Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal L Bass.
Hi Crystal L, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Because of a tumultuous home life, I struggled to make it through an all-girls high school. I got pregnant at age 18 and was caught in a no-knock warrant drug raid soon after. I became a mom one month before my 19th birthday and a few months later was convicted of a crime that I didn’t commit. Because of my felony conviction, I was repeatedly told that I would never amount to anything. I journaled my experiences behind bars. After serving time, I had something to prove. Not only to the judicial system but to the world. Upon my release, I used travel as an escape to take my mind off the trials and tribulations that I had gone through. I was determined to better myself and become the first and only college graduate in my family. After graduation with honors, travel and writing became my personal forms of self-care and therapy. Then, I heard a quote, “If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s when I made the decision to turn my pain and passion into paychecks. I wrote two novels based on my life– “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle” and “Whirlwind.” Then, I turned my first book into a nationally touring stage production. Today, not only do I coach other writers on how to use their life experiences to produce page-turning stories, but I am paid as a travel influencer. I also help others experience magical vacays while dressed in my Fly Travel Line gear!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to my success has been rocky, to put it mildly.
As a felon, my second chance was impacted by the electronic “Scarlet F” that I wear daily, letting the world know that I’ve been convicted of a crime. My Social Security number and my very own fingerprints have counted me out from multiple luxuries in life such as various educational jobs, government positions and licensing, working in some health care fields and the right to own a handgun for protection. My second chance included multiple doors slamming in my face and whispers behind my back. I had to outwork everyone else to prove myself time and time again. The shame fueled me to turn my pain into passion. Navigating my way through life with a felony hasn’t been a walk in the park, but I am living proof that you can overcome anything that you put your mind to!
Because of my challenges, I started an IG Live series called “I Come With Baggage.” This has since become my best-selling t-shirt and swimsuit with The Fly Travel Line. My second top seller is “Wander Woman,” because not only am I am wonder woman, but I love to wander the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Because I’m creative, I wear many hats. Traveler, writer and lifestyle influencer to name a few.
I love helping people get their stories out of their head, off their hearts and onto paper. And guess what, I’ve done some of my best writing while traveling.
To date, I’ve helped dozens of writers and aspiring writers collectively make hundreds of thousands of dollars by using their own personal stories and unique life experiences to build an empire. I am an expert in converting your writing side hustle into checks!
Just like writing, travel is a form of self-care! The Fly Travel Line was birthed from my deep love of words combined with my passion for travel. There’s no better way to tell a story on your journey than to wear the words across your chest. I have used my success as a coach, entrepreneur, and writer by merging the two things that I love together as one.
My background and life experiences set me apart from others.
What matters most to you? Why?
Currently, racial justice is at the top of my list of what matters most. I have a young, Black son and his future matters. Losing sleep at night because I’m worried about my son simply because he exists in the United States with black skin is exhausting.
Contact Info:
- Email: theflytravelline@gmail.com
- Website: www.TheFlyTravelLine.com
- Instagram: @crystallbass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623710027828628
- Other: www.CrystalLBass.com
