the hospital and has now encouraged me in every way to pursue my love of art. My daughter, Anastasia, who has given me a reason to live fully and to become an example of pursuing your dreams. My mom, who has cared for me and shown me how look fear in the face and continue on. My grandma, who was the first to show me fiber arts. To everyone that has supported me on social media or in life, from the bottom of my heart I am grateful.

Website: www.hyggeadorning.com

Instagram: hygge_adorning

Youtube: Hygge Adorning

Other: hyggeadorning@gmail.com

Image Credits
Hayli Wells – @hayliwellsphotography

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.