Meet Krystal Quagliara | Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Coach

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

Hi Krystal, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a place lovingly called “The Region”, where our local mascot is a Region Rat. It’s a uniquely diverse community in Indiana just outside Chicago. I think this is important to mention because I grew up in an area that really is a collaboration of arts, culture and diversity. It’s also important to note that this Region was once a booming steel city, which saw an economic downturn in my childhood. There are many blue collar families here among communities of white collar families.

I grew up in a white collar family that had a very limited mindset around money and prosperity. Strangely, from the outside, it appeared as though we had wealth. And while I did not lack the basic needs growing up, conversations around money were always strained and there was always a sense of “there is never enough”. My family, like many, was effected by the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I learned habits of people-pleasing, codependency and perfectionism as a young child. I struggled with body image and self-worth, often seeking validation and approval from others based on how I looked.

I am grateful for my family and the hardships we faced because it lead me to seek a path of spiritual awakening and serenity as I found my way out of disordered eating and poor health habits. As I discovered what “healthy” meant for me, mind-body-spirit, I developed a passion to help others on their journey. Fulfillment came as I started paying attention to what I wanted for my life and how I wanted to live.

I can still identify limiting beliefs in my mind around money and finances and even self-worth. As an entrepreneur these have posed a challenge to my growth. I am dedicated to working to rewire these beliefs and patterns so I can continue to impact the world.

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?
Although I’ve been in the health and wellness industry for over 17 years, I finally took the leap and started my own business, Krystalized Health Advisors in 2021. It took me awhile to get clear on what I was offering and who I was serving. Like many entrepreneurs in the beginning, I thought I needed to solve every weight loss problem and serve the whole world. While I do have many aspirations for growth, I’ve gained clarity that I am a Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Coach who serves high-achieving women and men ages 30-55.

I incorporate many of the stoic-inspired principles from recovery into my coaching, and discuss the importance of a Playful Mindset. When I discovered “playfulness” I was better able to let go of expectations and surrender the outcome. Play enables us to get lost in the moment and become fully present in what we are doing. Playfulness helps us learn faster and easier.

I am most excited about developing my Corporate Wellness Programs in my business and growing my impact with public speaking. Working with companies to help their employees improve their health and productivity is a great way to reach many people at a time, rather than coaching people one on one or in small groups, which I also still enjoy. Public speaking also allows me to combine my passion for entertaining and being on stage with inspiring and motivating people!

Being an entrepreneur has not been easy. There are times I feel like I am “rocking it” and other times I feel like a total failure. But one day at a time, I keep going. Just like anything, it takes practice, persistence and discipline to be successful. I have had to learn so many different skills as a business owner, and currently I wear all the hats and fill all the roles. I am learning that asking for help, finding mentorship and connecting with other entrepreneurs in masterminds is going to be crucial for my long term success in business.

As a professional performer, I’ve learned to hear “no” a lot. Not every “no” means “never”. And other times, I simply need to move on. Another lesson I’ve learned in recovery that helps me in business is “quit taking it personally”. This really helps when I fear rejection in my business. Everyone has their reasons for purchasing or partnering or not.

Krystalized Health Advisors is on a mission to help world feel ALIVE again (Actively Living in Vitality Everyday). Improving metabolic health such as blood sugar, cholesterol, weight management, energy is vital for living a productive and fulfilling life. When we feel better, we can think better, act better, and live a more productive life. Physical wellness permeates mental and emotional wellness which leads to better relationships with our families, our coworkers and society as a whole. We collectively need to re-enter the land of the living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I live about 20 miles from downtown Chicago, I would recommend places in my local suburb area.

1. Check out the local food
In Northwest Indiana, I believe we have some of the best Mexican and classic Greek diner food in the country. The Midwest is one of the only places you’ll find breakfast at 2 am.
a. Don Andres is my favorite local place for authentic Mexican food.
b. Everyone needs to experience a breakfast from a classic Greek diner, lemon rice soup and portions that will feed you for days. We have about 20 of them to choose from in my area.
c. Cafe Borgia is the quintessential Italian Restaurant in our local area. The dishes transport me back to my time spent in Italy.
d. Eataly is a place in Chicago worth visiting. A two-level restaurant and grocery store sure to inspire your inner world traveler.

2. Experience the local music scene
In Northwest Indiana, while being so close to Chicago, it attracts a lot of incredibly talented musicians, and you can actually earn a living as a working musician.
a. Jam night at Finnegan’s Pub – This is a community of the Region’s most unique and talented creative musicians. It’s also a complete emersion in Indiana culture while still feeling urban. If you are feeling inspired, get up and participate onstage!
b. Friday and Saturday night shows – There are numerous music venues such as Avenue 912 or Buddy n’Pals that offer live music on the weekends featuring both cover bands and original acts. We are rich in tribute acts here as well. You can catch a Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who or John Mellencamp act if you want something more familiar.

3. All seasons of the year, the Indiana Dunes State Park offers wildlife and nature-scapes for all to enjoy. The beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan and the hiking trails make for a fun and active afternoon. There are many locally owned restaurants and bars nearby to the dunes to enjoy as well.

4. Visiting Small Town Indiana
There are numerous “small towns” so close to the big city.
a. Whiting Indiana is just minutes from the Chicago/Illinois border. Whiting hosts the Piergo Fest every July, which attracts tourists from all over the world. There are many little artisan shops and access to Lake Michigan lakefront parks and beaches.
b. Griffith Indiana definitely has the small-town Indiana feel. There are numerous micro-breweries and specialty shops and restaurants. It’s home to one of the Region’s oldest music stores, a railroad museum and hosts Rock n Rails music festival every year.
c. Crown Point, Indiana is the capital of our county. The historic buildings house restaurants and shops. You’ll find a haunted jailhouse, ghost tours and a John Dillinger museum.

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?
I owe recognition to my Higher Power and the 12-Step fellowship that has enabled me to completely transform my life. There are many people within the fellowship that have shared their experience, strength and hope with me over the past 5 years. Some have leant a listening ear and others have impacted me greatly just by sharing what worked for them.

Website: https://alivein2023.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystal.quagliara

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-quagliara-29410726/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krystalizedhealthadvisors

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIwcxxp82a4KLFcXE1ikI5g

Other: https://www.krystalizedhealthadvisors.com

Image Credits
Jody Fraleigh Photography Lauren Starkey, Photographic Memories