We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrystal Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrystal, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Hampton, Ga, where my upbringing was rich with experiences that shaped my love for fashion and creativity. My mom signed me up for modeling classes when I was 14 to boost my confidence, which had a profound impact on me. She also had a talent for altering all of my clothes, adding a personal touch that deepened my appreciation for design. Combined with weekends spent shopping with family and friends, these experiences fueled my passion for self-expression and honed my eye for detail.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to individuality, creativity, and authenticity in fashion and modeling. Growing up, attending schools with uniforms initially limited my opportunities for self-expression. It wasn’t until I saw my older sister getting creative with her uniform that I began experimenting with my own style. This newfound creativity was further developed through modeling classes, which pushed me to explore fashion more deeply. Determined to stand out, I spent weekends with my mom exploring trends and honing my eye for style. By high school, I had transformed from a shy, awkward kid into a fashionable teen whose friends admired her wardrobe.

During high school, I also had my little brother take my Instagram pictures, which was crucial for practicing my poses and refining my style. This experience helped build my confidence and professionalism in front of the camera. Fashion became my authentic outlet for showcasing my uniqueness and creativity, unknowingly setting the stage for my modeling career.

A defining moment in my journey was in 2020 when I took a chance and entered a raffle to model for a few brands—initially as a joke. Winning that raffle unexpectedly opened doors to opportunities I hadn’t anticipated. What truly set these opportunities in motion was my genuine interest in other creatives’ art and lives. Building authentic connections allowed me to explore new paths and develop my modeling career.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of embracing individuality and staying true to oneself. Pay attention to the compliments you receive, as they often reveal your true talents. Although I initially doubted my fashion sense and posing skills, the positive feedback highlighted these strengths. Growing up, I found that expressing myself through clothes and pictures was a safe and genuine way to connect with others, attracting people to me both personally and professionally.

I am proud of how I’ve channeled my passion into a professional modeling career. It wasn’t always easy; there were many moments of self-doubt, especially when stepping into new and unfamiliar spaces. The modeling classes I took, encouraged by my mother, and my support system were pivotal in boosting my confidence and teaching me to embrace my individuality and creativity.

Overcoming challenges involved remaining true to my vision and learning to trust the process. A key lesson has been the importance of resilience—understanding that setbacks are part of growth and perseverance is essential. I’ve also learned the value of surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in my potential.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s built on the principles of individuality, creativity, and authenticity. My story is one of embracing who you are and using fashion as a means to express yourself. My brand reflects these values, and I aim to empower others to confidently express their own individuality through modeling and fashion.

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.
For a week-long trip in my city, my itinerary would be a mix of spontaneity and exploration. It’s rare that I go the same places more than once. But the overall theme with always be the same. I’d have dinner at a ramen spot, savoring some unique flavors. I’d spend the morning painting in a scenic park, preferably by a lake. I’d visit a bookstore and chat at a cozy coffee shop while studying or relaxing. Maybe even stop at a plant shop. I’d look for a local bistro or cafe that catches my eye. I’d catch a movie at a theater or go shopping to fill my already full closet. Throughout the trip, I’d remain open to spontaneous plans—when I see something fun or interesting, I’d jump at the chance to explore it. I’d continue discovering creative activities around the city and perhaps take a creative class or workshop. The week would blend artistic exploration with relaxed, impromptu adventures, offering a dynamic experience of the city’s cultural and creative offerings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my supportive friends and acquaintances who shared my post, mentioned me in spaces of opportunity, invited me to those opportunities, listened to my creative ideas, captured those ideas, and, most importantly, believed in me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrystaltaylor?igsh=Y2dzb2J2azRwN2Uy

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrystaltaylor?_t=8p1FB3qhldq&_r=1 

Image Credits
Photographers’ Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/tayroseproductions_?igsh=MW5tOGZpZ3Q1OHNueQ== https://www.instagram.com/kingkaivisuals?igsh=azJpdTZ6bGpjM3Y0 https://www.instagram.com/daywiththesony?igsh=ZHIyeDdhMW41cW85 https://www.instagram.com/jpeg.ukari?igsh=MXZqcnN6N2l2OGY5ZQ== https://www.instagram.com/miles_theshooter?igsh=eTA2Zm1yczB0anB1 https://www.instagram.com/vibesbyrob?igsh=cmRpcWdpbWNxbnNp https://www.instagram.com/artcusmarcus?igsh=NGR0dmQxdHhkMjB0 https://www.instagram.com/veesentay?igsh=MTBtdnBmdHZ1cnpxYg== https://www.instagram.com/grace.renay?igsh=MTJma2c4NzB2NnUzZA==

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.