Meet Krystal Benson: Creative Director & Founder of Clique Bait

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

Hi Krystal, how do you think about risk?
In my opinion, there are two types of risks — those that are planned and those that are rushed. Planned risks are healthy and I think everyone should take healthy risks in their life because those are the risks that help to push you to reach your fullest potential. You can go far by playing it safe but, when you take that leap, trust your inner gut and follow God you can go even farther. My biggest risk in my career was quitting my 9-5, well paying corporate job and moving to NYC to pursue a career within the fashion industry. Now, I didn’t just up and move, I created a plan. I saved money, found temporary housing and connected with a friend on employment. Before I took the risk of relocating, I made sure that I had things in place to help achieve the outcome I was looking for. While I didn’t stay in the fashion industry, that risk helped me to find my true passion and one of the reasons why Clique Bait is here today!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Clique Bait is a female led creative agency that specializes in helping brands tell their story on social and IRL through clean, crisp, creative content with a strategy that sells! Our goal is to help entrepreneurs become self sufficient in the digital space. When I first moved to New York, I was set on being the next fashion stylist. I thought that my purpose in life was to make people feel good through clothing. After interning, working on different sets (editorial, still life, e-commerce, campaigns) I realized that styling was fun but it wasn’t my calling. After creating content for my personal brand, I had friends and strangers reaching out to ask me to create for them. So, I did. I enjoyed helping people bring their aesthetic vision to life and I quickly realized that it was not only lucrative but it allowed me the opportunity to connect with people on a different level. At the end of 2019, I asked God how could I turn this into a legacy and shortly after Clique Bait was created. One of the two main lessons I learned in 2020 as a business owner is that you have to plan if you want to see growth but more importantly you have to do the work. You can’t expect things to come to you. While we live in a microwave society, and we see people only social going viral, becoming successful in your business doesn’t happen overnight. But with a plan and being consistent, your goals will come true. Another lesson I learned is that while you may be able to do it all, you can’t do it all well. So, delegation is key! Being that I started a digital focused business in the heart of a pandemic, where everyone was finding their passions and starting businesses, we received an influx of clientele rather quickly. Instead of hiring help, I thought I could do it all. For a few months, I did but things started to slack and eventually I became burnt out. Hiring help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart because now you’re finding more valuable ways to utilize your time! With the lessons I learned in 2020, I am more focused than ever and I’m so excited to show the world what we have in store this year!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to the one who gave me the gift to create. The one who never let me be without all of 2020 when I worked for myself full-time. The one who didn’t allow me to move forward with trying to end my life when I battled with depression at the end of last year. The one who gave me the drive to keep going. God has really blessed me in so many ways and for that reason, I have to give him praise!

Website: www.cliquebait.co
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_inspiredbykrys www.instagram.com/cliquebait.creative
Twitter: www.twitter.com/inspiredbykrys
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0MfXQ7gMo5HU0MU6R2HpQ

Image Credits
Lauren Riley