Meet CRYSTAL D WOODS

We had the good fortune of connecting with CRYSTAL D WOODS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CRYSTAL D, what’s your definition for success?
I’ve redefined the meaning of success for my life. Success is alignment and authenticity. It’s not only about what you achieve—it’s also about who you become in the process. When your spirit, purpose, and actions are in harmony, there’s a deep peace and confidence that no title, paycheck, or spotlight can replace. Alignment creates a flow. And when you’re in that flow, it naturally invites more opportunity and abundance into your life. Doors open, people show up, and life begins to mirror your inner clarity and intention. That’s when you know you’re walking in purpose. Now don’t get me wrong—we all have goals, and accomplishments are beautiful. But real success can’t be measured solely by society’s standards of wealth or status. When we chase only what’s visible—material things, applause, or validation—we can easily lose ourselves in the cycle of striving. That’s why it’s so important to define success on your own terms, from a place of truth. And here’s something I’ve learned: failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a part of it. When you’re able to learn the lesson, shift your mindset, and make the necessary adjustments, you’ve already succeeded. Success doesn’t always come wrapped in achievement—it often comes through challenge, change, and courage. Lastly, I am grateful for all of it. Every experience—carries wisdom, strength, and a deeper understanding of who you are. When you walk in gratitude, you align with the best of life. For me, that’s what success truly is—showing up as the most authentic, aligned version of myself. That’s what fuels my ability to serve powerfully as a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Author. I encourage your readers to take a moment to pause and reconnect with their why. Define success on your own terms. Honor the process and trust the journey, because every step—no matter how challenging—is leading you to a more empowered, elevated version of who you’re meant to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
CDW Innovative Solutions, LLC, was birthed from my personal transformation and spiritual awakening. It’s more than a company—it’s a calling. Through coaching, speaking, writing, and healing-centered experiences, I help high-performing women move from disconnection to purpose-filled alignment. Through my signature framework, The E.L.L.A. Method, women identify and eliminate hidden barriers, own their truth, realign their goals with their soul’s purpose and elevate to their next level of purpose, power, and impact. I believe when the soul and mind are in alignment, everything is possible.

One of the most powerful extensions of my work is my debut book, Reclaim Your Power: The Journey Back to Self. This spiritual and emotional guide was written for those who feel disconnected, burned out, or stuck in survival mode. It offers a path to empowerment, self-forgiveness, and renewal. The impact it’s having on readers has been both humbling and deeply affirming. I’ve received countless messages from women and men who’ve shared how the book helped them rediscover their voice, release guilt, and start again—with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. That’s the kind of transformation I live for.

At the core of my coaching practice is the E.L.L.A. Method: The Alchemical Path Back to Self—a transformational process I created during my personal transformation. The E.L.L.A. stands for Evaluate, Eliminate, Elevate, and Affirm, and it guides people through the process of identifying where they are, releasing what no longer aligns, raising their vibration, and affirming their divine identity and purpose. It’s a sacred journey of realignment, rebirth, and self-empowerment.

What sets me apart is that I bring my full self to the work—spiritually, emotionally, and intuitively. I don’t just talk about transformation—I’ve lived it. I’ve walked through heartbreak, reinvention, and moments where I had to rebuild everything from the inside out. And those experiences became the foundation for the healing work I now offer others.

Was the path easy? Absolutely not. But it was sacred. And more importantly—it was necessary. Growth rarely arrives wrapped in comfort. Why should it be easy? When I think of the caterpillar, it doesn’t simply grow wings. It must dissolve, disintegrate, and become unrecognizable before it emerges as a butterfly. That was me. I had to uncover the parts of myself I buried to survive, recover the pieces I lost along the way, and discover the truth of who I’ve always been beneath it all.

Disconnection from your true self invites the weight of other people’s stories, expectations, and projections. You begin to perform instead of live. And before you know it, you’re in an identity crisis—not because you’ve changed, but because you’ve been shaped by everything outside of you. But when you choose to heal—when you decide to show up for yourself with courage and honesty—everything begins to shift. You start to rediscover your truth, remember your why, and most importantly, begin the sacred journey back to self. You remember who you are beneath the pain, the programming, and the performance—and that remembering becomes the soil of your transformation. You must learn to trust your voice, even when it trembles. Honor your evolution, even when it makes others uncomfortable or unable to recognize you. And most of all, give yourself full permission to rise—to stand unapologetically in your wholeness, your truth, and your divine power.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is, this is your story—no matter how broken it feels—is the very soil your purpose is rooted in. Your pain isn’t meant to confine you; it’s your path to becoming. Your healing is your liberation, and your liberation becomes your greatest gift to the world. What I want the world to know is this: CDW Innovative Solutions, LLC exists to help people reclaim their power. My brand is for the dreamers, the healers, the leaders, and the ones who’ve carried the weight of everyone else while forgetting themselves. It’s a safe space for healing, rediscovery and renewal. A movement that empowers people to realign their lives with their soul and reclaim the brilliance that’s been within them all along.

