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

Hi Crystal, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Goodness so this can be tough! Habits good and bad can make or break a persons chance at success. Keeping consistent I believe has been my best habit. Yes there are days where I don’t post to my social media or a month or two that I’m not doing a vendor event but I always go back to that habit of staying consistent!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I wear many hats that I have made for myself lol. I am a hairstylist by day and then nights and weekends I attend vendor events where I set up a small shop in one day. Hair has always been my passion and I feel it shows through my work! Moving into a new suite at Watters Creek in Allen with my amazing and talented business partner Katie West has been one of my scariest, bravest and most exciting thing I have done in my career. Studio 147 at Watters Creek will have its grand opening April 5th and 6th and we are so beyond excited. Once a month we want to pick a charity to help out that I feel can really benefit the community in so many ways! For my vendor event I offer homemade Chamoy and tajin candies! From large paintings to rings to bling your fingers I feel I have a lil of something for everyone! You can see these items at Pikositos McKinney on Facebook!

The road was not always easy and still has its challenges. I overcame challenges by taking self time to step away and recollect. This could be a group therapy type situation like CR which I loved by the way and/or a little weekend getaway. I’ve learned that giving yourself grace is important. Allowing yourself to not be perfect is so important because we’re not! I think what makes me different from some is that I’m willing to own up to my faults and push myself to do better next time. We are only human and it’s ok to mess up. I think since I am ok with doing this it helps me to be compassionate to others. When you have true compassion for others it shows and they are thankful that someone actually cares. This turns my business into more of a family supporting family.

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.
Only one week!! Ok so I love finding hole in the walls and fun new places to go to! From a small speak easy in downtown McKinney to the Riverwalk and market in San Antonio we would do it all! I would love to take her to Historic downtown Mckinney to walk around and see all of the cute local boutiques. There in Downtown there are also so many places to eat at including Spoons and Mellow Mushroom which are my personal faves there! I’ve heard the reunion arena in Dallas has revamped so I’m super excited to see that so that’s another place we would go. I would then head to San Antonio as it is my fave city around. There is a cute Japanese tea garden that is free to get in and could be turned into an all day event. I love the colorful market that we could walk down to see all of the Mexican owned local businesses. From street tacos to music and dancing it is def my happy place in this world! The next day we would walk the riverwalk where restaurants are filled with music and laughter and then night life will let ya get out there and shake it! My fave night club there is Be kind and rewind club. They have older music starting with the 80s that you can almost guarantee you will find someone to sing along to their fave song with you. Returning home I would stop at hub121 to grab some food and then call it a week!

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?
God first!! Without him I am absolutely nothing! This year has been so very hard but I see the blessings through the darkness and know he’s there! Although there are many people at there that have played a part in my success; on this shoutout series in dedicating it to my papa. He was a strong businessman who went to work everyday just like his employees. He always encouraged me to keep going and to do more and better. Can’t forget a few other important people as well!! I’m really thankful for my mom who has started to become my rock lately! She has really shown me what resilience is and I am blessed to have her in my life! My best friend Courtney Lincks who has listened to my many phone calls good and bad lol. Very blessed to have her as well and wouldn’t know what I would do without her!! Her and her dad Ed Lincks are my prayer warriors and I know that their prayers are being heard!

Instagram: Crystals chair and boutique

Facebook: Crystals chair and boutique, Pikositos McKinney and salon 147 at Watters creek

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.