Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Crystal Whiteaker, Founder of Crystal Lily Creative, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an Inclusive Branding Consultant. I work with leaders who care deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion to help them create genuinely inclusive environments and experiences rooted in core values.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Inclusive Branding Consultant. I work with leaders who care deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion to help them create genuinely inclusive environments and experiences rooted in core values.

I offer inclusive brand consulting and coaching for leaders and businesses who want to disrupt the status quo to create inclusive, empowered brands and social environments rooted in core values.

Those who choose to work with me often identify as women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or both; however, all people who believe in equality and equity are welcome.

We often share a common value: we want to use our platforms to advocate for philanthropy, inclusion, human rights, social justice, education, and sustainability - ultimately, things that help empower people and communities.

While I started my business as a wedding photographer, I made a shift in 2019 to work with impactful brands. Combining my 15+ years of corporate experience with my creative passion, I created inclusive brand consulting experiences to help businesses strengthen their brands by creating inclusive experiences and messaging rooted in core values. I believe that core values and beliefs are the souls of your business, and I use that philosophy to help you root, feed, and define your brand. This makes it feel easier to share your message and connect to people in a meaningful way. The goal is to give you the tools and resources to build an engaged community around your brand.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating the most aligned communities in and outside of my business, where I don't have to put on or take off different hats. I am the same human in professional and personal spaces, and I've been able to guide my clients through the process of achieving alignment that works for them. It's incredibly empowering after having spent years connecting with people in environments where I was told how I needed to be taken seriously. Now, I am just me, and I'm experiencing the most success ever.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Letting go of people-pleasing behaviors and learning how to say 'no' after years of conditioning to always 'go the extra mile. I have learned that being a business owner requires prioritizing my well-being so I can show up well for those who choose to invest their time, energy, and money in what I offer.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get rooted in and honor your core values.
  2. Provide clear, concise, connected messaging to your community.
  3. Build aligned relationships.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Everyone has the power to impact people whether or not they actually connect with them 1-on-1. I always tell people to think about how they want people to feel when they engage with their brand in any way and be mindful of what they put out into the world.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://crystallily.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystallilycreative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crystallilycreative/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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