We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystal Statskey-biichle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystal below.
Crystal, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
In 2019, I faced a turning point that many would dread but, in hindsight, was a blessing in disguise. I was laid off from a job that I didn’t particularly enjoy, and while the idea of job loss was unsettling, the truth was, the job itself had been a source of discontent for quite some time.
The corporate world had initially seemed like the path I was meant to be on after graduation. I thought it was what I wanted, but the reality of long hours, limited vacation time, and a lack of fulfillment turned my enthusiasm into a feeling of entrapment. The daily grind felt like mental torture, and I began to question if this was all life had in store for me.
Losing that job was a shock, but it was also the catalyst I needed to make a significant change. It forced me to confront the reality that I wasn’t happy and gave me the push I needed to leave behind a career that wasn’t right for me. With a mix of fear and excitement, I took the leap into the unknown, quitting my day job and embarking on a journey to find something that truly resonated with me.
Today, I’m in a much happier place. I work from my home office, often with my cat on my lap and a hot cup of tea by my side. My days are filled with helping entrepreneurs create beautiful content and executing marketing tactics that lets them shine. My husband and I also enjoy road trips and share our experiences on our blog, Dates in the States.
The layoff, though initially disheartening, turned out to be one of the most transformational events in my life. It pushed me to pursue my passions, and now, I thrive on going the extra mile for my clients, making sure their businesses flourish. If you’re looking for someone who can truly partner with you and drive meaningful progress, I’m here to make things happen.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a Content Marketing Strategist, I partner with entrepreneurs and businesses to create compelling content and strategic marketing plans that help them stand out and grow. What I love most about this work is seeing the direct impact of my efforts on my clients’ success. It’s incredibly rewarding to help them host memorable events, craft engaging content, and ultimately, thrive in their respective fields. I’m passionate about being a true strategic partner, going the extra mile to ensure their visions come to life.
In addition to my marketing work, I co-manage Dates in the States, where my husband and I share our travel adventures across the U.S. We aim to inspire others to explore new places and create special memories with their loved ones. Our blog and YouTube channel are packed with travel tips, destination highlights, and themed date ideas, making it a go-to resource for couples looking for fresh and fun experiences.
Another venture close to my heart is The CGB Collective, which celebrates my love for houseplants and gardening. I sell a variety of houseplants, offering tips and guidance to fellow plant enthusiasts. This venture blends my passion for greenery with a desire to help others create lush, thriving spaces in their homes.
What’s new? I’m thrilled to be working on several exciting projects. For Dates in the States, we’re expanding our travel blog with new series and interactive content to engage our readers even more. For The CGB Collective, I’m planning to introduce new plant varieties and exclusive plant care workshops.
Whether I’m crafting marketing strategies, exploring new destinations, or nurturing houseplants, my work is all about creating connections and experiences that matter. If you’re interested in collaborating, learning more about my services, or just want to chat about travel and plants, feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been:
Resilience and Adaptability
Navigating through a layoff and transitioning to a new career required a lot of resilience. It was crucial to adapt to changing circumstances and remain focused on my goals, even when the path wasn’t always clear. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace flexibility and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Stay open to learning from each experience, and remember that resilience is built through persistence and adaptability.
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Developing a solid content marketing strategy and managing multiple projects has emphasized the importance of strategic thinking. Being able to plan effectively, set clear goals, and execute them efficiently has been key to my success. To improve in this area, start by setting specific, measurable goals and creating detailed plans to achieve them. Practice breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks, and regularly review and adjust your strategies based on what you learn.
Passion for Continuous Learning
The marketing landscape, travel trends, and plant care are all areas that continuously evolve. Staying updated and being willing to learn has kept my work relevant and innovative. For those just starting out, cultivate a habit of ongoing learning. Read industry blogs, attend workshops, and seek out mentors. The more you invest in learning, the more you’ll grow and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Developing these qualities and skills takes time and effort, but they are fundamental to creating a successful and fulfilling career. Stay dedicated, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to embrace change as you grow.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero has indeed been a game-changer for me. This book shifted my entire perspective on money and success. A few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from the book include:
Embrace Your Inner Badass
Sincero emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing your own power and potential. She encourages readers to challenge self-doubt and adopt a mindset of confidence and self-belief. This shift in mindset was crucial for me in overcoming financial fears and stepping into a more empowered role in my business.
Create a Money Mindset
The book teaches that how we think about money directly impacts our ability to earn and manage it. By identifying and changing limiting beliefs about money, we can open ourselves up to greater financial possibilities. This insight helped me to reevaluate and transform my own money mindset.
Take Bold Action
Sincero advocates for taking decisive and bold actions towards financial goals. She emphasizes that success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. This advice pushed me to take more proactive steps in my business and make strategic decisions that propelled my growth.
Overall, the blend of humor, personal stories, and practical advice in the book made it not only enlightening but also enjoyable to read. It has been instrumental in helping me break through barriers and achieve financial success in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalstatskey.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalstatskey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalstatskey
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalstatskey/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crystalstatskey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7IzkkdOfFkFaeJ4N9Jdctg
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
