Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Pollard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Sports and movement have been a constant in my life. My parents made sure to keep my mind and body active and so my earliest memories involve some element of play and sport. As a child, I remember being faster than my competition which back then meant I was better. My parents saw the potential and pushed me hard in both academics and sport. Without me realizing, I wrapped my worth up in being number one. It kept me in a space where I was constantly chasing and trying to stay on top. I enjoyed sports and moving but it definitely was overshadowed with the expectation and pressure to be the best at it.
My upbringing definitely taught me to hustle and work for the things and outcomes I wanted. It taught me to put everything out there in an effort to succeed. That mindset that was crafted as a young girl propelled me to graduate at the top of my class in both high school and college. It also propelled me to seek out employment opportunities that challenged me to create as well as navigate the world of entrepreneurship.
I’ve learned that it really takes quite a bit of pausing and reflection in your life to sort through your story and all the steps that have ordered your path. As a child, I don’t recall thinking that I would have my own business but the more I think about it, I’ve always been drawn to creation and ideation. In college, I found myself in groups that “started” or “created” new events or projects. After graduating (from UNC Chapel Hill– shameless plug) and moving to Dallas, I worked for Neiman Marcus, Fossil and The Dallas Morning News (FD Luxe Magazine). As many entrepreneurs do, you start your side hustle alongside your full time job. I was no different. I got my personal training and group fitness certification and started coaching and training while working full time. In 2010, I started my first business which taught me a lot. I had some wins and losses but ultimately dismantled that business after a couple years. In 2013, I started my second business, A Tribe Called Sprinters which is still going strong. This business has helped me evolve my mindset about being my best vs being number one. There is room for all of us when we are focused on being our best vs obsessing over chasing an outcome that can only be held by one person. I want to seek out something more abundant and sustainable than that. So, in many ways, Tribe is a ministry through movement for me. It helps me take back my power and help others do the same.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth…never. When I first started my business, I had a lot of doubt. I wanted to be bold and create but I wanted a safety net so I convinced myself I needed a partner. While I don’t think all partnerships are bad, for me, it wasn’t a good decision because it was one birthed out of fear and lack.
Another struggle is trying to please everyone. As I’ve grown, I’ve owned that it just isn’t possible. I have to walk firmly in my truth and my calling and not worry about dumbing down or sugar coating my message to make it more acceptable. Your Tribe finds you when you’re walking in your truth and purpose.
Please tell us about A Tribe Called Sprinters.
A Tribe Called Sprinters
I am the Founder and Head Coach. I specialize in helping people take back their power through running (specifically sprinting) and strength training. There is something raw about sprinting- something uncommon to running a 5k or jogging a mile in a lackadaisical manner. When you ask someone to sprint (or work toward it), you ask them to step into their fire, their intensity, their raw being because you can’t get there without connecting to something primal/raw inside of you. It is that connection that puts us closer to our power- to who we were always meant to be and what we have the capability of accessing.
In addition, I’ve begun to serve as a speaker at various events to let my journey and self-exploration serve as inspiration and knowledge to those also working to keep peeling back the layers on their purpose and direction.
I’m most proud that God is using something that I love to bring light to other people and draw me closer to him. As far as tangible proud achievements, it would be the various ambassadorships I’ve been selected for (Lululemon, Nike, Vimmia) as well as putting on the first ever, Everyday People Combine in 2017.
What sets me apart? I’m not a kool aid drinker. I vet things to make sure they make sense to me not just take them at face value. And, I lead out of love and abundance.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Properly vet potential business partners and evaluate if their involvement is essential to the health and growth of the business. Invested more in my spiritual relationship earlier on. No sugar coating my true message or intention. Not let perfect be the enemy of good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tribecalledsprinters.com/
- Phone: 4693838271
- Email: crystal@tribecalledsprinters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrystalpollard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystal.loves.fitness
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/atribecalledsprinters/
Image Credit:
Hance Taplin
Justin Martin
Herby Joseph
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