Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Paris.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a self-taught, Fashion Artistry Designer specializing in Wearable Art. After having a child at 19 years old, battling homelessness and not knowing which direction I wanted to take my life, I began looking to for my strongest passion for solace, desiring to create and understand fashion. I didn’t want to become a statistic but rather a survivor, thus I began my first business at the age of 22 called Crystal Paris Designs LLC in Atlanta GA with my 6,000 income tax check and my account savings.
Crystal Paris Designs is a brand created to empower others especially women and young girls through Fashion and Art. I am an award-winning designer. Winning awards for my one of a kind pieces of art from Simmon Mall (Lenox Square), Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, National Black Arts Festival while submitting my work to countless competitions such as Vogue Talent and Metropolitan Museum of Art just to name a few.
Just one year ago, I moved the business to Downtown Los Angeles where I now conduct business in my very own studio space. This space is perfect for me to give back in such a major way!
I’m currently a volunteer for an Amazing organization called Art coach where I teach young girls with chronic illnesses fashion design. I also work with Mrs. Tina Knowles Lawson and the WACO theater where I showcase my works of Art at there annual Wearable Art Gala where they raise thousands of dollars for the empowerment of diverse pool LA artists to find their true purpose and awaken to their own individual power source.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With any profession, there are always struggles and challenges. I started my brand at the age of 22. I quit my 9-5 job which was at a local grocery store called Plubix and solely depending on the income from the business. Making such a drastic change, I soon found out the pros and cons of starting a business.
I eventually lost everything I had and ultimately had to move back in with my parents. Of course its constant ups and down in business. I remember many times where people thought I was crazy to chase. Rejection of course. Others projecting their fears, people trying to dim your light!
Through it all, I never gave up!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Crystal Paris Designs is a Fashion Artistry line, specializing in Wearable Art founded in 2012 by designer Crystal Paris. Inspired by a multitude of diverse international fashion designers and artists, each piece, created from our premiere fashion artistry collection is exclusively handcrafted to illustrate its uniqueness.
It’s not just the uniqueness of a Crystal Paris Design that sets us apart, but it’s the artistic approach and craftsmanship that keeps our customers engaged. Each design is handcrafted, with enormous amounts of detail, which creates our distinctive brand worldwide.
Crystal Paris Designs strives for perfection and innovativeness by embracing both fashion and art through empowerment! Our MISSION is to produce extraordinary, one of a kind artistry pieces of fashion. That people will love and vie for!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is dressing up with my cousin! I remember at three 1/2 years old taking my sister’s wide-leg pants converting them into a dress. I remember like it was yesterday, I would put both legs in one of the pants legs while putting one arm in the other creating one sleeve fitted dress.
I recall wearing the dress all the time; prancing around the house in my mom’s heels. I was VERY creative at a very young age. My imagination was far beyond any average child for sure. I knew I could become whoever I desire through my wide imagination.
Pricing:
- Price point starts at $500.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crystalparisdesigns.com
- Phone: 4243331155
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalparis
Image Credit:
Frances Neyra Claudio
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