Voss Boss Entrepreneur Spotlight – Crystal Inniss, Owner Of Crissy Creations – Customized Gifts

For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.

At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Crystal Inniss, owner of Crissy Creations- Customized Gifts!

Crissy Creations- Customized Gifts is a gifting service that specializes in pre-made & customized gifts to make your gift giving a lot easier!

Our CEO Mandi interviewed Crystal about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.

A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur

1: How long have you been in business?

I have always loved creating things & doing artsy stuff from as young as I can remember. I was the one who everyone called to help to decorate a party or put a gift basket together. They all thought I was that good ☺️

In 2016 I came up with the name for my business & registered it. I was getting so many compliments about my gifts and the way I presented them. So I decided to try and start a little business and start making some money. I was making gifts and putting things together, but I wasn’t getting much sales or customers.

Then in 2019, I finally decided to open a social media account on Instagram to gain more opportunities and started sharing all my ideas, gifts & creations with everyone online.

2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Crissy Creations – Customized Gifts?

I enjoy working on my own time, and the freedom of having to do what I love while helping others. When the pandemic started I was working part-time teaching with the City & getting a few orders each month.

As places started closing and stores shutting down, the need for gift giving was high. I made it easier and convenient for people to purchase gifts during a difficult time. It made me happy to see the faces of my customers when they got their gifts.

So much joy, excitement & gratitude made me realize that was my passion.

3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

What I love most about being an entrepreneur is the actual task that I do. It’s not about the title of being my own boss or making money. For me, it’s about helping my customers solve their problems. They have a hard time figuring out what to gift to someone, or just have no time to look for gifts. Then that’s where I step in & provide the solution to their problems. Making gift giving so much easier and less stressful is what I do best.

4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Crissy Creations- Customized Gifts?

The hardest thing is trying not to compare yourself with others. Feeling less qualified & less talented in my work. But then reminding myself that we each have our own talents that make us unique. What I do, others can copy but it will never be the same. We are all different artists and creators. That makes it a beautiful thing.

5: What is one thing about working in the gifts industry that people would be surprised to learn?

That it’s a lot of work. With the amount of options for gifts it can be a bit overwhelming at times dealing with so many variables like:

  • different wholesalers
  • shipping issues 
  • constantly coming up with new ideas 
  • discontinued products I use
  • price changes

Also working for yourself doesn’t mean you have “time off” whenever you want. It’s a consistent work in progress each day. My mind is always thinking of ways to improve and staying relevant with the current trends. Especially when I’m so passionate about my work, I need to make sure I have the best things.

And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!

6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?

Yes, Instagram is my top favorite. I also have Facebook & I just recently opened a TikTok account. But I love Instagram because it’s the easiest way to build a brand and connect with so many people. Over the past few months I have gained so many new customers and once I started using reels I have also gained new customers. I have met other small business owners  and made some amazing friendships with my online community. It has really helped my business to grow in the last year.

7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?

With consistent posting, engaging with my audience daily and building a following, I would be able to reach my target market. I knew the benefits and saw the potential of promoting my company online. Plus everything is online now & makes it so much easier to connect with anyone.

8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?

Social media is a very effective marketing tool. It has helped me in the following ways: 

  • helps me reach people who’ve never heard of my brand. 
  • helps me showcase my products 
  • helps me connect on a personal level too. 
  • it’s great for staying connected with past and current customers 
  • market research

9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?

I would tell other entrepreneurs and businesses to be consistent and post what’s relevant to your business. Content is everything & making sure you have it planned out properly to target the right market is key.

Engage with your followers daily and use the correct hashtags! I have learned that hashtags are so important when posting your products. Focus on your customers needs and motivations – not your own. Then you will see the results. You can sell almost anything on Instagram as long as you know how to market correctly! Show yourself in the process like a behind the scenes look, so your customers know they are dealing with a real human. Also engage with other creators, it’s so amazing to meet other people who inspire you and exchange ideas.

A Little More About Crystal

I’m a Registered Early Childhood Educator & I have 2 beautiful girls of my own. They also started their own business making customized bracelets. Each month a portion of our sales goes to OUR Rescue to give back & help the children.

I enjoy reading, traveling and watching scary movies. I also love the moon & crystals.

I’m in the process of building my website for Crissy Creations & I just launched my new Self- Love Goddess Boxes so check that out.

I’m also a fur Mama of a Bengal cat named Phoenix.

Connect with Crystal

Facebook

Instagram

Kiki & Mimi Creations

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