We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
For many years, I was in retail management, I later transitioned to Human Resources management with a concentration in talent acquisition and classification and compensation.
In October 2022, I lost my husband to suicide. It was probably single handedly the most devastating thing that I’ve ever experienced. Not just for me but our children. I took a few months off and fully expected to go back to work in those management roles. I went back. I tried. But my heart was not there anymore. The life event really put into perspective how important and fragile life is.
So, I resigned from a well respected position and six figure salary, and became a full time entrepreneur. I maintained my business as a group fitness instructor and continued to build bonds with my clients.
But, in 2023 my friend and I opened a contemporary clothing consignment boutique. It has allowed me to marry all of my love and experience from retail, management, and Human Resources under one roof.
Lastly, a foundation was birthed named The Young Foundation. Appropriately named after my late husband. Our mission and vision is to support first responders and their families. Mental health and suicide is a major component that plagues that community.
This was the biggest risk that I’ve ever taken. I am now a single mother with a teenage in private school. I went from two 6 figure incomes to one income that was cut in thirds.
But, it has been the most rewarding experience to merge all of my passions together and ultimately help others all day, everyday.
My goal, save lives! If it’s your physical body, emotionally, mentally, and through friendly interaction at the store.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an exuberant, outgoing and passionate woman. I am a creative that loves to watch the inception of a project flourish into the final stages and ultimately the passion come to life!
I am a mother, an advocate, a businesswoman, and a widow.
All three of my business endeavors play a vital role in providing a healthy, safe, and balanced environment. As a group fitness instructor and personal training coach, I helped to build confidence and help to shape your physical body. Our goal is not only or always to lose weight but to gain endurance, energy, stamina, and strength. We hold each other accountable and work together to achieve your goals.
We understand the importance of a well structured person and how your emotional and mental health are vital and just as important. After the lose of my husband, my efforts to raise awareness and prevention for suicide and mental health has influenced by business. We are focused on the whole being.
Often times when customers and consigners come into MOW Consignment, they are able to see the value of a great shopping experience. But, more often than not their wellbeing, their families, their struggles comes out at that same register. Even there, I’ve understood that people just wanna be seen. Seen for the whole person.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I can’t do everything. I can’t be everywhere. I can’t fix everything.
From my professional career to my personal life, I’ve always been the one to do it all. Be it all. Fix it all. Life and life’s circumstances have shown me, to concentrate on the one single thing that helps to make a difference that day and going forward.
With multiple businesses, I’ve had to streamline processes and learn to stop one to effectively move to the other,
I’m currently reading a book called, “The One Thing”. The focus, is not to burnout. But be effective and the one thing that will help you accomplish all of the things,
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partner and co founder of MOW Consignment and I met at our kids elementary school.
We formed a bond working side by side on the PTA board. There is when we built a friendship and developed our relationship and passion for thrifting and consigning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leveluplifestylecy.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa9pX4j9vQn3byiy0DiNWHdf1E7qPWVdmnADvIts3a35Xu04u9ZKB4lx54_aem_UezS8xF4QPGetkL7mTBHuA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyf_theyoungfoundation?igsh=dGJyODM5YmhrYjVn&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16dsxCsvx3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@c_young16?_t=ZP-8yINslgYi7D&_r=1
Image Credits
Ashleigh Bing
Ashleigh Bing Photography