From Struggle to Strength: Crystal’s Empowering Journey
Crystal is more than her battles. At heart she is quiet and fun loving. She is laid back with a laugh that can light up any room. She loves experiences, fresh memories and the simple joy of smiling at someone until they smile back. Family comes right after her ability to earn her own living. She carries a deep desire to uplift others and leave her community better than she found it. When she imagines her legacy, she sees her children remembering that life was meant to be enjoyed and that possibility exists for anyone who positions themselves with intention.
When asked why she wants to be photographed, Crystal’s answer goes straight to the soul. She wants to capture the essence of who she truly is. The mother. The lover. The fighter. The boss. The woman who contains multitudes. She grew up watching her own mother do it all as a single parent and she adored her for it. Now she feels herself rising into that same strength. Maybe even the 3.0 version. She laughs when she says it, but she means it. She feels like she can be every woman.
Crystal also sees the weight of the beliefs placed on women once they cross into their thirties. Society whispers that they are no longer beautiful or valuable or capable. She knows better. Women in their thirties are usually the ones holding everything together. They are cooks, chauffeurs, doctors, therapists, educators, advocates, managers of time and emotional well being. And all of that is just who they are to everyone else. They still show up in their careers, their personal dreams and their own inner worlds.
Her advice to other women in this chapter of life is simple but powerful. Believe in yourself. Even if no one else supports you. Even if no one else sees your vision. Trust that you can do anything you feel called to do and then go show the world exactly how it’s done.
Right now the thing she loves most about herself is her determination. She will fight to the end for what she loves and what she believes in. And when it comes to her portraits, she hopes to feel empowered and sexy. Confident and classy. She wants to see the woman she knows she is.
When she isn’t conquering life’s challenges or pouring into her family, Crystal finds joy in music. She leans toward love songs but she isn’t limited. She is a foodie who loves discovering new restaurants. She loves trying new experiences, attending concerts and laughing through comedy shows. She enjoys the parts of life that feed her soul.
Crystal is a reminder that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it smiles quietly while carrying entire worlds. Her story is still unfolding, but one thing is already true. She is every woman and she is becoming more herself every single day.