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

Hi Crystal, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my life and career. I view risks as necessary steps toward growth and achieving my goals. Without taking risks, I wouldn’t have been able to transition from a traveling hairstylist to a business owner providing affordable hair products or to an educator helping other women start their own dropshipping hair businesses.

In my career, taking risks has meant venturing into new business models, like dropshipping, and expanding my services despite uncertainties. It has also involved sharing personal experiences, such as my pregnancy journey, to connect with and inspire others. These risks have led to significant rewards, both personally and professionally, allowing me to build a supportive community and create opportunities for myself and others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business focuses on providing high-quality hair bundles at affordable prices, similar to wholesale pricing. What sets us apart is our commitment to making great quality hair accessible to women, without the high price tags often associated with premium hair products.

I’m most proud of how we’ve built a supportive community around our brand. Our customers know they can trust us for both quality and affordability. The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Starting as a traveling hairstylist specializing in quick weaves, wig installs, and so many more styles gave me valuable insights into my customers’ needs and preferences, which I used to shape my business, with the intention to be a one stop shop.

Overcoming challenges required resilience and creativity. There were times when securing inventory or reaching new customers felt daunting, but I stayed focused on my vision, stayed consistent, and leveraged social media to build my online presence. I also am getting started with teaching women how to start their own dropshipping hair businesses, creating ‘Rich Hair Mogul Academy’ to empower others with the knowledge I’ve gained.

Key lessons I’ve learned include first and foremost, the importance of believing in yourself, the value of community support, and the necessity of adaptability in business. I want the world to know that my brand is about more than just selling hair; it’s about empowering women to look and feel their best.

My story is one of perseverance, community, and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality products and the tools and resources to succeed in their own ventures.

I started this journey with a passion for hair and a desire to fill a gap in the market as well as a goal of becoming financially free. My boyfriend’s encouragement and support were crucial in taking that leap. Despite the challenges, my dedication to my vision kept me going.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on authenticity, affordability, and empowerment. I aim to make a real difference in the lives of my customers and to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, just as I have.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure she would have an unforgettable time here. Here’s a little 7 day itinerary for my bestie and I during her visit :

Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta

• Morning: Start with breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Café, famous for its delicious biscuits and Southern comfort food.
• Afternoon: Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Then, head to the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the history of the iconic brand and enjoy some tasting.
• Evening: Dinner at The Optimist, where we can indulge in some of the best seafood in the city.

Day 2: Exploring Midtown

• Morning: Brunch at South City Kitchen for some upscale Southern cuisine.
• Afternoon: Visit the High Museum of Art, followed by a stroll in Piedmont Park.
• Evening: Drinks at the rooftop bar at Ponce City Market, followed by dinner at 9 Mile Station, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 3: History and Culture

• Morning: Breakfast at Home Grown GA, known for its farm-to-table Southern dishes.
• Afternoon: Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Then, explore the Atlanta BeltLine, stopping at Krog Street Market for lunch and some shopping.
• Evening: Dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a historic spot serving classic Southern dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Stone Mountain

• Morning: Head out early for a hike up Stone Mountain. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top.
• Afternoon: Explore Stone Mountain Park and have a picnic lunch.
• Evening: Return to Atlanta for dinner at Canoe, a beautiful restaurant on the Chattahoochee River.

Day 5: Shopping and More

• Morning: Breakfast at Highland Bakery, a favorite spot for locals.
• Afternoon: Spend the day shopping in Buckhead. Visit Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for high-end retail therapy.
• Evening: Dinner at Chops Lobster Bar, followed by cocktails at The Regent Cocktail Club.

Day 6: Sports and Entertainment

• Morning: Brunch at West Egg Café, a trendy spot with a great menu.
• Afternoon: Catch a game or concert at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, depending on what’s scheduled.
• Evening: Dinner at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q for some authentic Atlanta BBQ.

Day 7: Farewell to Atlanta

• Morning: Relaxed breakfast at The General Muir, a modern American restaurant with a Jewish deli influence.
• Afternoon: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
• Evening: Wrap up the trip with dinner at Two Urban Licks, a vibrant restaurant known for its live music and delicious food.

I choose these activities as the include a mix of all the things I love to do myself and I’m sure my bestie would appreciate it just as much. Some of these places I have already visited and some of these places I still want to visit in the future, this is why I included them so that we can both experience it together!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my boyfriend, who has been a cornerstone in my journey to success. He encouraged me to take the risk and start my hair business, providing the initial investment I needed to get started. His solid belief in me, even when no one else did, has been incredibly motivating.

He knew I had the potential to go far and pushed me to see it through. It was his idea to start selling the hair, and for us to move our family to Atlanta, a decision that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the industry and pursue my dreams on a larger scale. While I initially wanted to stay within my comfort zone, he challenged me to believe in myself and take big girl steps.

His support, confidence, and motivation have been vital in helping me achieve my goals, and I am incredibly grateful for his role in my story.

Website: Under Construction-Rebrand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcrystalcarter?igsh=MThlNmFqMWdjbDZ5ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@love_crystalcarter5913?si=8tR2FsVaX-dTz0FU

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