Meet Trailblazer Crystal Haynes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Haynes.

Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Throughout college, I worked as a cocktail and bottle service waitress in Atlanta’s hottest nightclubs. After I graduated college with a degree in finance, the market crashed. Pretty shitty after all the work and effort I put in. So, I decided to do what made the most money… working in the spirits industry. I learned that no matter the condition of the market, people drink. When times are difficult people drink, when times are grand, they drink and celebrate! After years of working a 9-5, meaning 9 pm-5 am some nights, I realized no amount of money even mattered. So, I stepped away, to clear my mind and really figure what my next move was going to be. I realized life is about experiences, and I decided to be a trailblazer. Shortly after, I entered into a career in experiential marketing!! Since birth, I was a disruptive child, so now to be able to disrupt the market and see how far I can push it gives me a rush like no other!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Hell yeah, it’s hard! Hard is a moment… then you push past it. My struggles were just adjusting to a new type of life, and really sitting in my shit. Now that I look back on it, those were the hardest yet most character building moments in my life. Those were the days where I really did the work on myself. I continue to do the work daily.

My advice to any women is to be confident in who she is. Don’t let others shake you, because they will try their best. Most of all, WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T STOP… KEEP PUSHING AND MAKE YOUR OWN WAY.

We’d love to hear more about Hemp Heal.
I am Maya Angelou’s phenomenal women. A mother, a student, a co-founder, a business owner, a daughter, an aunt. and sister. I am currently enrolled in the Executive MBA program at Kennesaw State. What I am known for is being the pulse of the city… literally, my ear is to the city! I specialize in curating experiences and those lucky enough to experience them talk about it long after. Above all, I am most proud of my ability to anticipate the wants and needs of the people of Atlanta. It’s about the people of this city that makes it great. I am involved in also curating conversations concerning how we as a people can control our market in Atlanta, while at the same time continuing to dominate the culture worldwide. My most recent community conversation was with David Banner, Killer Mike and HJ Russell discussing how black people have impacted the spirits industry and how to create buy-in when we are asked to carry the brand through music, art, entertainment, and lifestyle. Stay tuned to future movements in the community.

I am currently working with my friend and business partner, Jennifer Philips, to launch our CBD topical line, Hemp Heal follows our vibe on Instagram @hellohempheal. At the end of 2020, I will be opening our family cafe in Athens, Georgia. We are building a non-profit called The Bus Stop Breakfast campaign to assure every child has a hot breakfast before school. So, there is a lot happening and I love every minute of it.

I set myself apart because I am the underdog… I want people to sleep on me.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The biggest barrier for female leadership today is ourselves. Meaning we do not give ourselves enough power. My father has always told me: “You have the power!”

Don’t give them the ability to put their foot on your neck.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4046809919
• Email: crystalhaynes01@gmail.com
• Instagram: @gangstaspirit @hellohempheal

Image Credit:
John R. Walder, Edwin Lynn

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.