We were lucky to catch up with CRYSTAL GRIFFITH recently and have shared our conversation below.
CRYSTAL, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
How I Developed My Confidence and Self-Esteem
I wasn’t born into a life that fostered confidence. I came from a broken home—born to a mother who didn’t truly want me. Her interest was in my father’s money, and when that ran out, so did her desire to keep either of us in her life. She was beautiful, polished, and driven by material things—soon finding another to bankroll her lifestyle.
But my father—he was my safe haven. He called me his “Little Partner” and poured his love, time, and knowledge into me. When he got back on his feet and into business by the time I was 10, I was right there beside him, soaking up lessons in work ethic, resilience, and entrepreneurship.
Still, I didn’t look like I belonged. My half-siblings were tall, lean, and striking. My mother’s side of the family boasted pageant queens and glossy perfection. And there I was—short, chunky, with a wide grin, deep dimples, and big blue eyes. I learned early that I couldn’t rely on looks to be seen or valued. But what I could lean on were the tools my dad gave me: intellect, wit, and determination.
When I was 11, I read a column about self-worth. It suggested a daily practice—look in the mirror and speak life into yourself. So I did. Every single day, I told my reflection:
“You are smart. You are beautiful. You control your destiny.”
That little girl who started saying those words is now 46. And to this day, when doubt creeps in—or the world tries to dim my light—I return to that mirror. I repeat those words with conviction. They’re not just affirmations. They’re a declaration of everything I’ve overcome.
Confidence doesn’t always come from the outside—it’s something you build, brick by brick, often from the rubble. I built mine with love, self-talk, and the legacy of a father who believed I could do anything.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
About Me & What I Do
I’m the founder of Legacy Classic Insurance, a Texas-based agency with a specialty in antique, classic, and collector car insurance. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, I’ve worked across all lines—home, life, auto, health—but my heart has always belonged to the classics. There’s just something about a beautifully restored vintage car that carries history, craftsmanship, and soul. That’s exactly how I see my business, too.
What makes Legacy Classic Insurance special is that we’re not just selling policies—we’re protecting legacies. Many of the people I work with have poured their time, passion, and money into restoring their dream car or preserving a piece of family history. I understand that kind of devotion, and I’ve built my agency to honor it. I partner with top-tier carriers like Hagerty, Grundy, American Collectors, and Open Road to offer custom coverage options that reflect real value—not just numbers on a page.
What excites me most right now is the growth of our community. We’re not just at the office—we’re out at the car shows, shaking hands, celebrating builds, and listening to stories. Our brand is personal, approachable, and built on trust. This year, Legacy Classic Insurance is expanding its presence at regional car shows across East Texas. We’ll be hosting booths, sponsoring trophies, and even rolling out a mobile consultation service for on-the-spot quotes and policy reviews at events.
At the heart of all this is a mission to serve with integrity. I didn’t come from privilege or polish—I built this business with grit, gratitude, and a heart for helping others protect what matters most. Whether it’s a pristine ’56 Thunderbird or a cozy home in the country, I’m here to make sure your legacy is covered.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, there are three qualities that truly shaped who I am and how I’ve built my life and business:
1. Resilience
Growing up in a turbulent home, I learned early on that life doesn’t always hand you a perfect start—but you can write your own ending. Resilience gave me the strength to keep going when things were hard, to adapt when plans changed, and to build something meaningful from the ground up. My advice to anyone just starting out: don’t fear the hard stuff. That’s where your strength is forged. Keep showing up, even when it’s tough—you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding people—reading their tone, feeling their needs, listening with empathy—has been one of my biggest business assets. Whether it’s clients, coworkers, or collaborators, people want to be heard and respected. If you’re early in your journey, start practicing this now: be present, listen more than you speak, and learn how to communicate with compassion. It will take you further than any script ever could.
3. Resourcefulness
I didn’t always have access to the best tools or a big network, but I did have curiosity and determination. I learned how to figure things out—whether it was reading business books as a kid, asking questions, or simply watching how successful people carried themselves. My advice? Don’t wait to be handed knowledge. Go after it. Read, watch, ask, try, fail, and try again. Being resourceful makes you unstoppable.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to begin—with grit, heart, and the belief that your future is worth building.
“I didn’t come from a place of privilege—I came from purpose. And that has made all the difference.” – Crystal Griffith
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When life feels heavy or overwhelming, I know it’s time to disconnect to reconnect. One of my favorite ways to reset is taking a quiet drive into the country. There’s something about the open road, the stillness of nature, and being away from the noise that helps me breathe deeper and think clearer. It’s my way of grounding myself—no phones, no deadlines, just peace.
And every October, I gift myself something even more intentional: a trip to Puerto Rico. That’s my sacred pause. The culture, the ocean, the warmth of the people—it all reminds me to slow down, be present, and celebrate how far I’ve come. That trip has become a ritual of renewal for me.
My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is simple: step away. Whether it’s a short drive or a full getaway, find a space that restores you. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take the time to refill yours—not out of luxury, but out of necessity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.legacyclassicinsurance.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570838249259
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-griffith-a30889340
- Twitter: @CrystalG_Legacy
Image Credits
credit to Gabby Trevino for pics
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.