Everyone knows that Instagram is the best venue for finding collaborations in all different types of industries. From whisky to cigars, from models to foodies, Instagram is full of different personalities and different influencers you can work with. We spoke to Crystal aka @crystaljasmin_ – who describes herself as an actor, model, dancer and much more. Read a fun interview with did with Crystal and go hit the follow button yourself.
Crystal please tell us a little about yourself. What are some things people that follow you on Instagram might not know about you?
CJ: Some things people may not know is that I come from a big family. I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers. I skipped my sophomore year of high school, and graduated college with my B.S. in Criminology.
How did you develop an interest in modeling and travel respectively?
CJ: My aunts and babysitters used to dress me up, do my hair and makeup, and have me do photo-shoots in the house all the time. I’ve always been told I should model, so I found the courage to do a shoot when I was 19 and in college. Things have flourished from there. As far as having an interest in traveling, I’ve always wanted to travel the world, and I still do! Learning and experiencing different cultures has always been something I’ve longed to do.
What are you most proud of?
CJ: I’m proud of myself for overcoming everything that life has thrown at me so far and continuing to grow through what I go through with a smile on my face.
You obviously keep in great shape. What inspires you to be the best version of yourself. Also how do you keep to a strict routine when traveling?
CJ: Everything my mother has instilled in me, as well as watching her carry on each day with the strength and positivity that she does, has inspired me to be the best version of myself that I can be. Even then, I feel as though I fall short sometimes, but I remember to look at the big picture and keep going. It’s challenging to work out on the road when there’s a strict schedule, but I find moments to do a set of squats and lunges or pushups quick throughout the day.
How important are ethical standards for influencers?
CJ: Ethical standards are very important for influencers, and for everyone really. Yes, we all have freedom of speech, but at the end of the day, you know your being watched by a huge following that are going to copy your behavior because they think it’s cool and want to be like you. Why not spread positivity and show the real sides of ourselves instead of putting on an act?
What are your three favorite trends at the moment?
CJ: I don’t keep up with trends to be honest. I stay focused on what I have going on and stay true to what I like.
Millennial’s are one of the largest and most influential demographic cohorts and they hold authenticity above content. 43% of millennial’s rank authenticity over content when consuming information. How important is authenticity to you when choosing a brand to work with?
CJ: Authenticity is very important when working with someone. A business relationship is still a relationship none the less and you want to know who you’re dealing with when it comes to who’s also representing your brand. There has to be trust, and trust it built through being real and honest.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
CJ: As I mentioned I want to travel the world, but I guess I’d want Greece to be at the top of my list.
Describe your Instagram feed in 5 words:
CJ: My IG page is professional, sexy, authentic, motivational, me.
They say you are what you eat, what are you?
CJ: I’m pescatarian.
Unfortunately, for every 99 comments, there will always be 1 comment full of judgement and hate. How do you brave the judgement on Instagram from complete strangers?
CJ: I’ve been judged my whole life. It doesn’t matter what you do, there will be someone out there that has something to say, so you might as well just be yourself and say screw everyone’s opinion of you. Do they pay your bills or carry your troubles? I didn’t think so.
Lastly, tell us about your dream collab, who is it and why?
CJ: I’m an Actor, model, dancer, and so much more. I have people in mind for every category, but I’m blessed to work with the talent that I have crossed paths with, and will cross paths within the future.
