We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I believe that the first step into going from an idea to execution is to really get in tune with the Holy Spirit and allow God to give you what I call “spiritual & prophetic downloads”. You have to have a conversation with God and ask him what He wants you to execute (and when is the right time to do so). I also had to learn to not just pray for what I wanted, but to listen to what “HE” wanted to do through me. Once He started to download the ideas to me, I began to get a notebook and write down each and every idea. I like to do what I call Prophetic Writing ( I even wrote a book on this), Where I go into worship and allow the Holy Spirit to move my pen. I love these times because God has given me so many business ideas (even down to the dates and times that I am supposed to execute). I originally started my first business (Crystalline Solid, now CW Fitness) back in 2015. I will never forget, I went away on a military assignment to Fort Rucker, Alabama. I was really able to hear clearly from God, fast, pray, and really transform my mind, body, and spirit. God literally gave me the plan for what I was supposed to execute during this six-week assignment. When I arrived back home, I led a prayer and fasting group and began to do online virtual workouts. I also began to share my story, go live, and educate the community on prayer and fasting. Fast forward to 2020, during the pandemic, I also was in prayer and the Holy Spirit led me to do a 90 days of prayer challenge. I created a group on Facebook (WIP- Women in Prayer), Now called Entrepreneurs Pushing Through (Physically, Spiritually, and Mentally), https://www.facebook.com/groups/3612451912158631
During this prayer challenge, the Holy Spirit also gave me my second business, The Entrepreneurial Push LLC. This business allowed me to launch my very first 30-day writing course. Alongside my sister, Shannon C. Gantt I also started my online virtual workout program. Honestly, it wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of trial and error. It also required me to fund most of my business out of my pocket from my 9-5. However, I made it work.
I learned so much throughout the years of trial and error. After launching quite a few unsuccessful products and services, I finally ended up investing in myself and into a marketing plan. Although I did make some money here and there, I also understand that God has also placed certain people in our lives to help us get to our next level. It is up to us to recognize it and to make the investment (of course, Holy Spirit led). I knew that I was tired of spinning my wheels. and having a “hustle” mentality- that only kept leading to “burn out”.
Fast forward to 2023, I finally made an investment that I knew would help me get to my next level. I invested in a marketing strategy and plan that would take my business to the next level (Shout out to my Marketing Coach Nycole Ezell).
After I made that investment, I now have so much clarity. I feel as though although we fast and pray, we must also do the Work that is required to be successful.
We must also understand that our next breakthrough is in the investment that we are afraid to make!
I definitely encourage entrepreneurs to have a marketing strategy in place first. It will save you so much time and money and will also give you clarity concerning the next step in your business.
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.
My name is Crystal Nicole Wilson. I am a mother, wife, sister, lover of Jesus, intercessor, 17-year Army Veteran, health and wellness professional, podcaster, and publisher. I got into the fitness industry in 2016 and later into the book publishing industry in 2020. I always had a passion for fitness. I ran track and cross-country in high school. I developed a deeper passion for health and wellness when I went on my first 21 day fast back in 2013. After the 21 days fast of only fruits and vegetables, I lost 12lbs. I also felt better, skin became clearer, and I had so much more clarity mentally. There were certain foods that I didn’t even have a taste for anymore.
As far as the publishing industry, I always loved to write. After paying for written works and still finding mistakes in them (my own written works and other close friends), I wanted to learn how to write and publish my own written works. I received my publishing certification and since then I have published over eight written works (3 to include my own).
I provide an online virtual workout program for only $10 per month. The virtual workout program is also featured on The Believers Network (on Roku T.V.). I also offer several health and wellness products to include detox teas, healthy energy supplements, liquid vitamins, sea-moss, wellness shots, and fitness resistance bands.
I am also the Co-Founder of the podcast, ” The Real & The Righteous” Alongside CEO/Founder Shannon C. Gantt (my sister).
The podcast is featured on The Believers Network as well.
I also currently offer a Self- Publishing course for only $107 (this is a Beta-Test Group).
I believe what sets me apart from others is that we support Christian/ Gospel Rap Artist with our online virtual workout program. Our music is fun and clean!
I love to help women get in the best shape of their lives, all while having fun and being inspired.
I also love to help authors and upcoming writers turn their stories into written works.
What I am most proud of is my passion and willingness to help others and see them succeed.
I love to share my knowledge and give people the tools that they need. This can sometimes be frustrating though, as well as rewarding, However, I find joy in networking and celebrating other success.
I believe in creating a positive environment for those that are close to me and are striving to succeed as well (this is personal and business).
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I got on Facebook back in 2010 (this is where most of my target audience is).
It took a while to build my audience, but you have to remain consistent. Consistency is Key as well as building relationships. Social media has definitely changed throughout the years, but I can honestly say that I started to really build my audience by going live and showing up!
Most people are afraid to show up online, however, you have to stay in front of your audience. You have to show people value in what you offer (educate them, be honest and real with them, and build relationships).
People online know when you are trying to “hustle them”. And, as my marketing coach says, people may not buy your products and services if they don’t feel as if they can’t trust you and if the only time you show up online is to “sell to them”.
You have to just keep on continuing to show them the real authentic YOU!
This isn’t by “shooting your shot” in messenger or tagging 99+ people.
But this is by really showing people your value and what makes you different from the thousands of other entrepreneurs online that may be selling the same product as you.
My advice for those who are trying to build their social media presence online is to focus on these things: Go live or post reels weekly (not just to sale, but to engage, build relationships, and provide value).
This could be going live to introduce yourself or just tell your story.
Also, it’s very important to engage with your audience, ask them questions and find out what they like.
Eventually, you will notice your engagement increase- Also be funny and share your work/ products.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
One strategy that I believe will be very effective and I know to be very effective is to run ads.
Running ads not only brings visibility to you brand, but it can also bring many leads and more clientele.
Running ads is also a learning experience because it helps you find out where your target market is.
With the many changes that social media is bringing, I believe that in the next 2-3 years, running ads will be a must (especially if you plan on having any type of classes online or events for your business).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.epushvirtualworkouts.com
- Instagram: cnwilson_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063630669378
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-nicole-wilson-0a784a1b8/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crystalwilson9951
- Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/realrighteous
Image Credits
Grind Studios, Tony Wilson. Ed Snapshot Brown, Shannon Gantt