We recently connected with Crystal Crebs and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success can be measured in many ways. Sometimes, it’s about reaching a big goal; other times, it’s about celebrating the small wins along the journey and who you become along the way. To me, staying out of a victim mindset and embracing a victor’s mindset is key to true success. Challenges will inevitably come, but viewing failures not as things that happen to you but rather for you—opportunities for growth—transforms the journey into one of continual success.

My biggest test of this mindset came when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013. I had just gotten engaged, and two months later, life as I knew it was put on hold. Facing an uncertain future, I looked at all my options, made peace with whatever the outcome might be, and approached treatment with every bit of strength I had. Mentally, physically, and spiritually, I committed to moving forward without letting myself become a victim of the circumstance. There were only one or two moments when I allowed myself to think the worst, but I quickly shifted back to a resilient mindset.

In May 2014, I completed my last treatment—a victory I attribute to maintaining a victor’s mindset. And, 6 months later I got married, and it wasn’t just a celebration of our wedding, but a celebration of my life. That experience taught me that success is about resilience, growth, and never losing faith in yourself, even during the toughest moments.

Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m incredibly passionate about empowering people to cultivate a mindset that supports success in every area of life. This mindset is at the core of everything I do. As a makeup artist, I understand how much people crave an external transformation, but I aim to provide my clients with an internal transformation, too. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling empowered from within. I also have the pleasure of empowering readers with mindset tips as an author of a monthly column in the global magazine, Pepper Magazine, called Positively Crystal.

When it comes to the talent I represent, my goal is to instill a mindset that helps them navigate the ups and downs of the industry. The rejections and wins come with the territory, but what sets me apart is the holistic approach I take with my clients. Together, we craft a vision statement for their life—something that serves as the foundation for their personal and professional growth. We build morning routines that help them visualize and create the future they want, touching every part of their life, from relationships to work and beyond. My aim is to help them succeed not only in their careers but in all aspects of life. Whether they’re with me for a short time or a long time, they’ll leave stronger, more confident, and ready to grow.

A bit about my background: I earned my degree in Fashion Design & Marketing from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa, Florida. During that time, I interned in New York City with designer Tracy Reese, served as an Assistant Casting Director for MTV Spring Break, and owned an entertainment company that managed talent in Tampa.

As a Texas native, I’ve always had a deep love for fashion and entertainment. I’ve worked in front of the camera on films in Texas during high school, served as an Assistant Casting Director for Harley Davidson, and contributed to films doing wardrobe styling and production design. More recently, I’ve been involved in fashion productions for Neiman Marcus and founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Fashionable Adoptions, in 2017, which connects animals with forever homes through fashion events.

I’ve also had an extensive career as a professional makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, working on commercials, campaigns, LA Fashion Week, San Antonio Fashion Week, and numerous freelance projects.

Now, as the owner and CEO of Success Style, I bring all my industry experience to support the next generation of models, actors, and influencers, as well as those I mentor through my other business with my husband. I’m dedicated to helping them thrive and achieve success in every facet of their lives.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I started Success Style, it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. At the time, I was working with a creative agency, playing a significant role in its development and supporting the talent there. I had a fantastic relationship with the owner and was deeply involved in overcoming many challenges. However, as time went on, I felt a shift. The direction the company was heading wasn’t aligned with the personal and professional growth I was experiencing—not in a negative way, but in a way that made me realize I needed something different.

I struggled with this realization for months. I didn’t want to leave, especially since I cared so much about the company and its success, but deep down I knew it was no longer the right fit for me. I was torn between wanting to push through and stay loyal, and needing to honor the changes I was going through. It took a lot of courage to finally bring up my feelings, especially because I knew it might affect my relationship with the owner, someone I deeply respected and cared for.

Ultimately, I had to make the difficult choice to be true to myself. I was honest about my desire to start my own agency and pursue a vision that resonated with who I was becoming. Unfortunately, the relationship was severed as a result. It was painful, but I had to keep reminding myself that it was a business decision, and that by choosing me, I wasn’t being selfish—I was making space for my own growth. As someone who’s naturally a giver, this was a challenging but necessary step.

Since launching my talent agency, the journey has reinforced that I made the right decision. Success Style is still in its early stages, but we’ve started booking talent and moving in a direction that feels fully aligned with my values and the talent we represent. I continue to root for my previous agency and am genuinely happy to see their ongoing success, especially knowing their achievements are in areas that wouldn’t have fit with my own goals. I believe the right people are now there to support that vision.

The story is still unfolding, but I’m confident that I’m on the right path, both personally and professionally.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are so many books, audiobooks, podcasts, and mentors that have been pivotal in shaping my growth as both a leader and an entrepreneur. I make it a point to read at least 10 pages of a book each day—because as they say, leaders are readers. It’s a simple habit, but it adds up quickly, allowing me to finish books regularly and consistently expand my knowledge.

One book that truly sparked a transformation for me is What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter. It’s all about reprogramming your mind for success, helping you break free from any limiting beliefs or negative self-talk that might be holding you back. I was so impacted by this book that I even gave a keynote on its strategies. It’s a powerful resource, and there’s also an app that helps reinforce this mindset shift on a daily basis.

Another book that’s had a profound impact on my life is The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. As someone who was a lifelong night owl, I never imagined becoming a morning person. But after reading this book, my whole perspective changed. Waking up early has revolutionized my routine. Now, I’m able to accomplish so much in the quiet hours of the morning before the demands of the day start rolling in, and it has been a complete game-changer for my productivity and sense of control.

More recently, two books that guided me through the transition of starting my own agency are Be Seen by Jen Gottlieb and Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima. Both offered invaluable insights during that time of change, helping me gain clarity, confidence, and purpose as I built my business.

In addition to books, I’ve also found incredible value in joining masterminds, both in-person and online. These communities have been transformational for building relationships, expanding my network, and immersing myself in growth-driven environments.

I’m a lifelong learner, and I believe that constantly feeding my mind with new ideas and perspectives is key to thriving on my entrepreneurial journey. It’s something I’ll always prioritize, both for my own growth and to better support those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crystalcrebs.com / www.successstyleagency.com
• Instagram: @successstyleagency