Meet Crystal Hamilton

We recently connected with Crystal Hamilton and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only woman or person of color in the room is something I’ve experienced throughout my career—not just in design, but in corporate environments long before I entered the creative industry. Early on, it felt isolating. I questioned if I belonged or if my voice would be valued. But over time, I reframed the experience: I realized that being the only one in the room meant that I could offer something truly unique—my lived experiences, my cultural perspective, and my creative insight.

I’ve learned that being different is an asset, not a liability. It taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the power of staying true to myself. When you know your worth, you approach every room with a mindset of contribution rather than seeking validation. You learn to see your presence as purposeful. I show up with the understanding that representation matters—my voice could pave the way for others who might not have a seat at the table yet.

In UX design, this perspective has been invaluable. Creating human-centered, inclusive products means considering experiences beyond the mainstream. My role isn’t just about crafting visually appealing designs—it’s about ensuring that underserved communities are considered from the beginning. My lived experiences have helped me advocate for diverse perspectives in product development, making the work not just innovative but impactful.

I also hold space for others by mentoring and fostering inclusivity through entrepreneurship. My dream is to launch a program that teaches digital arts and tech to kids in underserved communities, sparking their curiosity and building future leaders. If I can inspire even one young person to see themselves in tech or design, I’ve done my job.

Being the only one in the room isn’t easy. It takes courage, self-love, and a deep understanding of your value. I remind myself that often, the ones who stand out the most are the ones meant to spark change. It’s not just about occupying space—it’s about transforming it. — Take up space!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a wife and mother of four—my greatest purpose and legacy. My design journey began after I couldn’t land a marketing job post-graduation. Instead of giving up, I taught myself graphic and web design, freelancing while working a corporate 9-to-5. That experience laid the foundation for where I am today.

Currently, I’m a UX designer for a design agency, collaborating with a Fortune 500’s Digital Marketing team. My role focuses on designing product imagery and web pages that enhance user experiences and streamline product solutions for customers. Seeing how thoughtful design can simplify someone’s digital experience keeps me inspired.

Outside of work, I’m in a season of deep learning and entrepreneurship. I’m expanding my UX design skill set into VR and extended reality (XR) technologies. I believe XR will redefine how we learn, work, and connect across industries, from education to business. I’m passionate about being part of that transformation while using design to create inclusive, human-centered solutions.

I’m also focused on experience design for community event planning, combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my design expertise. My goal is to create immersive learning experiences and produce family-centered memorable events that bring people together in meaningful ways. I believe in using design not just for business, but for building lasting connections through shared experiences.

For me, design is more than a profession—it’s a tool for creating opportunities, fostering representation, and leaving a legacy of innovation and inclusivity.

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?

Self-Learning

I never stopped learning. In a world where information is at your fingertips, you can learn almost anything if you’re committed. I’ve leaned on online courses, YouTube tutorials, Udemy classes, and even trial and error. Whether it’s formal education or self-guided learning, be curious and stay hungry for knowledge. My advice: Don’t wait for permission or the “right time” to learn something new—start where you are and grow from there.

Personal Transformation

To become the person you aspire to be, you have to evolve intentionally. Success isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset. You need resilience to overcome adversity and belief in your capabilities, even when others doubt you. My advice: Invest in personal development. Read books, find mentors, and surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you. Growth starts from within.

Excellence Over Perfection

Perfection can be paralyzing. Instead, I’ve learned to pursue excellence—focusing on mastery, not flawlessness. Excellence means consistently showing up, improving, and delivering your best, even when things aren’t perfect. My advice: Shift your mindset from “it has to be perfect” to “I will keep getting better.” Progress beats perfection every time.

These three qualities—self-learning, personal transformation, and striving for excellence—have shaped my journey. If you focus on these, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate challenges, adapt, and ultimately thrive in whatever path you choose.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

I’ve learned to prioritize self-care as a non-negotiable part of my life. As a wife, mother of four, and career-driven designer, balancing everything can be overwhelming. But I’ve realized that I can’t show up fully for my family or career if I’m running on empty.

Meditation and spirituality play a big role in keeping me grounded. Taking even a few minutes to be still, breathe, and recenter can change my entire day. Being present in whatever I’m doing—whether it’s spending quality time with my family or focusing on a work project—helps me avoid feeling pulled in too many directions.

My advice: Schedule self-care the same way you schedule meetings or deadlines. It could be a quiet morning routine, a midday walk, or time to read or reflect. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you care for yourself, you can better care for the people and responsibilities that matter most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecrystalhamilton.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-crystal-hamilton/

Image Credits

2024 AfroTech Conference
Axon Enterprise
Chole Jackman Photography