We recently connected with Cristal Meza and have shared our conversation below.

Cristal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I began coaching in pageantry over 10 years ago, and from the very start, I knew it was something I truly enjoyed. Over the years, my coaching blossomed into something much bigger, and I started finding success in the field. But long before pageantry became my passion, there was something I discovered as a child: I loved shiny things. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in my room and during that time I developed a love with rhinestones. I began adding them to everything I owned. I realized how they could transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.
As I grew older, I used my skills and learned to apply rhinestones to all kinds of clothing and accessories. There was something magical about how a simple design could be elevated with just a few sparkling touches. I saw how rhinestones could take a simple piece of clothing and make it unrecognizable, beautiful, and unique.
A few years ago, I decided to turn this passion into something more. I started taking costume orders and creating customized clothing and accessories, like sweaters, shirts, and bags, all shiny AB rhinestones. I was so happy I had success not just in the pageant coaching but also in the wider market. What I loved most was being able to expand among female entrepreneurs looking to add a bit of “bling” to their businesses.
What I knew from the beginning was that this venture wasn’t just about making things beautiful—it was about marketing. Rhinestones are attention-grabbing and can help someone or something stand out, making it a fantastic way to market yourself or your business. While it may not be for everyone, rhinestone-adorned designs have found their niche in industries where standing out is key. Whether you’re in pageantry, small business, or any field where making a statement matters, adding a little shine can make all the difference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was first introduced to the pageant world at 18 years old as a pageant contestant. I competed in my city pageant because my best friend asked me to. At first, I wasn’t interested but in the end, I fell in love with it. I placed in the top 15 out of over 30 contestants, and my passion for pageantry began. I competed, and still compete, 13 years later.
After winning some pageants, I was messaged by a mom who wanted to hire me to teach her daughter some tricks for her first pageant. I had no idea that this would lead me to my passion and career. I have now been a part of dozens of women’s journeys toward their chance to win their dream titles.
After finding success in coaching, I branched off into creating custom bling merchandise. I place rhinestones, one by one, on pageant queens’ titles and entrepreneurs who enjoy using bling to market their businesses. I love being able to create something beautiful, shiny, and effective.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I have had to unlearn after becoming a business owner is that not having a 9-to-5 job is more than okay. I am a first-generation Mexican American. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents as a child. When my family first came to the United States, my grandfather was selling oranges on the side of the busiest freeways in Los Angeles. He worked in the blazing sun for hours. As a child, he would share his hopes and dreams for my future and always told me how I had every opportunity here in the United States. He wanted me to have a good job when I grew up. He always expressed how working in air conditioning was important. He loved the idea of becoming a teacher. And I did. I was taught it was important to get a good job, with good benefits, and consistency. Teaching was a great job that fit all those things. I enjoyed it as well.
Now, years after his passing, I no longer work in teaching, and I am my own boss. The hours are not consistent. I do not always get great benefits, and sometimes I don’t even get a lunch break. I had to unlearn that a job didn’t have to be what he thought was the American Dream for me. Becoming my own boss and owning my own business was okay, even though it can be uncertain.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

To grow my clientele, I really lean on my current clients. I always go above and beyond for every client in hopes that they have a great experience and recommend me to people they know. When it comes to pageants, I tailor things to the client’s needs and make myself available at all times during their pageant week/weekend. In my rhinestone bling business, I always create mock-up samples, discuss budgets, and work on providing the best quality products.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pageantthings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pageantthings
• Other: Personal coaching instagram @cristalpageantthings

Image Credits

Georgina Vaughan Photography