Meet Crystal Rushing | CEO/ Event Producer

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

Hi Crystal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start Mermaid Knick Knacks because I realized that people were most happy when they are being celebrated! So MKKS was created with the goal of bringing the customer’s vision to life. I wanted to be sure to provide awe-inspiring decorations where there was close attention to detail and a strong understanding of the client’s needs. We pride ourselves in providing stress free event services that, not only fit the ideal budget, but will especially leave a lasting impression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At Mermaid Knick Knacks, producing and designing events is an art. We put in countless hours crafting and ironing out the tiny details to ensure that everything is in the perfect place! It took time to perfect my craft. I actually started events in 10th grade at my high school where we had a Floral Design Class. My teacher introduced me to the art of floral arrangements and shorty after I was hired as an intern for the now internationally-know event planner Natalie Cadet-James. They both brought me into the world of event planning and design and I haven’t looked back since. It was not an easy road to make it here, at all. After high school, I actually went to study at the University of Florida and earned a Bachelors in Linguistics which then led me to my teaching career. The whole time though, I was curating events, crafting floral designs, and building all types of balloon garlands. God had a vision for me to create safe spaces… whether it was in a classroom or an event hall; that is what I was meant to do! It’s so important to listen to that little voice inside your head! While it’s definitely been a journey full of twists and turns, my heart is meant to create beautiful spaces where people from all over the world can celebrate and have fun.

I am super ecstatic to be able to bring life to different venues and to bring client’s vision to life. I especially enjoy woman empowerment events and we’ve actually started venturing into that ourselves. MKKS has expended and is now hosting several events where woman can come together and uplift each other. What makes these event unique is that I will be curating a different activity for each one. Whether its a vision board party, a paint and sip, or gardening soiree… I am truly enjoying curating safe spaces where creativity can flow!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop is Lenox Square! Have to get a good shopping trip in. For lunch, any of the Jamaican restaurants. because you can never go wrong with that.

Dinner at Marcus Bar & Grill!!! Fade & Faucet is another fun place!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my Mother, Zoraida Rodriguez! She doesn’t know this, but even as a little girl; she was always inspiring to me. The way she wore so many hats, and wore them well! She taught me to be strong-minded and to never take no for an answer. She is always the first to tell me to go after my dreams, and to have faith; no matter the circumstances. Thank you Mom, for showing me that women can be strong, fierce, and powerful too!

Website: www.mermaidkks.net

Instagram: www.instgram.com/mermaidkks

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mermaidkks

Image Credits
I have the reights