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

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Besides giving me life (lol), I’d say my parents ingrained in me to always be a leader. I remember as early as grade-school being taught basic life lessons and that was a major key. To lead by example while in school and amongst my peers while making my own mark on the world. That one lesson stayed with me throughout adulthood, which I apply to my career and how I handle business. Some people are natural born leaders while others just fall in line where they can, for me it’s balance and knowing when each role is necessary and needs to be applied.

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?

A proud Denver native, raised in a quiet part of town affectionately known as “the eastside.” Product of Denver Public Schools, having graduated from THEE illustrious, East High. I’m so Denver, there’s nowhere in this world I’d go and wouldn’t pay homage to the place that made me.

Denver by Nature is simply that, paying homage to the box state as a whole not just the city mentioned. The brand encompasses everything Denver is to me: diverse, inclusive, comfortable, home. We didn’t want to be labeled as just another urban clothing brand or one that provided for a specific audience. DBN caters to all demographics if you’re a native, grew up in another city within Colorado or outside the state it’s for you. The logo is an ode to hip hop, if you know you know!

I’m most proud of the longevity and growth of DBN. A brand that is not widely promoted or publicized has grown exponentially, simply by word of mouth over the years. Quality products, exclusive releases and exceptional customer service will always set us apart from other local brands.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Graffiti and I had a ton of mutual associates within the nightlife/club industry, as he was the graphics/designs guru and I was a promoter at that time. Twitter subsequently formed our friendship. I presented him the DBN idea, as logos would be needed for the brand. He loved the vision, it only made sense we brought this to life as a partnership. Nine years later and the rest is history.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a creative, the mental hardships of the business are rarely talked about. Creative blocks or barriers of inspiration are a thing. I see myself as a perfectionist and I’m sensitive about my sh*t, so these barriers present themselves as fear of imperfection. Nothing about the creative process is easy, if it were everybody would be doing it and succeeding.

I still get in my head at times (especially when preparing and creating new releases). Not wanting to see ideas all the way to the end out of fear but I push through because what’s the worst that can happen?

Having the ability to recover from the mental setbacks, shows character. That’s true resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.denverbynature.com
• Instagram: Denver by Nature
• Facebook: Denver by Nature

Image Credits
Photos 5-8 credit to Chris Romero