Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Latimer.
Hi Allison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started The Crystal Cat this past February from combining a passion for crystals and my love for cats. When I was younger, I started collecting crystals and have grown my collection over the years. When I realized I wanted to become an entrepreneur, I knew starting my own crystal shop was a no-brainer for me. I wanted to create a brand that was exciting for customers and myself. I have always loved cats, so I immediately started designing all things crystals and cats. I wanted to make my packaging exciting and memorable, so I selected fun freebies to add to every order; The Crystal Cat logo stickers, cat meme stickers, and kitten oracle cards that are completely unique for each order. As I started posting my Crystal Cat content online, I grew a large audience and have met some amazing fellow crystal shop owners online. I love the community we have all built together. They have been nothing but kind and supportive through not only my journey, but other new crystal shop owners. I built my business from the ground up and figured it out along the way. I didn’t look at the long list of tasks in order to start a business, I just looked at the big picture and took one step at a time. After being open for five months, I am incredibly grateful for all the personal milestones I’ve hit for myself and my business. My vision is to continue to grow my business, community, and to spread The Crystal Cat love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been a few obstacles along the way, but it was a great time for problem solving and learning new systems. The main thing that I suggest to people who would like to start their own business is to START. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have it all planned out at once. You will learn as you go and you’ll enjoy every step of the way, even the obstacles. It opens a door of opportunity to refine systems and set up a good foundation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a very unique professional life. I have worn a lot of different hats over the course of my career. I’ve been in the dermatology field, a floral assistant, and photographer for over ten years. I went to school to get my Aesthetician license two years ago to transition into cosmetic dermatology. I even started a EDM TikTok account last year called Goose Hooters to post concert and festival content; with several going viral. Most recently, I have started my entrepreneurial journey with The Crystal Cat. Call me crazy, but I still actively work all of these jobs. I have multiple interests and have a good work ethic. I think now I’m leaning more into my creative side and would like to get out of the “corporate grind.” With The Crystal Cat, I’m able to use my photography skills to build a social media presence and I am developing a passion for editing and posting videos. I think I’m most proud of all the obstacles I have overcome and that I didn’t let the obstacles change me as a person. I still continue to spread love and uplift anyone who needs it.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I had great success with other crystal shop owners. Once they found me on social media, they would reach out and offer help with anything I needed. Everyone has wanted me to succeed, and that has been incredibly refreshing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecrystalcatco.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.crystal.catco?igsh=MWRjNm9oMWlkYndtMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
