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

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

Best Investment: Investing in Myself and My Business

Backstory/Context:
Starting my business while working full-time in a fulfilling tech career was a significant undertaking. My passion for floral and event design served as the catalyst for venturing into entrepreneurship. Recognizing the potential in my business, I decided to invest not only in the business itself but also in my personal and professional growth.

Decision and Reasons:
I made a conscious decision to allocate time, effort, and financial resources into self-improvement and business development. This included taking classes, attending workshops, seeking mentorship, and establishing a strong foundation for my business. While my full-time tech job provided financial stability and excellent benefits, I weighed the long-term benefits of investing in my passion and creating a business that could be a legacy for future generations.

Outcome:
As a result of my investments, my business has flourished, and I’ve transitioned from a lucrative tech career to working for myself in the floral and event design industry. Despite the increased workload, the autonomy and fulfillment gained from pursuing my passion and building a business that can be passed down through generations have proven to be invaluable.

Lessons Learned:

Passion and Purpose: Investing in something I am passionate about can lead to greater job satisfaction and long-term fulfillment.
Tech Skills Transfer: Leveraging my tech skills in my business, whether through online marketing or automation, may have contributed to its success.
Continuous Learning: Committing to ongoing learning through classes and workshops has enhanced my skills and kept my business competitive.
Mentorship: Seeking guidance from mentors, possibly even those with a tech background, has likely provided valuable insights and a roadmap for navigating challenges.
Long-Term Vision: Looking beyond immediate benefits, my focus on creating a business that can be passed down underscores the importance of a long-term vision.
Future Outlook:
My investment in myself and my business has set the stage for a promising future. As I continue to work for myself, the intersection of my tech expertise and floral design passion positions my business uniquely. The potential for growth and the ability to pass down my business to future generations reflect a legacy that extends beyond immediate success.

In summary, my decision to invest in myself and my business, particularly coming from a tech background, has not only propelled my entrepreneurial journey but has also laid the foundation for a meaningful and sustainable legacy in the dynamic world of floral and event design. Cheers to my one-year anniversary and the many successful years to come!

Crystal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, wonderful readers! I’m Crystal Kotei, the proud Owner and Creative Director of Crystal K Events, also known as Events By Crystal. Let me share with you the incredible journey that intertwines my life with the blossoming world of flowers and events, a journey that I consider a testament of God’s grace, dedication, and creativity.

My story began with the vibrant colors and delicate petals of flowers, an enchanting world introduced to me by my incredibly talented mother, a skilled florist. From a young age, this magical realm captured my heart, and the seed of a lifelong passion was planted.

In 2016, I decided to turn that passion into a business, fearlessly venturing into the world of event design. Committed to excellence and dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences, I’ve since orchestrated extraordinary events adorned with exquisite floral arrangements. My innate creativity and meticulous attention to detail consistently leave a lasting impression on clients and guests alike, and I attribute this success to God’s grace guiding my path.

What sets me apart in this industry is my continuous pursuit of pushing design boundaries. Each project is an exploration of creativity, resulting in unique and personalized experiences that surpass expectations. My ability to infuse events with a touch of magic has earned me a reputation as a visionary, and I recognize that every stroke of creativity is a gift from above.

But my journey doesn’t stop there. I’ve taken my passion for education to new heights with workshops where I share the secrets behind breathtaking floral designs. Through these sessions, I aim to inspire and empower fellow professionals, acknowledging that the ability to teach and share knowledge is a blessing.

In 2022, I expanded my floral expertise with the launch of Florals By Crystal, offering curated florals for home decor and beyond. This venture allows individuals to bring the beauty and elegance of my exquisite floral arrangements into their spaces, recognizing the beauty that can be created with the gifts we’ve been given.

Fast forward to 2023, and I’ve launched The Flower Party Workshop, a collective initiative that brings together event professionals in a series of workshops, webinars, and bloom sessions. This platform fosters a supportive and educational environment where flower lovers can enhance their skills and knowledge, acknowledging that learning is a continuous journey blessed by divine inspiration.

