An Inspired Chat with Crystyl Jewyl Box

We recently had the chance to connect with Crystyl Jewyl Box and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystyl , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
As many other people these days I was laid off my day job and finding work has been really difficult. I know many folks in this same predicament, and I am at a loss for what to do next. I am open to a shifting career, but at the moment the only opportunities opening up to me are connected to my drag, whether it be styling hair, rhinestoning, or performing. I have been reluctant to commit to drag full time, but that’s the way the it is going even though I’m not able to make it work financially. So I guess we’ll see how this all shakes out.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a genderfluid drag queen that resides in Seattle, Washington. I found my journey in drag in my mid-40’s after realizing there was a part of myself that had been missing. There has been no slowing down since, and drag has been an integral part of my life, both as a creative and performing aspect but also a way to process feelings and energy that doesn’t serve my greater purpose. My performances are campy, sometimes creepy, and usually with a good dose of glamour. I specialize in making things shine, whether that be rhinestoning a dress or shoes, styling wigs for myself or others, or hosting a show or pride event.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I have always been a people pleaser and often cared more about what others think or need of me than what I cared or needed from myself. I am in the process of releasing this part of myself but it is not an easy process. Practicing self love and care is a constant battle against the messages I’ve internalized my entire life. This means everything from taking care of and loving my body, prioritizing my mental health, and remembering to stay connected to myself and others. I feel like I am a long way from achieving this, but I’m also a lot closer to reaching this goal than I’ve ever been.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would love to tell younger self to lean into the things that scare me and to take more risks, and that I will find that part of myself that I couldn’t name at the time. Lean into that bright and shiny part of myself!

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The easy answer is yes. The nuanced answer is yes, and it is only partial. There are many facets of my being and people that only know or see one or a few of them don’t know the whole. I have thought of myself as a gemstone with many facets. I am able to be parts of myself in drag that are difficult to do in other parts of my life, and vice versa.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What false labels are you still carrying?
That I am not enough. I think a lot of people carry this, and it’s such a hard one to let go. I have to remember to fill my cup from the inside out, and not the outside in. To do things that bring me joy, help me process life, and get through the layers of self doubt to the inner, brilliant, more radiant self. These old labels are like a sludge that cover up the diamond, and need constant attention to clean and scrub off.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystyljewylbox/