Meet Crystal Smith | Black Mint Home Decor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Smith 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 birthed Black Mint in the pandemic, I have been home from my government 9-5 since March of 2020. I was already an interior stager and was actually getting into renovations when the pandemic started. At that point with Reno & Staging I don’t feel safe in peoples home! So I thought to myself what can I do that’s still in line with that? So a Home Decor line was a no brainer, I was a huge candle lover prior to now I took pottery in high school so I had already loved making things an anything having to do with art. My dad was a Architect and mom is in a retired government employee with a Event planning business so she is also very creative and I think I learned a lot of things from them. My family in general. Alot of people ask me how did you come up with name those are my two favorite colors so I took it and ran with it, I launched in Feb. 2021 and I took off from there.

What should our readers know about your business?
Black Mint Decor has a little of everything which I love. We have candles, we have wick sets, we have matches, we have art prints, we have concrete handmade bowls, we have body vases, pillow covers. Really nice home accents. My thought process was to have versatility and being able to have other items that were in line with my brand. I love black whites and neutrals so my line is very clean and minimalistic. I think what sets me apart is the uniqueness of it all I dont have items that you see everyday on the market so I always try to think of what’s not oversaturated which can be hard. I’m most proud of actually following through with something that I’ve been wanting to do we talk ourselves out of things because we are scared of failure! It’s so beautiful to see how far I’ve came and people who just love my stuff that’s an amazing feeling, Starting a business definitely has its challenges because you need money right? I used my pandemic checks to start Black Mint while also investing in myself! Your first year you see good return but you’ll see more maybe your next couple of years because you are having to buy all this supplies! Working with different distributors during the pandemic has been super crazy because it’s a lot of delays on vessels and things I use to operate my business which has been challenging also. I’ve learned along the way to definitely budget keep your receipts for everything, and test products as much as possible and take your time. For me I would say Black Mint is a modern home line I put a lot of work, time, and effort into my line, I am currently looking for a small storefront which is exciting! I’f you have a dream and a passion go after your dreams because you never know where it can take you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a food lover so everything will start there lol. I’d say museums as well. Washington DC is known for its history. You should visit the monument and the African American History Museum! I also love Artechhouse which is a very cool art interactive museum with a bar! Like a museum with a bar who wouldn’t like that? The Wharf is also one of my favorite spots and super popular it’s on the water kinda like a mini harbor they have a water taxi, boat rides, and great dining. They also recently opened a Boardwalk Arcade which is super dope! Mini golf love to do it I would hit Swingers Club and ThrowSocial indoor gaming spots. Food wise I love Ruth Chris, Oceanaire, Teds Bulletin, Mi Vida, Lauriol Plaza & Mastros. That’s a short list I love a lot of places here. I’m not a club person anymore I like to do lounges hookah bars and such and we have a lot of good ones here on U street one of my favs is Chi Cha Lounge and Caspi in Arlington.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my sister! My sister has been super vital she helps me with pop ups an also business ideas which I love. My family in general has been super supportive and have given me a lot of good advice I trust them more than anything so having that foundation is priceless. And lastly my grandmother who recently passed in December of 2021, I’m still healing from this loss she was also someone I confided in and chatted with about business and things that I handmade.

Website: www.blackmintdecor.com

Instagram: BlackMintHomeDecor

Twitter: BlackMintHome

Facebook: BlackMintDecor