We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Brinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Optimism comes from my heart. Optimism is showing the world YES I can even if you don’t think I should. Without being optimistic I would have no drive. I believe in my capabilities to at least try. I also believe that optimism is contagious cause without it why bother? I’ve never shielded away from voicing a positive outcome into a situation. even if the end result did not turn out very positive. Fear is the death of optimism. We all have many voices in our heads. My main challenge is believing in myself sometimes. Being optimistic in the moment when facing a fear or new challenge is the mind set for a successful outcome no matter how tiny it may be good or bad. Also the willingness to share, thoughts, ideas, solutions, I mean it is only natural to want to share knowledge, of how bringing something perhaps a little different to the picture may ultimately help unlock something positive in a other human. And if it’s something that was helpful they may share their experience with someone else. That’s optimism in motion.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
We own a small plant shop called Star Garden Studio located in New Bedford, MA. It’s an adventure everyday entering the world of the Kilburn Mill. The eclectic atmosphere of this mill is what attracted me to set up shop in this location. We offer a relaxed plant shopping experience for everyone. Our eclectic offerings include pottery, gifts, and fun objects for ones abode. We now also have the ‘Studio’ space located across the hall from our plant shop. This is a new adventure for us This new small space is how we can share the experience of a retail setting for makers and creators. We will also offer seasonal workshops showcasing terrarium making, educational series such as how to become your own best home gardener and other frivolous moments to learn how to have fun trying something new. All our workshops will be plant based as we are all connected through Plants.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Know when to strike- Timing is a key ingredient to success. This is where optimism can really help. If you think you can contribute to a situation that will most likely create or result in a better option or approach -speak up and share it with others Keep it simple – The wheel has been around a very very long time. Because of its simplicity. What is your simple one sentence pitch that explains exactly who you are and what you offer? Write it down and keep it with you. When feeling overwhelmed remember your sentence and smile that’s why you are doing what you’re doing
Failure is your best asset – Why? because without it you will never grow. Failure is the best experience because it teaches you how to handle your successes that ultimately will happen. I now know that I need saved money and enough money to cover the costs of actually having a business. And yes the accountant is worth every penny.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They divorced. Because it signified change. A beginning of sorts. Once the million small changes surrounding our lives stoped falling off the cliff our lives were different. This very sad and some what violent part of my youth was no longer a threat to my every day living. It took my mom a very long time to become her change. It might have taken me to this point in time to realize that but I think it was the best life learning lesson I ever experienced. I have the power within me to live and grow how ever I choose. I’ve always been very optimistic in life because I had to learn how to navigate in an environment that was at times scary, extremely confusing, and most of the time a little strange. But through it all I always enjoyed those little moments like making cookies with my gram or eating fresh bread with my mom in the car after going food shopping. Optimism is being able to see the beauty of a dandelion growing out of a crack because it can.
Contact Info:
- Website: stargardenstudio
- Instagram: star.garden.studio
- Facebook: Star Garden Studio
- Yelp: Star Garden Studio
