The first time I ever met Crystalin, I think we were both a little nervous. It was one of the first one on one blogger meetups we’d ever done in SF…so, essentially a blind date. And you know how those can go. But I really had nothing to worry about. Cut to two hours later, when we’re having a heart to heart about our families, and I knew she was a keeper! Since then, Crystalin has become my go-to gal when I want to grab a margarita after work and talk about blogging, fashion, life, whatever. She’s so stylish, and with a fantastic business sense. Be sure to check out her blog, right after you read her BTS below. I know you’ll love learning more about her!
Portugal (the boy’s roots)
Brazil
Italy (I’ve been, but I was young)
Korea (my roots)
Greece
1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
2. Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture by Andy Cohen
3. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
4. Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas
1. Married
2. Finally owning a dog
3. Working in a beautifully crafted home office
Growing my business- Between a part time job, the blog, and life sometimes Media Girl takes a back seat (must change that stat). I am currently working on dedicating more time to the business, adding more services, reworking my website, and possibly diving into a little personal styling.
Finding balance- I like to keep things on 24-7; laptop, iPad, iPhone. However, as of late I’ve noticed my creative juices flow better when I take time for myself and put down the electronics. I find going to the gym, hanging out with friends and the boyfriend, cooking, and exploring the city help keep me happier, healthier, and sane lol.
This is extremely random and unrelated, but I’ve been dreaming of starting a group for Bay Area/San Francisco bloggers who workout and strive to live healthy lives. I love the idea of staying active outdoors and surrounding yourself with friends and like minded people while doing so. Aside from my life as a fashion and lifestyle blogger and my job in social media, I have a true passion for health and fitness with a life changing story behind it, and would love to make it a larger part of my life. The boyfriend introduced me to a track workout last summer that really transformed my body (I was in the best shape of my life). This summer I would love to open it up to other bloggers or people who are interested with the possibility of traveling around to different cities to host them.
I started my blog when I decided to move to San Francisco. So, naturally I came up with In the City with Crystalin.
I find inspiration everywhere. Blogs, magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and just living in San Francisco. This city is filled with start ups, young entrepreneurs, small business owners, and successful women and bloggers. Meeting and hearing their stories keep me inspired. Above all, I love reading about real women with real stories.
My proudest moment to date would have to be when I took a leap of faith to start my own business. Leaving my job as an account manager was definitely scary. Did I have enough experience, what if I fail, how am I going to pay rent, what if I’m not good enough. Every single thought crossed my mind. Fortunately, once I took the leap of faith, other opportunities came my way which has helped me earn an income while working on Media Girl. To have my business is an amazing accomplishment (and still a work in progress), but what I think I’m most proud of is finding my passion and pursuing it. Being able to do what I love every single day is such a blessing.
This is really hard for me. I rarely completely unplug… but I will say, when I’m visiting family in Portland I completely let go of all things media related, my brain shuts off, and I just live in the moment.
I started blogging at the end of 2009 when I moved to San Francisco. However, I didn’t get serious about it until 2011 and by serious I mean staying active on social networks, getting involved in the community, investing in Photoshop, etc. Blogging has now become more than just a creative outlet for me, it’s a huge asset to my business and a great way to network. I had no idea how large the community was/is when I first started and I’m continually inspired by all the amazing, sweet, talented, successful ladies I’ve met and have yet to meet. It really is a special community.
Thank you so much for including me in this series Victoria. I’m so glad the blogging world introduced us, but even happier to call you a ‘real life’ friend. Cheers to more stories, ideas, laughs, and margaritas together.
How cute is that dog. Seriously. Crystalin’s been a regular on my Google Reader for awhile! She really has inspirational, but wearable style.
Victoria, this is an amazing post! I always get such inspiration from your BTS interviews and this is no different. Crystalin seems like a great lady, and I’m heading over to her blog right now. It’s so good to see and hear stories of people who went after their dreams and started their own businesses from scratch, it gives me so much encouragement.
I have to say that between your blog, Crystalin’s and so many other San Francisco blogs that I’ve discovered lately, it’s now in my dreams to visit the city someday!
I love her! And I love the idea of starting a group of bloggers for outdoor activities and staying healthy. Such a good idea!
Yay I love you both! And Crystalin, my boy is Portuguese too and we’ll be visiting his roots in the north this summer. Portugal blogger meetup??
Thanks for the intro Victoria! I hadn’t yet come across ITCWC. Crystalin sounds like someone many of us could be fast friends with.
every time i read this series, i add another fabulous blogger to my bookmarks — thanks for the introduction :) xx
aw…I adore Crystalin. She’s seems like such an approachable gal pal! =) Great feature…
Every single one of these is so inspiring! And I love the introduction to new bloggers.
Loved this interview, Crystalin is one of my favorite bloggers. Crystalin, if I lived in SF I would join that fitness club in a second!
Thank you so much for all your sweet comments. And thank you Victoria for having me :) Can’t wait for our drink date next week!
I love this series! It has introduced me to so many great new blogs. My GReader is basically a compilation of “BTSW…” :) Thanks for sharing.
Adore Crystalin, although I’ve never met her in real life, she was one of the first bloggers I interacted with via email and followed.
After reading her behind the scene’s what I’ll say is…
Omnivore’s Dilemma is a really great book by Michael Pollan, I read it in college for a course and learned so very much about food and how it affects us.
I really think you should get a doggie (I vote for a Havanese:)
I think your idea of spreading the word on track workouts and how to implement something like this into your routine/lifestyle is an amazing idea. I know I’ve asked you in the past about workout suggestions for my BF and I and think plenty of others would be interested as well.
Loved this behind the scenes!
Crystalin- I love your idea about the SF fitness group! I also love your vision for 5 years- I want those too! Thanks Victoria for introducing me to Crystalin’s blog.