Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal McIver.
Crystal was adopted into Sanford after living with several families in Durham, North Carolina. Sanford became home to Crystal in the 5th grade. Crystal became homeless in the 11th grade and struggled to complete high school. Crystal continued to see struggles until she became tired of making excuses. When Crystal decided to become powerful, her motto became “Ain’t no stopping me now.”
Crystal enjoys loving on people and empowering them along the way. Crystal is a wife, a mother, a grandmother and the author of Ice Cream a book about loving mornings. She is the CEO of Crystal Solutions LLC – A company she developed to provide life and employment coaching. Crystal is a motivational speaker and the founder of the nonprofit organization Experience 180.
Crystal founded and has lead the “Peace and Unity Community Garden” efforts for the town of Sanford since 2012. She is both diligent and passionate about her work and her cause to make a difference; therefore, she serves on several community boards to effect change Crystal is the founder of two organizations for women Lock4love and 108vow both empowering women to be amazing. Crystal has been a recipient of the “Business Advocate of the Year” award from the Sanford Area Growth Alliance. She is also a recipient of the “Community Service” award from Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Epsilon Gamma Chapter. She has been named the 2018 Citizen of the year in her town Sanford N.C. and she is a member of the National Society of leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi at Walden University. Crystal was also named the 2018 NAACP women of the year.
Crystal has earned an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Central Carolina Community College a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, a Master’s degree in Humans Services Counseling & Executive Leadership from Liberty University and Crystal is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Walden University.
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?
It has not been a smooth road for me. Below is a list of struggles along my way.
A. I was a foster child from birth to 5th grade
B. I was adopted in the 5th grade
C. My adopted mother put me out in the 11th grade
D. I have had some homeless days in my life
E. I worked to overcome my struggles.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Crystal Solutions (CS) specializes in life-changing coaching services. Through motivational talks, life coaching, or workshops, CS works to assist people with changing lives. I am most proud about (CS) because there are many projects developed under the company,
1. Peace and Unity Community Garden
2. Total Package – Reentry program
3. Lock4love – Ladies of color Kennecting
4. 108vow – Voices of Woman
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I struggled. I was a happy girl. I did not know I was struggling until I raised my own children. I lived in several foster homes before being adopted from Durham NC to Sanford, NC. I found myself homeless during the 11th grade. I graduated high school and was honored to have my birth mom and dad there to see the entire thing happen. It was a miracle, a real miracle.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 919-935-6890
- Email: crystal2of5@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Crystal Solution
- Facebook: Crystal B. Mciver
Image Credit:
Santana Boyd
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