What am I most proud of? It’s the transformative power of following one’s passion, recognizing that every step has been guided by God’s grace. My journey is a testament to dedication, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, all of which I believe are gifts from God.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself facing a pivotal moment that required swift and innovative adaptation in my business. With in-person gatherings becoming nearly impossible, I realized the need to pivot towards virtual events to continue providing memorable experiences for my clients.

The Shift to Virtual Events:
In the midst of uncertainty, I embraced the opportunity to transform traditional events into engaging virtual experiences. Recognizing that connection was more crucial than ever, I conceptualized a unique approach to bring people together, albeit in different physical locations.

Curated Boxes for Virtual Togetherness:
The solution came in the form of curated boxes. For birthdays, paint parties, weddings, and various other celebrations, we began creating personalized boxes for each guest. These carefully crafted packages, curated by the event host, were then delivered or shipped directly to each participant’s doorstep. The goal was to ensure that, despite the physical distance, everyone involved would share a tangible, shared experience on the day of the virtual event.

The Impact:
The pivot to virtual events with curated boxes proved to be a game-changer. It not only allowed events to continue but also added a new layer of excitement and anticipation. Guests, spread across different locations, received identical boxes filled with carefully chosen items, creating a sense of unity and shared celebration.

Adapting Across Various Occasions:
Whether it was a virtual birthday party, a paint and sip gathering, or even a wedding celebration conducted over screens, the curated boxes became a unifying element. It was a testament to our ability to adapt and find innovative solutions to keep the spirit of events alive.

Lessons Learned:

Innovation in Adversity: The necessity to pivot during challenging times led to the discovery of innovative solutions that could enhance the event experience.
Prioritizing Connection: The focus on creating shared experiences, even in a virtual setting, highlighted the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.
Flexibility in Business Models: The experience underscored the importance of having a flexible business model that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Looking Forward:
As we move beyond the peak of the pandemic, the lessons learned during this pivotal moment continue to shape the way we approach events. The pivot to virtual experiences with curated boxes not only allowed us to weather the storm but also opened doors to creative possibilities that will continue to influence our offerings in the future.

In the end, what seemed like a challenge became an opportunity for growth, resilience, and the creation of unforgettable moments, even when physically apart.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Backstory: I was raised with the belief that diligence and hard work were the surefire paths to success. The idea that putting in long hours and relentless effort would naturally lead to positive outcomes was deeply ingrained. However, as I navigated through my personal and professional journey, I encountered situations that challenged this paradigm.

Lesson Unlearned:
Over time, I realized that merely working hard didn’t always translate to the desired results. Burnout, diminishing returns, and a lack of work-life balance became apparent. I had to unlearn the notion that success was solely a product of the quantity of effort exerted.

Working Smart and Delegating:
The transformative shift involved learning to work smart, emphasizing efficiency, and strategically allocating time and resources. Recognizing my own limitations, I embraced the concept of hiring individuals with complementary skills to fill in the gaps. Delegating tasks allowed me to focus on high-impact activities, fostering a more productive and balanced work environment.

Tiredness ≠ Success:
Another key aspect of this unlearning process was acknowledging that perpetual tiredness didn’t equate to success. It became crucial to differentiate between being busy and being productive. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and understanding when to recharge were integral components of this shift in mindset.

New Perspective:
The lesson unlearned led to a holistic understanding of success. It involved a recalibration of the definition to encompass not only hard work but also strategic thinking, delegation, and personal well-being. Success was no longer measured solely by the number of hours put in but by the impact of those hours.

Takeaway:
The journey from valuing hard work alone to appreciating the importance of working smart, delegating, and prioritizing well-being was transformative. It allowed for a more sustainable approach to personal and professional endeavors, fostering not just productivity but a healthier and more fulfilling overall experience.

In summary, the unlearning process involved recognizing that success is multifaceted, requiring a balance between effort, strategy, and self-care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crystalkevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventsbycrystal/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EventsbyCrystal/