Meet Krystal Tyree | Krystal Tyree – Licensed & Certified Athletic Trainer

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

Hi Krystal, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Although Athletic Training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession, a lot of the public still do not know what athletic training is or what Athletic Trainers (ATs) do. We are licensed health care professionals who often get confused with personal trainers. From the National Athletic Trainers’ Association(NATA)– “Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions…ATs are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician…services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.” Clearly different from a personal trainer. Having our name, our profession, our livelihood out there on apparel gives us more exposure to the general public and those wanting to know more about our profession.

What should our readers know about your business?
AT Merch & Apparel is a clothing brand of RyLand & Co. It is apparel geared toward Athletic Trainers & the Athletic Training community. I am most proud and excited about the growth & potential growth of AT Merch & Apparel. There are at least 45,000 ATs or former ATs in the US, and I am hoping to reach every last one of them. Out of all my businesses, AT Merch & Apparel has been the easiest to manage and grow. I have first hand experience as an AT so I know what my target audience/customers want. I am mindful of what’s trending or popular topics in the AT community and I used that as ideas to come up with designs. I’ve learned that if something is not working for you, it’s okay to change it. I have had several designs that were duds. It’s okay to scratch and try again. I have also learned that your biggest supporters are going to be complete strangers, not your friends. Your support is going to come from people who do not even know you. At the end of the day, I just want people to know who Athletic Trainers are and about the Athletic Training profession.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a homebody but I will try to list some of my favorite spots in Houston or places I have visited and enjoyed. For food – POST Houston. They have a variety of restaurants for anyone’s palate. Of course the Turkey Leg Hut or the Breakfast Club. I have never been but I have heard good things about both. If you have kids, the Color Factory or Children’s museum. If you are here during the Rodeo or Houston Food Fest, definitely check out the food trucks and everything the Rodeo has to offer.

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 have mentioned them before but Alisha & Maurice Pennington. Also, shout out to AT Twitter and the Cookout! I have met some of the most inspirational and supportive people through social media. During Covid, when we were all inside, we all kind of leaned on each other through social media and we still have maintained a strong supportive relationship. Most of them are Athletic Trainers as well.

Website: www.atmerchandapparel.com

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