Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
How I started!?! Well, I started in bible college. I helped run a summer camp for a few thousand teenagers and found my passion for all things event planning. After college, I went on to work as a minister planning everything from after-school programs, weddings, funerals, large community events and conferences with thousands of people. I loved serving my community. I loved giving all I had to a project that would bring joy or comfort or life to all those who attended. I was working for a large church when I decided to make a change. I wasn’t even completely sure what was next for me. Although, I loved my church, I felt unsettled, like there was something more for me than I had ever experienced before. I was afraid but I decided I had to resign. Who resigns after 20 years of doing something they love? But I knew in my heart, I had to do it. So, I did and I went to work for a dentist office because I needed a paycheck. It was the most boring job I’d ever had. It was like pulling teeth to get out of bed, put on my scrubs and answer their phones. Every day that I sat there scheduling appointments my soul ached and my heart dreamed of being brave enough to leave behind the “paycheck” and start something on my own. For many people, maybe this adventure would be easy… but not for me… did I have the courage to do it? The words of someone who’d wounded me countless times rang in my ears….”You’re not enough… not smart enough… not strong enough… not good enough.” Years of abuse had clouded my vision. I was so scared to finally believe in myself but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was now or never. SO, I QUIT! I quit my job, sat down with someone who did believe in me and made a plan to move forward. My best friend and partner encouraged me that we could build this thing into something beautiful. We started with a dream and then added goals, made a plan and BOOM… FunkyTown Affairs was born. Our company is still fairly new but we are growing in ways I never expected. The dreams are expanding and growing into living color. We’re starting an internship program to mentor a younger generation in following their dreams too. I wish I could unveil everything that is coming but you’ll have to watch as we slowly pull back the curtain on the future of FunkyTown Affairs.
Has it been a smooth road?
Heck no! I was terrified. Finding the right way to market has been the biggest challenge. Keeping up with the day to day of running a business while being a single mom and working part-time at an event venue can be exhausting. My advice would be to read, research, find people who are really good at what you want to do and learn from them. Do not be too proud to learn what you don’t know. Outsmart your weaknesses, put people on your team that have strengths that you don’t have. Be kind. Lead well. Love well and don’t give up.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into FunkyTown Affairs story. Tell us more about it.
Technically what we do is plan events. But what we really do is become best friends with our clients. We put our heart and soul into customer service, into getting to know our clients so that we can make their big day all about them and not a cookie cutter, same ol same ol event. We are still friends with our clients long after their event has ended. Love is in the details so we learn the details of our people.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
If Erwin McManus writes it, I’m gonna read it. Wide Awake and The Last Arrow have inspired me to look at life differently… the bigger picture… the purpose for living a life that leaves it all on the field.
I also love to listen to John Stickl. He has taught me so much about true identity.
I make a point to listen to real people in every stage of life… little kids, midlife moms, those whose hair has grayed with wisdom. It’s better than any app I’ve ever used.
Kendra Scott inspires me. As a woman, I love to see where she came from and how generously she gives back.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.funkytownaffairs.com
- Phone: 682.701.8661
- Email: info@funkytownaffairs.com
- Instagram: FunkyTown Affairs
- Facebook: FunkyTown Affairs
Image Credit:
Lazaro Villarreal
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