Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Jackson.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m first and foremost a movement artist. I moved to LA to further my career as a dancer and choreographer. While living in LA, I started researching the benefits of a plant-based diet. The more I researched the more I found how easy and fulfilling it is to change some of my favorite soul food and comfort food meals into plant-based meals. I started just doing it for myself and my boyfriend, then for friends, then for friends birthdays and gatherings. Not long after I realized I could make a business out of it. Crystal’s Kitchen was born.
There was always good music, good food, and good dancing in my house growing up. My parents made sure of that. These things definitely played a part in who I am today.
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 definitely not been a “smooth” road but I count all my blessings and there have been a lot of them. I’d say my biggest struggle with Crystal’s kitchen has been truly believing in myself and my ability to own and run a business. I’m a planner, so when things don’t fit my blueprint I tend to get overwhelmed. I planed to move to LA to focus strictly on movement art so when I started to develop the idea of Crystal’s Kitchen, I was constantly second-guessing myself. It’s definitely a process but I’m working on it.
Special shoutout to my boyfriend Tyler Singletary who is the only other “employee” at Crystal’s Kitchen. He’s always told me that I can make a business out of selling my food and I’m finally listening. He helps with absolutely anything and everything that needs to be done at CK.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Crystal’s Kitchen story. Tell us more about the business.
Crystal’s Kitchen is a black-owned woman-owned Vegan Pop up. We specialize in vegan soul food and comfort food. I’m most proud of the fact that I started this out of my house. I never intended to be vending at and selling out large dance events but it’s something I’ve been able to do within the first few months of starting the business. Crystal’s Kitchen doesn’t aim to turn people vegan, we just want them to know that there are alternatives and eating vegan doesn’t have to mean fancy meals with weird ingredients you’ve never heard of.
Fun fact: Though the company is 100% vegan, I am not. My diet is about 90% vegan but I do give myself room to indulge in things that I don’t usually have. For me, it’s about balance and consistency. If it’s not something I can do as a lifestyle, I don’t want it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I genuinely do not believe in luck. Every blessing that I’ve attained has been God-given. Everything thing that has happened to me and for me has been pre-determined by him. I always ask that the divine creator directs my path and leads me to opportunities that align with my values and beliefs., Thus far, he has and for that, I’m grateful.
Pricing:
- Meal of The Week $10
- 2 Meals of The Week $18
Contact Info:
- Website: Crystalskitchenla.com
- Phone: 8188502133
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Crystalskitchenla
Image Credit:
@CreativDesi.nger, @PassionMedia_
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