We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal White and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The single most important decision I made was to fully commit to this entrepreneurship journey. I keep my spirits and hopes high, but I’m aware that obstacles will present themselves throughout this journey. I take them all in stride and find a way to benefit from them. I don’t want people to think that this life is all roses! I learn as much as possible when navigating issues so I will be able to fully equip my team to handle obstacles in the future.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
W|by Crystal White is an athleisure brand for every BODY. As a curvy woman, I felt a huge void in the active and athleisure wear sector for women with wide hips, long legs, or big behinds. I understand, first hand, the struggle of finding affordable items that feel good and fit better. Leggings are designed with higher waistbands for tummy and tushy support. Many of the tops we offer are convertible, offering a fit that will flatter any figure. In 18 months, W|by Crystal White has grown to serve over 1500 customers and inspired women to be active and comfortable in their activewear. One of our missions is the reminder that “Health is a Luxury” and the importance of loving the skin you’re in, whether at the beginning of your journey or the end!
I left my job in Aviation only months before COVID changed our realities forever. The stress from that alone, was a lot to overcome. It has not been easy growing during a pandemic. In addition to navigating a rampant virus, shipping delays, inflation, and lack of access to places like photography studios, forced me to be extremely creative. Open communication with customers and and overall focus on customer service made a trying time much more tolerable for both myself and my customers. I relocated my business at the height of quarantine and was worried about the challenges I would face. One year later, and it was the best decision for W|by Crystal White’s future. Now, with a dedicated warehouse and soon-to-be expanding team, the sky is the limit.
There’s never going to be a “right” time to pursue that big goal or dream you have. If 2020 taught us nothing, it taught us the fragility of life and routine. If you’re scared to go after that thing, so what? DO IT SCARED.
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.
Day 1: Breakfast @ The Flying Biscuit Shopping at Westside Market (Toco Hills)
Ice Cream @ Marble Slab
Dinner @ Atlanta Fish Market
Day 2: Workout or day in the Park
Smoothies @ Arden’s Garden
Spend the afternoon at the High Museum
Pig out on Pizza from Slim & Husky’s for dinner
Day 3: Sleep in
Hit the Atlantic Station for shopping and lunch
Lay out by the pool
Movie at the Park
Day 4: Sunrise hike at Stone Mountain
NAP (You’ll need it!)
Late Lunch at Southern Gentleman
Drinks @ Little Trouble
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?
This shoutout is for Tenacious (my mom). She sacrificed her dreams for her children, so I dedicate living out mine to her!
Website: www.wbycrystalwhite.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wbycrystalwhite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wbycrystalwhite
Image Credits
Derek Wilson