We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My end goal is generational wealth. I did not know how to obtain it as the primary narrative in my home, and with those closest to us, was to go to college and get a job. I did that. I was a corporate trainer which required that I not only learn the business, but learn how to articulate the information I learned to others. I was a liaison between multiple departments and learned a ton. Then, I was laid off.

My security was taken from me with the signing of a paper which I had no control over. I never wanted to feel that again, I decided to venture out on my own and test the waters and I loved it. However, I was not confident, so I began to take on business ventures that grew me and showed me how to use my skills for myself. I was and am my best asset.

I decided to take some of my passions and make them my businesses. I then began to work my visions backward as The Most High had me work THROUGH some things to learn and prepare me for what I prayed for. I began to analyze the companies I’d worked for and read information regarding the setup of businesses and the hierarchy of the different departments within a business. I also interviewed a lot of people. It was during this process where I realized that many people have issues with critical thinking skills, including me, and starting a business required, for me, to be more thorough in thought.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I currently have 4 businesses in different industries. My first business is I AM C Foster. I created this business after I wrote my book of affirmations, “I AM!!!” This business is dedicated to mentally and spiritually healing those who are in some form of lack.

I also own REI C Foster a company created for my real estate ventures which includes teaching people how to be investors, sharing tips, interviewing people, working with real estate agents and investors, and connecting people to others who can help them. I have yet to close a deal, but I have been able to help a lot of people in different aspects.

There’s also C Foster Vending. This business is dedicated to my vending events and the products I sell at those events. For example, I am a Bye Bye Belly Consultant, helping people get happier and healthier by drinking an all organic, GMO-free, vegan, laxative and Senna free (no cramps or extra #2 breaks), weight loss drink that tastes great! I also help my husband with his gourmet popcorn business, Txuzz Korn (pronounced Texas Corn). I even create artwork, candles, etc. from time to time which also falls under this business.

My last baby, at this time, is CauliWingz, a vegan/vegetarian food truck. My goal with this business is to 1)introduce healthier meat alternatives, chicken wings in particular, so that we can aid in the change in mentality through the gut and 2) assist those who are re-entering society find decent employment and/or ownership opportunities via franchising, amongst other things.

I got to this position by the will and grace of The Most High. Some aspects were easy as pie to me and there were, and still are, super difficult aspects. There was a lot of unlearning regarding communication and a lot of application of new ideas and principles. For example, early in my career, I was taught how controlling, limiting, and demanding the word “should” could be. I used to monitor calls for Fortune companies and we would calibrate how we scored calls and provide feedback.

It wasn’t until someone pointed out how restrictive the word is, that I understood the importance of how I say things. Not to mention how that word could change how a message is received, shifting the tone and changing the energy.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t do it by yourself. As much as you may desire for that to happen, you just can’t. You come out of the womb needing someone other than yourself and life will continue as such, especially if you want to grow, live, and thrive. We are all students and we are all teachers.

I also learned that more people want to see you win than you’ve ever imagined. They just have to know you exist. It’s always impact over income so make sure every encounter brings value because you never know who you are being of service to. Bringing value doesn’t always require much. For example, a smile or kind word goes a long way. I find myself surrounded by people and organizations like BPG Global Ministries and the ReUp movement that serve the community from their hearts.

My brands are a reflection of my desire to help others become the best version of themselves. I am touching on every major aspect that I feel is necessary for people to live wondrous lives. This includes, but is not limited to mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial help. I am living these things that I am creating and sharing with the world. They are not meant for everyone, and I understand that, but they are meant for someone. Elevation is the key and I just want to help others along my journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends come to visit I make sure we have time to decompress. Some of us tend to underestimate stress and how that affects people. So, one of my favorite places to go is to the beach or McGovern Centennial Gardens. Being outside in nature is a natural way to destress, plus the conversation on the way to these places is a bonus.

From there, we may grab a bite to eat from a place neither of us has been. For example, I have yet to eat at any of the food truck parks, so I’d like to try something from any one of those places. I’d also like to visit Pur Noire Urban Wineries, get pampered (massage, nails, feet, etc), check out some pop-up shops, go to a lounge, and check out what Groupon has to offer. I love adventure, so trying new things, that are least stressful, are my go-to things, unless there is a special request. However, I must admit, I am not the best planner which is also why I have an easy-going, go-with-the-flow, nature. LOL I may not have anything planned until you get here because the goal is not to work, and to enjoy each other’s time.

I love to share my friends with my friends. It’s just more fun. I tend to meet up with my friends so that they can also meet each other and uplift each other as well. The energy of the people I choose to share with others is magnified when other like-minded people are around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to The Most High and all of the individuals who have allowed themselves to be vessels to do The Most High’s work. I want to thank my parents, my husband, my children, and my family for being my greatest teachers and students, especially when it comes to love, grace, mercy, gratitude, and understanding. A special thank you to all of my friends, the family we choose, for supporting me, pouring into me, correcting me, guiding me, disciplining me, and teaching me obedience by choice. I believe it’s greater than me and it’s never just me, but it starts with me. Every last one of us is an answered prayer for someone. Without unity, there is no commUNITY or opportUNITY. I am grateful to The Most High for every encounter with everyone.

Website: https://www.iamcfoster.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcfoster1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-foster-42034138/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actioniam

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPcSXR9oVacr0y2724ge1Q

Other: Link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/I-AM-Affirmations-Crystal-Foster/dp/1797595032 Link to my husband’s gourmet popcorn brand: txuzzkorn.com Link to Bye Bye Belly: Byebyebelly.com/702728 Link to my favorite interview I did while working for MyHouseDeals, a digital real estate company: https://soundcloud.com/myhousedeals/charese-johnson

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.