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

Hi Krystal, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?

The single most important business decision that I have made over the years of owning KRYSTAL SPA® was recognizing my core audience. As a former UCLA Track Athlete it was quite natural that I had a passion and desire to work with other professional athletes. Although I have been blessed to work with professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and U.S. Track & Field; my passion evolved over the years. From the time that I started teaching yoga, I discovered that my soft spot for beginners to health and fitness was growing stronger. Beginners tend to be more open and vulnerable to new ideas and concepts. Spontaneously, I grew a passion towards the desire to guide beginners to the path of building a strong knowledge base and foundation towards their health and fitness. Beginners also tend to be more excited about learning new ideas and concepts. It has always been my pleasure to share the knowledge that I have gained thus far over the years about the human body. My passion and enthusiasm for the creation and mechanics of the human body grows stronger and stronger; allowing for me to help individuals get back in touch consciously with their mind, body, and spirit. Sharing this passion with beginners who are hungry for the knowledge is certainly a humbling experience. I strongly emphasize health and fitness through body awareness and alignment for maximum injury prevention and recovery. My goals are to enhance the global image of how to live a stronger, healthier, and balanced lifestyle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the Founder/CEO of KRYSTAL SPA®, a health and fitness spa devoted to the healing arts. My remarkable commerce into entrepreneurship resulted from a career boomerang.

From the age of 8, I became an accomplished 100 and 200 meter runner. My execution and excellence in academics and athletics awarded me scholarships to the University of California (UCLA), where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Psychology. I also competed as a World-Class and UCLA Track Athlete trained by the best of the best, Brooks Johnson (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach), Bobby Kersee (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach; husband and coach of six-time U.S. Track & Field Olympic medalist, Jackie Joyner-Kersee), Jeanette Bolden (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach and medalist; former UCLA Track & Field head coach), the UCLA athletic weight training staff, and the UCLA athletic diet/nutrition training staff.

While in college, I began my corporate career path in the fashion industry where I soared into an associate buyer position for Guess? Inc. and then Macy*s West. With these rewarding experiences I learned to manage multiple $50+ million prestigious vendor accounts that included Men’s Collections (Claiborne, Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole New York and Reunion) and Men’s Shoes (Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, Rockport, Sperry, and Stacy Adams).

I gained skills in developing and managing qualitative financial/assortment planning, comprehensive analysis, advertising, marketing, and promotional components of a business while continuing study to ensure business growth. Despite my success, I had reached a point in my corporate career path where my soul and spirit were no longer fulfilled in the fashion industry alone; my athletic nature was craving for attention. That epiphany motivated me towards an entrepreneurship in the health and fitness industry.

In 2002, I developed the business concept of KRYSTAL SPA® when I took notice the absence of health and fitness awareness within most spa facilities of today. This awareness created an opportunity for me to integrate a niche of health and fitness services into high quality spa services.

In 2003, I began her intensive Yoga Therapy studies at Bikram Yoga College of India, trained by the world renowned Bikram and Rajashree Choudury. I successfully achieved my credentials as a Certified Yoga Therapist. I continued to deepen my Yoga Therapy studies at Forrest Yoga Institute, trained by the world renowned Anna Forrest. To balance out my knowledge of the human body, I studied Massage Therapy at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing (IPSB), a school of holistic body therapy. There I successfully achieved her credentials as a Certified Massage Therapist.

As the years go on, my passion and enthusiasm for the creation and mechanics of the human body grows stronger and stronger. In 2008, I joined Forster Physical Therapy and was an apprentice to Robert Forster, an Olympic sports physical therapy specialist. 

I am now joined with the Nation’s #1 Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy faculty practice, the University of Southern California (USC) Physical Therapy Associates, as the Physical Therapy Operations Specialist. Currently, I also achieved my Masters of Science in Gerontology from the University of Southern California (USC). I bring to the health and fitness spa, 25+ years of experience as a competitive athlete; offering my unique fusion of athletic gifts and accreditations.

With the kind of strength, flexibility, balance and compassions that I possess there is no doubt that I will meet my goals, to enhance the global image of how to live a stronger, healthier, and balanced lifestyle.

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.
As a native of Southern California, I have had the pleasure of enjoying many spots. When I am in the mood to enjoy the beach life, I love to head to Manhattan Beach. First, I rollerskate from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and back for a great cardio workout. Afterwards, I have a delightful lunch on the sand while listening to the sound of the ocean waves. When I am in the mood for a shopping spree, I love to head to Larchmont Boulevard. First, I grab a cup of coffee and then start my window shopping at all my favorite boutiques before I make any final decisions on what to purchase. The benefit to Larchmont Boulevard, is the variety of cafes and restaurants along the Boulevard that serve delicious lunches or dinners. When I am in the mood to enjoy the arts, I love to head to the Hollywood Boulevard. First, I get all dolled up in a fancy dress, grab dinner at one of my favorite steak houses and then head to the Pantages Theatre to attend a play or musical of my choice; as if I was in New York City during a scene of Sex in the City. When I am in the mood for dancing, I love to head to Sunset Boulevard. Again, first, I get all dolled in another fancy dress, choice from one of my favorite elegant restaurants along the Boulevard that serves a magnificent dinner. Afterwards, I will bar/lounge hop with my friends between all the different upscale hotels and dance clubs. I could go on and on as to where and how I enjoy Southern California with each mood and emotion. That’s the beauty of Southern California, there is always something to do based on a mood or emotion; and one can never be bored. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mama, you are my beautiful flower that reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life. Thank you for showing me how to become a rose that blossoms. I love you always! Rest In Peace. Daddy, you are my rock that reminds me to be strong and have inspired me in so many different positive ways. Thank you for being by my side during my challenging times. I will always love you.

 

Website: www.KrystalSpa.com
Instagram: @KrystalSpa
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/krystalspa
Twitter: @KrystalSpa
Facebook: @theKrystalSpa
Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/krystal-spa-beverly-hills-3
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/thekrystalspa
Other: Amazon Link for Breathe Deeper CD™️ https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-DeeperTM-Krystal-Spa-Walden/dp/B00197T3TC
Amazon Link for MY Bedroom Yoga™️ https://www.amazon.com/My-Bedroom-Yoga-Sunrise-Sunset/dp/1543920039

Image Credit:
Scott Hutchinson, Wanda Taylor, and James Williams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.