Meet crystal ayozie | Esthetician, Content Creator & LPC Student
We had the good fortune of connecting with crystal ayozie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi crystal, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is a crucial part of my journey as both a content creator, esthetician and a full time masters LPC student. Once I found out that was pregnant with my daughter I had to decide on what type of legacy I wanted to leave for her and the risks I would have to take to establish that. It was far more important to have my daughter see me pursuing my passions and lead a purpose driven life than being in a line of work that I had no passion for to only secure a check. Stepping out of my comfort zone while I was pregnant I enrolled into esthetician school, began my content creator journey and enrolled into my masters program once my daughter was born. Trying new techniques, and engaging with a diverse audience has allowed me to innovate and attract a wider following. Experimenting with different formats and topics has been essential for my growth. In all of my career roles, incorporating new treatments, theoretical orientations, adopting emerging trends, taking additional certification courses, and exploring new business opportunities have enhanced my offerings. Balancing potential rewards with possible downsides, I make informed decisions, seek continuous feedback, and stay adaptable to manage risks effectively as I work to establish a long lasting legacy.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of how far I’ve come in pursuing my vision and purpose. It’s a triumph that I am no longer where I once was. I’ve obtained my esthetician license, I will be graduating with a Master’s in Licensed Professional Counseling in February 2025, and I am steadily growing my career as a content creator. Though it hasn’t been easy, I continue to excel.
My professional journey began when I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter. Before that, I was struggling financially, doing odd jobs I hated. Despite this, I had a passion for makeup and beauty, often being asked to do makeup and hair for others. I also had a personal struggle with my skin, which sparked my interest in skincare, as I saw how much it impacted the overall look of makeup. Since middle school, I had been the person people turned to discuss their issues with. However, many of my passions weren’t considered important or profitable within Nigerian culture in America. Nigerian American parents often steer their children toward careers in medicine, law, or engineering. I tried the medical route but struggled with courses like Bio 101 and had no passion for it. My pregnancy gave me the strength I needed to choose what I wanted for myself, rather than what my culture wanted for me.
I’ve learned that life is a mental game: if you can overcome your emotions and maintain discipline, you’ve won. Feeling defeated in your mind can overshadow even the best external circumstances. We have the power to change our external environment, but that change must start in our minds. You never lose; you only learn and try again. Your success is inevitable. One valuable lesson I’m currently learning from someone dear to my heart is the importance of celebrating the present. Count today’s blessings as you strive to achieve your goals. Fall in love with the process and you’ll love what the process creates.
For my brand, I create wellness, beauty, lifestyle, and growth content for women seeking to become the best version of themselves, living out every single one of their dreams. There is greatness in all of us. When a woman decides she can and stays disciplined, step by step, the impossible becomes possible. Through the content I create, I want to encourage women to defy society and create their dream world anyway.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend visits Houston, I will ensure they have the best time ever!
Day 1:
We will start with breakfast at Common Bond Café & Bakery, followed by a visit to Hermann Park and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
For lunch, we will enjoy Southern comfort food at Lucille’s and wrap up the day with seafood at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and craft cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge.
Day 2:
The next day, we’ll have breakfast at The Breakfast Klub, explore the Museum District, and lunch at Local Foods. In the evening, we will dine at Hugo’s and catch a show at the Alley Theatre.
Day3:
On day three, we will begin with breakfast at Baby Barnaby’s Café and a trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. We’ll have lunch at the Space Center Café, then head to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner and evening strolls.
Day 4:
On day four, after breakfast at Dish Society, we will visit the Houston Zoo and take a paddle boat ride in Hermann Park. We’ll have a picnic lunch and later enjoy Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s on Navigation, followed by drinks at Lei Low Bar.
Day 5:
For our shopping day, we will start with breakfast at Tout Suite and spend the afternoon at The Galleria. We’ll lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, dine at Uchi, and end the night at Axelrad Beer Garden.
Day 6:
We’ll then delve into Houston’s history with breakfast at Empire Café, visits to the Houston Museum of African American Culture and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, lunch at Cafe Brussels, dinner at State of Grace, and live music at The Continental Club.
Day 7:
On the final day, after breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, we will relax at Memorial Park and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. We will enjoy a light lunch at Becks Prime, have a New Orleans-inspired dinner at Brennan’s of Houston, and conclude the trip with an outdoor movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club.
This mix of Houston’s best eats, cultural highlights, outdoor activities, and unique experiences will make for an unforgettable week.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout first to God, who has never left me alone and continues to remind me that He is alive. Secondly, to my parents, who taught me that I never lose but always learn, making my success inevitable. I dedicate this shoutout to my tribe, my sisters not by blood but by spirit: Taylor, Genesis, and Cecillia. I appreciate and love you all so much and you all continue to bring an invaluable amount of support, love, laughter into my life. Without you all my growing up would have been bland. To Adanma, the best and biggest spiritual sister I could have ever asked for, you have always been a guiding light in my life, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to pull me up, and a source of great laughter. Finally, I dedicate this to my daughter, who gave me the courage I needed to make it happen.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ccdoziee/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCRIB8-ueZDk9FKLaUbQxeIw
Other: TikTok:
@ccdoziee
Image Credits
Adanma Egu
Tanasia Perro
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
