Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal De La Cruz.
Hi Krystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Surprisingly, entrepreneurship was never really on my mind when I was in high school or college. I attended Professional and Technical High School because I wanted to work towards a certificate in Digital Design so that I can graduate with experience that I can apply elsewhere. I’ve always had a love for Fashion and during my time in high school I coordinated Prom Fashion Shows 3 years in a row. It made my heart skip so many beats and I knew I was on the right path. I studied Fashion Merchandising at Miami International University of Art & Design and gained a lot of experience working backstage during Swim Week, merchandising windows, building a mock business plan, and more. The college was very fast-paced, designed so that we can graduate faster. Both high school and college seemed to set me up for success with the heavy workload they required. I remember having a project to deliver every week on top of the tests and smaller assignments that were already assigned.
I’ve worked a few retail jobs and there grew my love of styling and serving my customers well. I became really inspired to pursue photography while working at Victoria’s Secret. Lingerie has always been a huge inspiration for me and although I had never photographed previously, I started to create concepts in my mind for future photoshoots with the new collections that were coming in. The walls were surrounded by photographs of women who looked so vulnerable yet confident in their skin. There were also images of models backstage and you could see the nerves and excitement in their body language right before they were going to walk down the runway. It created an excitement in me as well and I knew I could produce similar images. I had to take the leap- so I put my two weeks in. In 2018, I began building my portfolio and website and have built my brand through working with close friends, being recommended by past clients, and serving those who have found me through social media.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Entrepreneurship has been one of the hardest journeys I’ve been on. It’s definitely built some resilience, but I truly believe it’s worth it! Photographing during a pandemic has been challenging. Marketing my services seemed wrong and I felt really uncomfortable with the idea for some time. I knew I needed another income so I started delivery driving for a local business owner. It lasted for about two weeks and it turned into a Virtual Assistant position. Now, I have a couple of clients that I help support with graphics and other behind-the-scenes tasks for their business. As a creative, it’s so natural for me to be multi-passionate and I admire so many forms of art as a way to express myself. If you’re a creative, I’m sure you can relate. I used to put myself down for being interested in so many things, but now I see the benefit of it. Sometimes I’m so surprised that I actually created a job for myself, but this season has inspired me to build multiple streams of income by using my talents and what I’m already passionate about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Personal Brand and Lifestyle Photographer. A lot of the female entrepreneurs I work with are in the beginning stages of their business and are in need of photos to help them market and establish their brand. Helping them TRULY believe in the work that they do is what makes me the most proud. It’s a literal dream! I believe women were made to create change and it’s a beautiful thing to help be a part of bringing their vision to life. I know that the work I do has a ripple effect, and I’m not just supporting one single person, I’m supporting the THOUSANDS of lives that they’re able to reach as well.
My Lifestyle photography consists of Maternity and Couples photoshoots. Being raised by a single mom has opened up my eyes to the sacrifice and beauty that motherhood brings. Mamas have my heart and I want them to feel beautiful and empowered during this precious season. Couples who are madly in love and head over heels for each other are also my kinda people!! Capturing a love story that lasts a lifetime always inspires me.
I believe what sets me apart is how invested I am in my clients. I guide them every step of the way, before the session, during, and after. From the very beginning, we hop on a Virtual Coffee Chat to get to know each other better. I send over a questionnaire, discuss ideas for their session, collaborate on a Pinterest board, help them choose their outfit, provide them with a prop list, shot list (must have images for their session), and customize a playlist to play in the background of their photoshoot. Every step of my process is intentional and designed so that they feel comfortable and confident during their session!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
This might seem like a funny response since it’s hardly related, but I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. My favorite memory has to be the day my dad gifted me a kitty. He was coming home late from working Construction and called me into the backyard. I saw the tall grass moving, drew myself closer to it, and noticed a black kitten! I immediately asked him if I could keep it and he said “It’s for you!” I named her Angel and treated her like a baby doll! I would lay her in a baby holder and carry her around the house. She was soo precious. Everything I do is for my family and the dream of a future where we can experience more fun moments together.
Pricing:
- $325 1 hour Photography Session
- $600 2 hour Photography Session
Contact Info:
- Email: styledbykrystalandrea@gmail.com
- Website: www.styledbykrystalandrea.com
- Instagram: styledbykrystalandrea
Image Credits
Michelle Hiatt
Meredith Kasheta
Krystal Andrea
