Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal White.
Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up with two loves: Fashion & Food. I can vividly recall begging my mom for art sets every year because I had so many fabulous dresses that I needed to bring to life. That love for fashion grew exponentially over the years until I was met with a harsh reality during my Junior year of high school that I hadn’t considered. It was time to apply for colleges, and all I wanted was to major in Fashion Design. Hardworking and practical, my parents failed to see the value in my dream to pursue fashion at the time. Instead, I majored in Nursing at Clayton State University. My time at CSU was short-lived, as my heart was not in the medical field. I spent the next few years working for the government, earning a good living, but still unfulfilled.
It was years before I designed again, and 2012 was the year I said “screw it” and plugged my sewing machine back in. CD Blanc was born. A brand name derived from my full name. I felt I had finally found my voice in fashion. I began selling original designs. It was fun and appeased my love for fashion, but something about it wasn’t purposeful. Working and sewing full time, the lack of time mixed with my love for food ravished my body, leaving me overweight and uncomfortable. At the heaviest weight of my life, I took charge of my diet and began exercising in 2013, leading to a weight loss of nearly 80 lbs in less than one year. My relationship with food changed, and subsequently, my body transformation served as proof. My new, healthier lifestyle felt “right.” I became vegetarian and used social media to share my journey, initially as a way for myself to keep track of my progress. I later discovered that others had begun researching vegetarianism and making strides towards a healthier lifestyle after witnessing my progress.
After years of keeping the weight off and furthering my knowledge of health and fitness beyond my personal needs, I returned to the fitness community, some of what I have gained from it through personal training. Having experienced a significant weight-loss journey, I’m able to relate to my clients on a personal level. My issues with joint pain and arthritis allow me to create workouts tailored to my clients’ specific needs. Personal training is home for me. The opportunity to help people regain their confidence and strength is a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m honored that people trust me beyond my aesthetics to help them be their healthiest self. In addition to personal training, I revamped my clothing brand in 2019 to marry my two NEW loves: Fashion & Fitness. W by Crystal White is a luxury athleisure brand that embodies my passion for clean yet bold designs and comfortable gym staples. My tagline is: Everyday Luxury, describing pieces that you can live in daily and look good in. I offer pieces that are both fashionable and functional with everything from seamless workout sets to gym bags and waist trainers. In the name of inclusivity and speaking to my former self, I am in the process of expanding my offerings to include plus-size activewear and men’s workout staples.
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?
My weight loss journey and road to entrepreneurship have not smooth transitions, but they have been full of teaching moments and lessons that complement one another. My weight loss journey taught me perseverance and to believe in my power — two factors that have been instrumental in continuing the pursuit of building my brand. Any pursuit that pulls you out of your comfort zone can make you begin to question yourself. Will I be successful? Is my product good enough? Can I do this? Beyond that, I’ve had issues with everything from combatting emotional eating to calling suppliers out who have tried to rip me off. I’ve learned to roll with life’s punches, always ready to fight back and come out victorious.
Tell us more about the business.
W by Crystal White is an athleisure brand specializing in fashion-forward, curve-friendly workout clothes for women and active staple accessories like gym bags and waist trainers. I will soon be offering men’s activewear as well. I am most proud of the evolution of my brand, both past, and future. What began in my mom’s dining room has grown beyond my wildest dreams and is only getting started. What sets W by Crystal White apart is my personal knowledge and connection to each product. I’m curvy and workout HARD. I make sure my pieces can withstand intense workouts and accommodate the curves that women want to show off while keeping security in the gym. Oh, and everything on my site ships free. don’t like paying for shipping, so it’s not something that I’d like to keep free for my customers.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck? I don’t believe in luck. I believe we are placed in situations for a reason, and each triumph, trial, and obstacle has contributed to my continued success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wbycrystalwhite.com
- Email: wbycrystalwhite@gmail.com
- Instagram: @iamcrystalwhite & @thejudyfit
- Other: www.thejudyfit.com
Image Credit:
Allante Steele (the Whlgn)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.
