Krystal Harrell of Create Exposure, founded in 2010, started her first business a decade ago. At 23 she has already accomplished so much being awarded with the Merrill Lynch Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and being recognized for her leadership and volunteerism. Sarah Jahangir of a past YFE Profile sent Krystal our way after partnering with her on Wondermilk, the first camel milk product to hit Pakistan. Sarah told YFE that ”Krystal is a brilliant 23 year old… She’s very organized, very hands on and I think she’s going to go far.”
If you would like to meet Krystal, she is in Charlotte, North Carolina this evening. View the flyer for more.
Website: http://www.createexposure.com Twitter: @talktoKrystal
What is your business all about?
Create Exposure is a youth marketing agency that helps clients understand and connect with young consumers, through marketing research, development and design. Through an array of services such as custom research, creative development, digital, design, public relations and event marketing, we work with clients to create exposure for their brand!
What does your background look like?
Prior to starting my first business (a pajama company), over a decade ago, if I recall correctly, I was probably playing with Barbie dolls, riding my bicycle and not having a clue about the word “responsibility”.
I grew up as an only child in Columbia, South Carolina to a beautiful mother, Rosalind Chamberlain (Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army CEO of Generation Wealth Builders and author of “Money Talk”). My father collapse playing basketball at the age of 17 and past away three months before I was born. Since then, my mother has worked tirelessly to be a great role model for me.
After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Broadcast Journalist and studied Communications at Columbia College. I relocated to Charlotte, NC to study Fashion Marketing & Management at The Art Institute.
Before the age of 21, I sold my first company to a private owner and started Create Exposure in 2010.
Why did you start your business, launch your first product, or build that community in the first place?
My first company was started as a need to earn money. At the time, my only interest were to make enough funds to purchase extra things that my parents deemed non-essential, such as junk food from the school canteen, shopping trips with friends and purchasing the latest music cd. My sole motivation was to earn an income. With the $20 loan from my mother, I purchased 5 sets of pajamas at $4 each, I later sold them each for $10. Not a bad profit for a 13 year old. As I got into high school, my product line expanded to jewelry and customized apparel. I carried this trend with me through college before selling the company in 2009.
Afterwards, I wasn’t sure what my next move would be. I only knew that this journey would be different. I had grown from that 13 year old who desired junk food money into a young woman who was thinking of creating a future legacy. This time, my motivation was different.
After 10 years of being an entrepreneur, I’ve grown to appreciate the ups and downs of focusing on your dreams. Over the years, my most proud moments have come when speaking with a youth group. I’ve always thought that by relating my experiences through a profound message, it would positively impact another individual and inspire them to believe in their own dreams.
When I started Create Exposure, I knew I wanted to work with brands that target their products or services to young consumers, parents and schools who serve as major influences and most importantly with the group that will become future leaders, the youth.
What are your favorite things about being young, female and entrepreneurial?
Beyonce’ said it best, “girls run the world.” As a young entrepreneur, I believe the sky is the limit. I believe that we are given so much talent that deserves to be shared with the world. Some say, being a businesswoman is tougher than being a businessman, I can not conquer, simply because we walk in different shoes. Besides, I like the strut in my 4 inch pumps better!
Do you have mentors or people you admire that you think of when making business decisions?
I admire my mother’s strength, determination and persistence. I appreciate her support, encouragement and tough love. She believes in the old proverb, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.” She has truly taught me the importance of being self-sufficient.
My mentor is Dr. Joe Dudley Sr of Dudley products. I love him! He has been such a blessing and inspiration in my life. I first learned of him when I was in the 5th grade and I said then, that I would meet him and work alongside of him one day. I am so fortunate to be living out one of my dreams with an extraordinary individual who has dedicated his life to helping others.
What have been the advantages of being young and female while building your business?
The largest advantage has been my faith in God. During the road of entrepreneurship, it can be one bumpy pave. There are times where answers are unknown and the option is believe in the unseen. It is my self-belief and understanding that keeps me grounded and determined. I started early as an entrepreneur and now at 23, I’ve been on this journey for a decade and I have so many more steps to take. It has been shared with me that a person who has spent 10,000 hours perfecting a skill, is considered an expert.
What are the disadvantages you’ve faced, if any?
At one time, I use to think my youthful look was a disadvantage. Day after day, I would hear how much I looked like a teenager and my self-confidence got low. I remember not wanting to run a business and I decided to spend a year working for another company. I quickly realized that my appearance was not going to change and that I had to embrace my genes. Now, I love it. I own it. I don’t let my appearance determine my outcome, I have embraced it.
What is your advice for a young, female entrepreneur just starting out or in the research stage?
You go girl! You better work it! I am so proud of you! Enjoy the ride and fasten your seatbelt. There is nothing easy or quick about this journey. Anything worth having can never be obtained without challenges and dismays. Stay encouraged by believing in yourself and your realistic and attainable goals. Celebrate the small victories so that you can fully enjoy the larger ones. I’ll repeat it, celebrate the small victories, whether meeting a new person, ordering your first business cards, or receiving a nice compliment on your work. Every thing counts towards your finishing goal. I wish you much success on your journey.
What is your drink of choice?
Water…it keeps me looking young
What can we find you doing when you are not working on and in your business?
When I am not with a client of Create Exposure, working with my international partners on Wondermilk, (the first camel milk brand in Karachi, Pakistan), launching a new initiative for young entrepreneurs (“I Am A Dreamer” project), developing a brand ambassador program (I Am A Socialite), organizing an international breast cancer awareness campaign (National Pink Week), you will probably find me asleep… for just a few hours. Then I’m back up chasing my dreams. I have yet to reach my pinnacle, so resting or slowing down is not an option. Besides, when you do what you love and you do what you love so well that you get paid for it, you don’t even realize it’s work.
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