Meet Crystal Mitchell | Chief Elevate Officer

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

Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew at a very young age that I loved connecting with people and genuinely enjoyed seeing others smile. Growing up, I always had a passion for dance and knew that I wanted to use it as a way to share my gifts with others. From pageants to step competitions, lighting up the stage has always been a part of my DNA. Last year, January 22, 2020, I was journaling and God gave me the word “elevate.” After receiving it, I prayed for a clear vision. I wanted to be the vessel that fulfilled what He was showing me, according to His will. One day while dancing in a Zumba class, I realized how much joy I had radiating from the depths of my soul to the smile on my face. It was then I realized I was doing something that could encourage others to rise up to their fullest potential, and it fueled my fire to become a certified Zumba Instructor. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made!

After receiving my certification, I began to connect the dots between elevate, Zumba, my passion for dance, and love for people. I had visions of me building a community that motivated people to become the best version of themselves. I saw the importance of taking the idea beyond just dance and creating something that would help people grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. Elevate Nation launched August 7, 2020 and it was the best day ever!

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.
In addition to Elevate Nation, I am also Director, Business Development at KWI Communications. I truly enjoy uncovering new business opportunities for the company as it allows me to connect with people and help other companies achieve their goals. I’ve been in the sales/marketing industry for about seven years now and have definitely had my share of highs and lows. One principle that has kept me grounded over the years is – the power of perspective in the pivot. How we wire our thoughts, what we choose to focus on and think about has the ability to help us move forward or it can be paralyzing. I’ve come to know and understand that life will throw curveballs, but how we handle them (even as they’re being thrown) makes a world of a difference. Regardless of the circumstance, I choose positive thoughts and allow what is excellent and admirable to take up space in my mind. This helps shift my perspective to see the good – even in the most difficult situations.

As I prepared to launch Elevate Nation, I was also inspired to share this way of thinking with my students. By sharing words of positive affirmation and inspiration to thrive daily, we help each other navigate the pivotal moments of life. One affirmation that we love is “best day ever.” No matter what, we know that we can declare the best over each and every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhh I love this question! I’m also going to imagine that it’s 73 degrees and sunny outside as I plan out our adventures.

– We would have to go to my home church Passion City and hopefully there is a 5 Alive event going on that day as well!
– It’s a must that we make our way to West Midtown and grab Bartaco!
– From there, we’d make our way to see a live band in the area and hopefully there are vendors on site for some cool, local merch
– We would have to make our way to the Beltline and cruise the walkway, possibly stopping for an iced coffee along the way
– Since it’s my friend’s first time, we will have to make a touristy stop at the aquarium and ride the Skyview ATL ferris wheel while we’re downtown
– For lunch/dinner we’d have to hit up Rock Steady, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Flower Child, Poor Calvin’s
– Brunch – Milk & Honey, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Kaleidoscope
– Coffee – Rev, Chattahoochee Coffee Company, Urban Grind Coffee House, Cafe Comma
– Latin Nights dance class with one of my fav instructors at the Wellness Spot Atlanta

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My #1 shoutout goes to Jesus Christ. His faithfulness, grace, love and mercy is the backbone and foundation of Elevate Nation. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity given to be a good steward of the gifts, talents and abilities He’s entrusted me with. His vision for Elevate Nation is so much bigger than me, and with him the growth is endless. May He continue to get all of the glory, honor and praise.

I’d also love to shoutout my family, friends, church, Sorors, students, mentors, family group, and coaches who are constantly encouraging me to continue walking this journey with confidence and bravery. The countless meetings, prayers, calls, and texts are appreciated from the bottom of my heart. My tribe has supported me so beautifully and I look forward to writing the next chapters of Elevate Nation’s story together.

Website: https://www.theelevatenation.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-mitchell-48b1a72a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theelevatenation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_wk2c_Gee_8wZzKoFN3mOQ/featured

Image Credits
Branden Green – MEV Photographie Pierre Lamon Photography Khalil Johnson – RDK Productions