We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Ridgeway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I like to think of my creativity as a super power, something that’s able to be channeled. I take risks they take you out your comfort zone and reveal new ideas to you. I’m so authentic and attention to detail means a lot when it comes to being a creative. I want people to feel my work not just see it. I want a connection with them.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Writing has become a safe space for me. My thoughts and emotions intertwine. When my mother & brother passed away i was so antisocial. I would take my sleeping bag in the closet read and write to get my feelings out. The most exciting thing about writing is being raw. I don’t have to hide anything when i write because i want my readers to see me deeper than my flesh. “Before It Gets Good” is my story that was written to inspire, comfort and motivate the next soul yearning for mental salvation and freedom on earth. This book has opened many doors for me including my passion as a creative director. I am elated about the opportunities before me to speak at libraries, pop up shops, and all others to give back to my culture.
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?
The most impactful areas of knowledge in my journey is putting God at the center of everything, creating a healthy balance of all i have taking place in my life, and creating a nurturing environment for myself because self care matters overall. The best advice i have for others on their journey is to trust yourself, be authentic, elevate within, build a relationship with God and allow him with the universe to guide you through every trial and tribulation.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mother did for me was invest in my mentally, physically, emotionally, verbally, spiritually and financially.
My mother allowed me to walk in my own light. She never forced her dreams on me. She would let me explore different talents to see what i was passionate about then pour into me. She was very affectionate teaching me about my beauty, respect, how to love and be loved. She taught me how to cook, now i am a chef. My mother introduced me to God, i am so grateful she did at an early age for me to become this godfearing woman. She always put her children first. Nicole Richardson was a hero, my hero and i will continue to evolve into the magnificent child she created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.StuffedCatering.com
- Instagram: @Letchefcris_stuffyou & @beforeitgetsgood
- Facebook: Crystal Ridgeway
Image Credits
Javon Roye
