Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Albert.
Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
2012 was the year I took a leap of faith and moved to Dallas, Tx at the age of 24. It was no smooth transition. Before the bus ride, I remember speaking with someone on the phone. On the other line was a homeless shelter operator giving me the details of my soon intake. Little did I know this would be the beginning of an 18-month homeless living lifestyle in the very heart of downtown Dallas. So, with my 2-year-old on my hip, mom by my side and faith in my heart we got on that bus and was headed to Dallas. Whew! If you’re still reading this you’re in for a ride. Finally, four hours later we made it… I walk into the shelter and because I didn’t have my sons birth certificate I was told to sleep on a mat instead of given a room. Immediately, fear, sadness and an overwhelming feeling of failure hit me like a fist. Wow, I’m really homeless… I’m homeless.
A quick backstory, I wasn’t rich but I lived a pretty nice middle-class lifestyle. However, the past 2 years were hard I got pregnant had my son and was unable to finish college. I however completed beauty school at 19 and loved doing hair. Even as CNA doors were closed for years. So when God said Dallas… with really no other option I had to trust him. We lived a total of 18 months between 3 different shelters with many sleepless nights. Being looked down upon. Being put out of a shelter in the mornings only able to return at 3 pm daily. In all of this, I remember one pivotal moment. One of my many night experiences there I remember feeling so hurt and sad that God would allow me to go through this. I cried so much that my shirt was soaked and so was my hair. In that shelter, an overwhelming sense of peace came over me and I knew that I was going through this for a reason. God gave me peace in the midst of my hardest trial. I knew I was there for something greater. Daily, I’d encourage the other single women. At Chapel, I’d lead the worship service and share my testimony. I became the intake worker and was the first person you’d meet in the intake. I knew their pain and would minister to them in a compassionate way.
Jesus was with me every second and I wouldn’t have made it without my mom being there with me during that time.
Doors began to open and I found a great job and we all FINALLY moved into our own place. Then, in 2015, I met my Husband Kenneth Albert. I literally can’t even imagine my life without him. It amazes us that the entire time my future husband was in Dallas. I went back to nursing school and graduated as a nurse in 2017. In 2018, I launched Olahavanahair and in 2019. This year, I started mentoring and life coaching other women walking this life journey. To encourage them and share my story and proclaim to that through Christ all things are possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I felt resistance in almost everything during that time. Many times I wanted to give up but I knew it would all be worth it. If I could just hold on and go through the process. I knew in my heart that I had to go through it. Many areas in Dallas aren’t necessarily the safest. Sometimes living in a room with other women and they’re children. Being told when to eat, when to shower, when to sleep, where to go, what to do etc. It’s very humbling but I made sure to keep God first he’s literally the only reason I made it.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I realized that amongst nursing and singing; braiding hair has always been a part of who I am. That’s when Olahavanahair was birthed. A protective styling salon with an Island twist. I offer many different style options with Havana Cuban Twist being a staple.
What was you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always unique and outgoing with a pretty good sense of humor. The family has always been first. My parents are everything I honor them and love them so much. My father is from Havana, Cuba his name is Cristobal Rebollar. My mother Belinda Carmichael, born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. I have three siblings my late brother Marcus, my brother Christopher and my sister Megan. They all are the best siblings ever and I thank God for them daily. Music has always been a part of who I am. Singing in my local choir and in school. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to sing on Josiah Praise Team at Potters House Dallas. To this day, I serve at my church and I’m loving every moment.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8174410234
- Email: olahavana@yahoo.com
- Instagram: iamcrystalceleste
- Facebook: Olahavanahair
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