Crystal Carter shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
To me, the most important qualities, out of being intelligent, having good energy, or possessing great integrity, would be integrity. Integrity is most important to me because it truly displays someone’s character, morals, and spiritual depth, as well as how they feel about other human beings and their worth.
You can be an intelligent person, but be deceitful or have good energy and be persuasive and untruthful, which can lead to harmful, unfruitful relationships. Possessing great integrity speaks volumes about a person.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Crystal Carter, and I’m a native of St. Louis, MO. I am the daughter of Arthur and Denise Carter. I have an only sibling, Ms. Tina Carter—please check her out on all social media platforms; she is super talented. I am the mother of two beautiful daughters, Carmen and Cori Carter, and now the proud Nana of my granddaughter Zara Capri Perry. I am also blessed to be the proud godmother of three: Noah, Nyla, and Aubrey. Additionally, I am a niece, cousin, and friend to many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
I’m an ’80s baby, and growing up in that era truly shaped me. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul, and He comes first in my life. I am a seasoned professional in the financial industry, with over 18 years of experience. I am a college graduate and an award winner—including the U.S. Bank Legends of Possible and the St. Louis American Young Leader Award. I have earned several McKinsey Professional certificates. I served as an alderwoman in the 4th Ward of the City of Dellwood and am a member of the Regional Business Council of Young Professionals.
I always strive for excellence in everything I do and am continually seeking ways to serve God’s people. I have a T-shirt brand called Salvation Is Free. Get yours or a loved one a shirt today by emailing me at [email protected].
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with my daughters. I raised my daughters as a single parent and I had to give myself to them completely, with the help of the Lord, my parents, my sister, their godmother, family, and friends, it was hard work. Being a parent is a thankless, selfless job. Parenting humbled me, made me a better communicator, and allowed me to see my flaws in loving others and being truly aware of the way I expressed myself to people. I thank God for the humbling experience and who it made me today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that hard work, dedication, and sticking to the plan pay off. Long suffering is a fruit of the Spirit. So, we must endure to see what God has planned for our destiny. Suffering is inevitable.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I believe that smart people aren’t really smart. What is being smart really? Is it considered just being textbook smart, or actually using your brain and creativity in the way God created you? So, I believe people need to lean into their true identity and human existence, along with the textbook knowledge.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that most people don’t realize that God created us all as individuals and not replicas of one another. Everyone wants to fit in with what’s perceived as normal. Then, we have a world of people who never live up to their fullest potential and die as someone else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: CrystalCarter1
- Linkedin: Crystal Carter
- Facebook: Crystal Carter
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