Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, I've recognized that my upbringing has fundamentally shaped who I am today. My mother, who had an entrepreneurial spirit, owned an antique shop and was a lifelong learner, served as a significant influence on my life. During my summer breaks, I spent time at her store and witnessed her strong work ethic and dedication firsthand. Her commitment to pursuing higher education, completing both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree while raising a family, has also been a source of inspiration for me.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
My fascination with web design began when I created my first website at the age of 12 using GeoCities. It was a simple site, but the knowledge I gained helped me develop skills that are still useful today. At 13, a research project led me to explore web design, eventually leading me to graphic design and pursuing my degree in graphic design.
While in college, I freelanced and continued to do so during my first job. While pursuing my MBA, I had to create a business plan, and our group decided to build a virtual marketing agency. And though CMS has evolved into something different, it's interesting to see how it's become similar to that original plan.
Embracing Risk and Personal Growth
Through my early years of adulthood, I gained confidence in my ability to take risks and overcome the fear of failure. This was largely due to my upbringing, which encouraged me to explore my interests and try new things. When I got engaged to my now-husband in 2010, we made the decision for me to move to his hometown in Virginia. While I contemplated pursuing a full-time marketing position in a different industry, it didn't align with my passion or expertise, as I wanted to maintain the knowledge and experience I had already acquired.
The Birth of Crystal Marketing Solutions (CMS)
With the support of my then employer, who remains a client of CMS today, I branched off to start my business. CMS has evolved over the years, with an emphasis on strategy and a visionary approach to collaborating with financial professionals on their marketing strategies.
Building Meaningful Relationships
I am passionate about running Crystal Marketing Solutions because of the people we work with. They are not just clients, but they are also our friends—people we genuinely like and enjoy spending time with. What fuels my passion even more is the fact that our clients have a strong desire to help their clients. It's like a ripple effect of goodness that we get to be a part of, and it gives our work meaning and purpose.
Overcoming Challenges and Setting Ambitious Goals
As a business owner, I've always been drawn to challenges and setting ambitious goals. CMS provides the perfect opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth, as the ever-changing landscape of our industry keeps us on our toes. We can't afford to be stagnant; we must always strive to expand our knowledge and improve our skills.
Enjoying Autonomy and Work-Life Balance
One aspect of running CMS that I particularly appreciate is the autonomy it grants me in managing my time and setting my own boundaries. As someone who thrives on structure and organization, being able to create my own schedule allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This flexibility means I can spend quality time with my children, something that might not be possible with a typical 9-5 job.
The freedom that comes with being my own boss also extends to my ability to support my family and friends when they need help. For example, I can take care of my mom when necessary without having to worry about asking for time off from work. It's a privilege I'm grateful for every day.
Lastly, the nature of our business allows me to work from home. While this arrangement comes with its own set of challenges, such as juggling work and household responsibilities, I've found that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The comfort of working in my own space and having more control over my environment has been incredibly rewarding.
A Fulfilling Journey
The journey of building CMS has been deeply fulfilling on both a professional and personal level. Our commitment to nurturing genuine connections with our clients, our shared passion for helping others, and the opportunity to continuously learn and grow have all contributed to the success and satisfaction I've found in running this business. I'm excited to see what the future holds for CMS and the lives we touch along the way.
