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

Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Initially… FEAR was all I could think about. I knew I had and have a gift but I was afraid that the world and others wouldn’t gravitate towards. Once, I got over that hurdle, my thoughts were “we are building an EMPIRE!” It sounds so cliche but it’s true! I wanted something that if done right I/we can pass down to my children and their children.

In, November 2018, we became affiliates with an international company that specializes in fruit bouquets and  chocolate covered strawberries. I had those closets to me check, double and triple check to ensure that this was really happening. A major company wanted to be affiliated with Berries by Crystal!!!! All I could say was WOW and THANK YOU GOD! To be the ONLY small business in the Birmingham area that they chose… it was a HUGE honor and this was a MAJOR move for our company!
This in return has allowed Berries by Crystal to grow and expand, this fall BBC will be mobile!!!!!
We are BEYOND excited about our next moves!! All from a strawberry and the passion that comes with it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider my self a Creator/Chemist. The mixing of colors, to the different combinations of flavors and toppings. Making sure that the chocolate is the right consistency. I LOVE what I do and I get beyond EXCITED when colors come together!! Lol! I LOVE bringing flavors together!!! I call it “marrying.” It’s when the two come together and create something GREAT, something BEAUTIFUL! In my case, with the berries, it’s a marrying of flavors!

We set ourselves apart because we are not just your typical dipped chocolate covered strawberries, I am particular on the type of chocolate used as well as the size of the berries. I wanted Berries by Crystal to be elegant and delectable! Hence the reason why they are Gourmet berries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Birmingham is a busy area, and I’m a real laid back and chill person. So, we would visit a nice winery outside of the city and dinner. It’s nothing like stillness and being able to hear the other person speak.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to first thank God for blessing me with the talents given. Second, to my close friend Tiasha Williams., she’s the one who kind of “threw me in the water and said swim.” My first chocolate covered strawberries were purchased by her, she called me one day and said “ I need some berries and I know you can do them.” That was 4 years ago.

Shoutout to my husband Kevin Dunn, my parents Addie and Arthur Towns and family! They are my biggest supporters and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, they push me when I feel as if I can’t push anymore, stay up late fulfilling orders, watch me when I make mistakes and learn from them. I owe my success to them! Having a small business means ALL HANDS ON DECK!! I have the best team I could ever ask for! My team is my family!!

Lastly, I want to thank my beautiful friend Stacey Kimber owner of KWU’s for thinking so much of me to have the opportunity to be recognized in such a manner. It truly means the world to me.

Website: pprberries.com

Instagram: @pprberriesbycrystal

Facebook: @Berries by Crystal

Image Credits
DeShanna Hampton Face Photography

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