Conversations with Crystal Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Perez.

Hi Crystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, could you tell our readers about your background?

Creativity is a frequency, and I’m tapped in. My inner child is always inspired, curious, and creating without limits. Raised by artists, dreamers, and storytellers, I grew up surrounded by the rhythm of culture, music, the language of fashion, and the movement of art. New York City called to me at an early age, a canvas of endless inspiration where music, style, and creativity collided. I found myself drawn to the way fashion tells a story without words, how a single piece can hold legacy, culture, and artistry all at once.

Tell us about ISSA DAVII and your journey.

ISSA DAVII was born from that spirit. It’s not just a brand; it’s a tribute, a love letter to my ancestors as they continue to guide us in spirit and light. Every piece tells a story, blending past and present, tradition and innovation. It’s deeply personal yet universal, designed for those who see fashion as more than just clothing but as a reflection of identity, culture, and self-expression.

What sets ISSA DAVII apart is the intention behind it. This isn’t fast fashion; it’s thoughtful, it’s purposeful, and it’s rooted in something deeper. From the textures to the silhouettes, every design carries meaning, honoring those who came before while creating something new for those who wear it now.

The brand’s story is told through creativity, legacy, and purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe your journey as a smooth road?

A smooth road gets you nowhere. I’m grateful for the lessons because you grow from them. God has a funny way of rearranging your plans, placing you in seasons of pause when you least expect it, but when you emerge again, it’s like a phoenix. That’s what grief taught me, time and time again. We can never grow without reflection. And growth isn’t found in ease; it’s found in the fire, in the moments that test you, push you, and challenge you to evolve.

That’s where the magic happens, in the evolution, in the becoming. The road isn’t meant to be smooth; it’s meant to make you elevate.

What sets ISSA DAVII apart?

ISSA DAVII isn’t just a fashion brand, it’s legacy woven into fabric, a love letter to our ancestors as they continue to guide us in spirit and light. Every piece tells a story, blending past and present, tradition and innovation. It’s deeply personal yet universal, designed for those who see fashion as more than just clothing but as a reflection of identity, culture, and self-expression.

What sets ISSA DAVII apart is the intention behind it. This isn’t fast fashion; it’s thoughtful, it’s purposeful, and it’s rooted in something deeper. From the textures to the silhouettes, every design carries meaning, honoring those who came before while creating something new for those who wear it now.

I want people to feel seen, empowered, and connected when they wear ISSA DAVII, because fashion isn’t just about what you put on, it’s about how it makes you feel and the story that connects you to the brand.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

Your energy is your frequency, and what you put out will always find its way back to you. Align with your truth, and the right people will align with you. Pray about it. The people who are meant to walk with you will recognize your spirit, and when you find them, pour into that connection. Some of my mentors are now like family; I check in with them daily.

Gratitude is currency, pour it back into those who pour into you. Let your mentors and your people know they inspire you. You never know how much that acknowledgment could shift something in them. The right people often show up when you least expect it, let it flow.

My mentors are not just people I call when I need them, they are people I hold in high regard. People I break bread with, people I send a card to on their birthday, people whose presence I value beyond what they can do for me. Real mentorship is built on mutual respect and genuine friendship, not transactions.

Mentorship doesn’t always have to be about the work, it’s human to human. You can vibe on a song, art, culture, science, it could be anything. Energy is the real connection. It’s found in conversations, in shared experiences, in the ones who push you to think bigger, move differently, and elevate.

Most importantly, stay authentic. Your path is yours alone, and that’s what makes it powerful. Growth happens in the spaces where you allow yourself to be fully seen, to ask questions, and to evolve. Stay open, stay intentional, and trust that the right people will align with your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website:  issadavii.com
• Instagram: @issadavii

Image Credits:
Etienne Maurice @walkgoodetienne, photo on truck