The Creative Journey: From Frugality to Entrepreneurship
In a world where creativity and entrepreneurship often intersect, it's refreshing to meet someone who embodies both qualities with such genuine enthusiasm. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cristalyn, a talented crafter who has turned her DIY spirit into a budding business. Her story begins with what she humorously describes as being "cheap," though "innovative" or "frugal" might be more accurate terms for her resourceful approach to crafting.
Cristalyn's journey into the world of crafting started about five or six years ago, driven by her unwillingness to pay premium prices for items she believed she could create herself. "If I see something and I like it and I see the price and I don't agree with it, I learned to make it myself," she explained with a smile. This mindset led her to purchase an embroidery machine, learn how to sew, and eventually explore sublimation techniques. Her curiosity and determination to master new skills have been the cornerstone of her creative process. What makes Krystalyn's approach particularly impressive is her ability to not only replicate items but to customize them according to her vision, adding personal touches that make each piece unique.
The day I met Cristalyn marked a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey – her first-ever pop-up event. Previously, her business operated entirely through word-of-mouth referrals and online sales. The excitement of having customers physically interact with her products was evident as she described the joy of answering questions directly rather than through DMs and messages. This face-to-face interaction provided immediate feedback and connection, something that digital communication often lacks. When asked about her secret to creating vibrant sublimation t-shirts, Cristalyn emphasized the importance of listening to customer needs. She identified gaps in the market, particularly in Black line dancing gear and spiritual-themed apparel, and created products to fill those needs. Her approach demonstrates the value of understanding your target audience and responding to their desires.
Technically speaking, Cristalyn prefers sublimation over vinyl for her t-shirt designs. She explained that unlike vinyl, which sits on top of the fabric and can feel sticky, sublimation integrates into the material, resulting in a more comfortable, natural feel. This technique also offers greater creative flexibility, allowing her to incorporate photographs and more complex designs than would be possible with vinyl alone. This attention to both comfort and aesthetics showcases her commitment to quality. For aspiring crafters, Cristalyn offers practical advice: be mindful of your budget and research thoroughly before investing. She recommends starting with crafts that have a smaller startup cost if you're working with limited funds, and scaling up as your business grows. For those considering pop-up events, she encourages authenticity, preparation, and networking with fellow vendors. The supportive community she found at her first event provided valuable insights and reassurance that everyone faces similar challenges.
Cristalyn's story is a testament to the power of self-belief, resourcefulness, and community support in building a creative business. From learning new skills to save money to showcasing her creations at public events, her journey reflects the evolution many entrepreneurs experience. As she continues to grow her brand, she remains open to customer ideas and collaboration, inviting followers to reach out with custom requests. You can find her on social media as "This Is Cris" on Facebook and TikTok, and "thisisCris84" on Instagram, where she posts products, prices, and updates about future pop-up events. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most successful businesses start with a simple desire to create something better, more personal, or more affordable than what's already available.
Kimberly S.
Business Coach, CEO, Author, Fashion Designer, Influencer
I remember looking in the mirror, and not being able to recognize my own face. I didn’t have any physical make-up on. I was wearing so much emotional make-up, I truly couldn’t tell who the person was that was looking back at me. In life, we get so caught up in: pleasing our flesh, pleasing other people, and becoming the puppet people want us to be. After we’ve done all this changing for them, they move on to the next person. I’m here to tell you that, you don’t have to be a people pleaser, nor do you have to give into pleasing your flesh. Those things won’t and doesn’t define who you really are. God gave me Experiencing Amazing Transformations to tell my story and be transparent in it. “My truth” Often times, our truth does not look or feel good, and looking through someone else’s eyes, they don’t see your story like you do, but it’s your experience not theirs. By coming together, we can overcome and be the best versions of ourselves. I pray that E.A.T. helps you become more open and honest about what you're going through. I also pray that E.A.T allows you to celebrate your victories no matter how big or small because you deserve those moments. I pray E.A.T helps you stay encouraged. This is the time to celebrate yourselves when no one else will. Lastly, I Pray that E.A.T leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered from the steps of how to get through the good times and the bad times. So, come and listen to E.A.T!
