Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Sears.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Being a newcomer to the Dallas area, I feel like I’m almost starting over. My husband, two kids and I decided last December that we wanted to move from Washington State to Dallas to create a new chapter for our family. We loved our home and family in Seattle but we wanted more real family time. We were both working full-time jobs and alternating who was watching the kids. Not our ideal life. Our move allowed me to become a stay at home mom, but also focus more on my photography and my newest venture, a custom clothing small shop. I’ve always loved photography but after my daughter was born in 2015, I really started getting into it and started shooting families, weddings and everything in between. Then, a couple of years later, my wonderful mother-in-law bought me my first real sewing machine. It seriously sat in its box for a year before I touched it. She gave me my first real lesson and started a new love for me. I loved creating clothes for my daughter and she loved them too. She would run up to people and tell them mommy made my dress. My sewing really took off in 2018 when I was pregnant with my son. I kept having people ask about my kid’s clothes and if I could make them something. So, I decided to start a small handmade clothing shop. When we relocated here to Dallas, it gave me the opportunity to grow my businesses and really promote what I love to do!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been a fairly smooth road although I did and sometimes still have a hard time balancing my work and mom life. I love being able to stay home with my kids now but I love my photography and sewing and sometimes it can be hard finding time to do everything I want. When I was working full time back in Washington, it was even harder to balance all of them. To those just starting out, find what works best for you. Don’t feel bad if you don’t get a project finished in one sitting. Set realistic goals, if I think it will take a week to edit a full session, I’ll tell my client it will be two weeks, that way if something comes up, I have enough time to accomplish what I want.
We’d love to hear more about Crystal Sears Photography and J&D Custom Threads.
I’ve been doing photography longer than sewing but I have the same love for both. I’ve shot everything from the sweetest newborns to my dream of shooting a wedding in Disneyland! I specialize in natural outdoor sessions. I love capturing moments that are relaxed and free. I don’t like over posed and stiff photos, I want to capture you as you are, having fun and happy. I keep my prices reasonable because I want everyone to be able to have beautiful photos and capture those moments. I know that not everyone can spend thousands, but everyone deserves a chance to have beautiful photos. With my clothing, I love creating items for your special occasions from birthdays to holidays or just a comfy pair of joggers and hoodie to lounge in. What’s awesome is I can make an adorable smash cake outfit, then shoot the session!
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I feel women can do anything that we put our mind to! If you have a goal, go for it. Just because a job has been primarily pushed towards men doesn’t mean a woman can’t do it.
Pricing:
- Standard photo session: $75
- Newborn session $100
- Weddings and events starting at $250
- Custom clothing starts at $15
Contact Info:
- Address: Melissa, TX
- Website: https://crystalsearsphotography.smugmug.com
- Phone: 2063759379
- Email: jdcustomthreads@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jdcustomthreads @crystalsears24_
- Facebook: facebook.com/jdcustomthreads Facebook.com/crystalsearsphotography
Image Credit:
Crystal Sears
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