To the reader: You are not lost—you are being recalibrated. You are not broken—you are becoming. You are powerful beyond measure. You don’t need permission to rise. You only need to remember who you are.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit Atlanta, I’d design a week that nourishes the soul, celebrates culture, and makes space for joy, healing, and a little turn-up. We’d start with a warm welcome brunch at Le Petit Marché in Kirkwood, then spend the afternoon grounding ourselves with a peaceful walk at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, reconnecting with nature, and setting our intentions for the week. That evening, we’d wind down with a soulful home-cooked dinner, music, and maybe a little vision boarding to align our spirit and energy.

Day two would be all about inspiration and culture. We’d explore the High Museum of Art in the morning, followed by lunch at Slutty Vegan for bold, unforgettable flavors and good vibes. Depending on our energy, we’d visit either the The Beltline, The Fernbank Museum for a creative experience or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to connect with deeper historical truths. That evening, we’d grab cocktails at Bar Margot inside the Four Seasons—elevated ambiance, rich conversation, and that Atlanta chic energy.

Midweek, we’d devote a full day to rest and rejuvenation with a visit to SpaLand or Treat Your Feet, letting go of tension and allowing stillness to do its healing work. That night, we’d dine at Poor Calvin’s, where Southern comfort meets global flair, and head to Ponce City Market’s rooftop for games, drinks, and skyline views. On day four, we’d honor Atlanta’s heart and history with a visit to The King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church. After a soulful lunch at Busy Bee Café, we’d find our peace with a sound bath or guided meditation at The Healing Room ATL, allowing space for spiritual reflection and emotional reset.

Day five would be all about fun, fashion, and flow. We’d start the morning with breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café, then spend the day exploring various shopping districts such as Atlantic Station and The Battery Atlanta supporting business like Pressed ATL and Wish ATL. In the evening, we’d enjoy dinner and live music at Apres Diem or City Winery, and if the mood calls for it—cap off the night dancing at a vibrant reggae club like iLounge ATL or Café Circa on reggae night, letting the rhythm carry us into the moment.

One of the most meaningful days would be our personal empowerment day—a private session with me at CDW Innovative Solutions, LLC, where I’d guide my best friend through clarity work, intention setting, and energetic alignment using my E.L.L.A. Method. Afterward, we’d have a photo shoot at Jackson Street Bridge or Piedmont Park, capturing their glow and growth, then head to dinner at TWO Urban Licks or STK Atlanta for a powerful, celebratory evening.

On our final day, we’d ease into the morning with brunch at Toast on Lenox, followed by a quiet journaling or gratitude session in a peaceful outdoor spot or my sacred space. Before they head home, I’d gift them a signed copy of my book, Reclaim Your Power: The Journey Back to Self, and a handwritten affirmation to carry the essence of the trip—and their truth—home with them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve encountered many people who have impacted my life in different ways and at various stages of my journey. Each of them offered memorable experiences—some through love, others through challenge—but all of them contributed to the woman I’ve become. Their presence, whether brief or lasting, helped strengthen my resolve. And as I applied the lessons learned, dismissed what no longer served me, it deepened my wisdom.

At the core of my existence is my spirituality. It’s not just something I practice—it’s who I am. My connection to the Divine has been my foundation, my guide, and my truth. It’s the compass that leads every decision I make and every life I touch. It reminds me that my purpose is bigger than me, and that grace is always available—even in the in-between spaces. My faith, my connection to the divine, and the spiritual principles that guide me have not only sustained me—they’ve transformed me. Everything I teach, write, and speak is birthed from that foundation.

At the heart of that spiritual lineage is my mother, Ella M. Woods, historian, Metaphysician, and scholar in esoteric teachings. The E.L.L.A. Method was created in her honor—born from her strength, her wisdom, and her unwavering resilience. I also give immense gratitude to Dr. John F. Johnson, a spiritual brother and mentor whose presence in my life was truly divine timing. His teachings and leadership unlocked deeper parts of my soul and challenged me to step into my calling with boldness and clarity. He didn’t just speak into my life—he poured into it, expanded it, and helped shape the way I lead and serve today.

I also want to acknowledge Iisha Z Byaz and Marquita C Charles, my soul-sisters and mirrors of truth. Their presence in my life has been a divine gift—offering reflection, honesty, and love when I needed it most. They have seen me clearly, with understanding and compassion, and I’m deeply grateful for their unwavering support and spiritual alignment. And of course, to all of the incredible men and women I have the honor of coaching, thank you for trusting me with your truth and transformation. Every divine messenger—whether in the form of a book, a breakdown, a conversation, or a quiet moment of clarity—you’ve each played a part in my journey back to self for we are all reflections of each other.

No journey is ever walked alone. I am here because of the love, faith, and grace that has surrounded and uplifted me every step of the way. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://linktr.ee/iamcrystaldionne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcrystaldionne

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-d-woods

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crysdawn.woods

Image Credits
Taurea Vision Avant – Author Allstars, Book Profits Club
Rhayna C Photography
Maxwell
Crystal D Woods
Waqas – Raymond Aaron Group
Picked Photos, LLC