Meet Krystal Kish

 

We recently connected with Krystal Kish and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystal , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

As an only child, I grew up in a very sheltered, southern baptist, military family ( I know that’s a lot to put together), and was the “good girl”. While I did learn very good lessons in life it didn’t leave a lot of room for independence or self growth out of the confines of what was “expected”. I went the path that most women did for my generation – marriage, family and being a good employee. I wanted to be a social worker when I graduated from high school but was told by my parents that I was too soft hearted and wouldn’t make it. I went the typical way and got married 6 months after graduation and went into the working world.

I eventually fought hard enough in a male dominated career fields (mostly advertising and marketing) to work my way up to management only to be kept “in place” by my male colleagues and bosses. They would tell me I couldn’t advance because I didn’t have a college education even though I had struggled to get my AA and started my BA with no reimbursement from my employers even though it was benefiting them through the extra tasks that I had taken on with the skills that I had learned. Oh they implemented many of my ideas but I wasn’t taken seriously for advancement etc. I began to believe that was the way it was to be in corporate life.

I had had a couple of side hustles which I actually excelled at, making it all the way to an Advanced Directors level, but had to back down on them due to family needed me (the “someone’s mom thing”). It was actually during that time I started to attend networking groups to grow my side hustle. That is where I met amazing women who have started and grown their own incredible businesses (pivoting several times when circumstances changed for one reason or another). I was very intimidated by them because they were so smart, bold and driven. But as I got to know them they all had different stories but a common thread they “did it scared”. They weren’t afraid to ask for help. Learning from those that did it before them. I started to read books that they had recommended. Some of my favorites are Rory Vaden, Take the Stairs, Hal Elrod, Miracle Morning (life changing) and anything by Jim Rohn. One quote from Jim Rohn has always stood out and stuck with me, “You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with”. I knew I had to change who I was surrounding myself with to be able to grow. It would be another five years before I finally did.

Three and a half years ago (my kids were grown) I completely turned my world upside down. With the exception of a few close friends I now also call my mentors, I went against how I was raised, well meaning family/friends and a male dominated career field that I had been flailing in for 25 years and finally said it was MY time. At 56 years old, not only had I never lived on my own but had always been referred to as “someone’s” daughter, wife, mother or employee. It was time to change that. I quit my job I had been with for 15 years, separated from my husband of 22 years, sold our house that we had lived in for 18 years, moved into my first apartment (alone) and signed up for college to finish my BA! I lost a lot of friends which was a blessing in disguise. My family thought I had lost my mind and I was estranged from them for a long time until they could understand that I wasn’t “doing this to them” but for me.

I have since finished my BA in Digital Marketing and started my own fast growing Digital Marketing Agency (Krystal Media Innovations). I have since learned that “nay sayers” have no place in my life and continue to surround myself with people that encourage and challenge me to grow. I still have the two best friends and mentors that gave me the courage to pursue my dreams and give me a reality check when I need it. I can never thank them enough for all they have done.

Yeah – WOW! Never let anyone get in your way, especially yourself. My mantra was and still is “Do it Scared!”.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I own a Digital Marketing Agency called Krystal Media Innovations. I wanted a name that could incorporate other passions I have in to offer in the future. My love for graphic design and advertising started me on this path but I had to change with the technology. I want to be a one stop shop to help businesses grow to their full potential from start up to expansion.

Currently I focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) which encompasses many things beginning with website design, management and optimization to Google Profiles, Reputation Management and Digital Advertising. In this ever changing digital landscape it is so important for businesses, especially small ones, to be able to understand and navigate their online presence, Gone are the days of yellow page ads and flyers for helping potential client find a business. Now the business has to be on over 60 search engines, over 200 listing sites, and pay attention to search algorithms all while also trying to figure out what kind of digital advertising to do. It can absolutely be overwhelming. I help businesses do all that so they can focus on their clients and day to day operations.

I get so excited to craft a businesses story (website) and help get it out through different avenues to help them grow. When I get that phone call with them saying “the phone is ringing off the hook” is the best feeling in the world!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Definitely the first thing I think is the most important part of anyone’s journey, as it certainly was for me is to surround yourself with people who encourage you personally and professionally. Learn from people who have already gone the path you are on. If you want to be successful you have to be around successful people.

Second is you must be diligent in personal and professional development. We are always learning and evolving. If we stop we stagnate. A great American Entrepreneur and author, Jim Rohn said, “The level of your success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become”,

Last and this was the hardest thing to learn, you can have great people mentoring you and encouraging you but if you do not believe in yourself you WILL NOT be successful. Only you control destiny. Circumstances happen to you but you determine how you will get through them. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You are your biggest obstacle. Be determined for you.

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?

In my personal life Hal Elrod’s book “The Miracle Morning”. Reading about his struggles and how he over came them my life didn’t see so hard. It helped me put into perspective the things that I could do to move forward.

Professionally, Jeff Learner’s book “Unlock Your Potential”. He reiterated a lot of what Hal had shown but really opened me up to the entrepreneurial side. His insight on real world tough issues and the way the “American Dream” is a myth. He harnesses physical, personal and professional growth all in one.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Krystal Kish

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made