We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on has been the creation of Amor de Mi Vida, my long term vision for a nonprofit built to uplift and empower individuals in my community. The idea for this project grew out of my own lived experiences, being raised by a single mother, navigating systems that were not built with people like us in mind, and watching so many talented and resilient individuals settle for less simply because they lacked support, resources, or someone who believed in them.

The backstory begins with the people I met while studying social work and working with the Hispanic, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities. I had many conversations with clients, students, and families who had dreams, passions, and potential, but who faced barriers such as language, discrimination, financial stress, or lack of guidance. It affected me deeply to see how often people limited themselves not because they lacked ability, but because the world around them never showed them what was possible.

That is where Amor de Mi Vida comes from. The name represents the belief that every person deserves to build a life they truly love, a life shaped by purpose and not survival. This project is meaningful to me because it brings together everything I care about: social justice, empowerment, culturally grounded support, and the chance to break generational cycles. My vision is to create programs that help people discover their passions, build confidence, and access opportunities, whether they are raising families, starting careers, or pursuing personal goals.

Working on this project has taught me that change does not always start with large systems. It often begins with one person feeling seen, supported, and believed in. That is why Amor de Mi Vida means so much to me. It represents the kind of future I want to build for my community and for the next generation who deserves to dream bigger than we ever could.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am someone who has always been driven by the desire to uplift my community and help people reconnect with their purpose. Growing up in a single parent household and navigating systems that were not always built for people like me shaped the way I see the world. It also shaped the kind of work I wanted to dedicate my life to. My journey into social work began with a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, especially Hispanic, immigrant, and LGBTQ individuals who often fall through the cracks of larger systems.
I became involved in programs like Rhythm in My Roots because I witnessed how powerful culture, identity, and expression can be when they are used with intention for healing. Being part of that work showed me that people thrive when they feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that honor where they come from. That experience shaped the direction of my passion and later inspired me to create my own nonprofit vision, Amor de Mi Vida. As I started growing within my community, I found simple but meaningful ways to connect with people, including offering face painting at events and fundraisers. It gave me the chance to engage with families, build relationships, and bring joy into spaces where people often needed a moment of color, creativity, and care.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a clear mission guiding my creative journey. My work is driven by the desire to heal and uplift my community through art, connection, and simple moments of joy. I believe creativity has a unique power to open hearts, bring people together, and make healing feel accessible, even in small ways. Whether it is through face painting, cultural expression, or community events, my goal is to create spaces where people feel lighter, seen, and surrounded by positivity.

I want my work to remind people that healing does not always have to be heavy. Sometimes it begins with color, laughter, and genuine human connection. My mission is to continue spreading that sense of hope and warmth, using creativity as a tool to bring smiles to families, celebrate culture, and strengthen the community from the inside out.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that protecting myself from danger or discomfort meant I had to shut people out and hold back my happiness. In the past, I met individuals who put me in unsafe and uncomfortable situations, including experiences of abuse and being taken advantage of. Those experiences taught me to build strong defensive walls, but over time, I realized that keeping myself closed off also kept me from truly being happy and expressing who I am.

Unlearning these protective mechanisms has been challenging. It requires recognizing that discomfort does not always equal danger, and that vulnerability can lead to growth. I have come to understand that my past experiences, while painful, have motivated me to face uncomfortable situations with courage. They have taught me that I can rise above fear, learn from every challenge, and use my growth to bring positivity and happiness to others. Now, I try to approach relationships and experiences with openness, while still honoring my boundaries, knowing that embracing life fully allows me not only to heal myself but also to uplift the people around me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amordemivida.htx?igsh=MTZseG50aWU0eWNzbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GDQMdE573/?mibextid=wwXIfr