Crystal - 5thAveNYC Owner & Natural Hair Beauty

Hey Everyone, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Crystal, who is the owner of 5thAveNYC an online fashion and accessory boutique.  She took time out of her busy schedule to not only share a little bit about her company with us, but to also give us the 411 on her fabulous natural hair.   

 

Crystal is one of my favs on IG and when she started her company, I was extremely happy for her.

 

Okay...okay....I will quick babbling and get into the interview.

 

Hey Crystal...I want to talk you for taking time out to share with us today.  I get so excited when I see young women going after their dreams and starting their own businesses.  I really think it is inspirational and I want to congratulate you.

 

 

For those that don't know can you tell us what 5thAVE NYC is all about?

5thAveNYC is a boutique (www.5thAveNYC.bigcartel.com)

 for the young or young at heart, classy, sexy, trendy woman.  I try to find pieces that are on trend and at the same time classic never going out of style. Accessories, handbags, leggings and dresses are the focus but who knows where time will take things.

 

 

That is awesome....so how did you get started? What was your inspiration?
 I've always loved fashion, that's nothing new.  I mean top to bottom hair, make up, outfit, shoes, accessories down to the bag when I step out I try to be polished and on point hello I'm a Virgo lol.  But I never considered opening a retail store.  My inspiration to give it a try quite honestly was Instagram.  There are so many women hustling and doing something I said heck why not.  I started out styling looks and got a lot of positive feedback.  From there I decided it was time.  My input as a fashionable lady was being well received so why not open an e-boutique.  All the overhead from a physical store is eliminated and with e-commerce making sales nationwide is a possibility for anyone no matter what you're selling.
 

Now that is how you work it.  I was definitely one of the ones "liking" and "commenting" on your style ideas. LOL!! So, how did you come up with the name?

Well one of my most favorite places to go shopping is New York. When I was living back home in DC its a 4 hour drive I'd call up some girlfriends and we'd roll out all the time.  Now that I'm living in Cleveland with my husband and my son I can't just make the 10 hour drive whenever I want so that's the concept, bringing NY shopping to you!  All the cute little things you can't find at the mall you can find at 5thAveNYC.  I chose 5th Ave because its the most luxurious shopping district in New York. You're not gonna pay 5th Ave prices, but I will give you quality and style.

 

I am glad you are brining a quality product at an affordable price, because that is so hard to find. Well, what are some of you're most popular items?

My most popular items are the 'Party Gurl' black & white leggings because they fit like gloves and make your butt look fabulous lol. Also the Camouflage handbag and the Cross Earrings.

 

What can we expect in the future from you and 5thAveNYC?
Its been about 3 weeks since the webpage launched and I can't believe the positive feedback.  Next, I plan to offer more leggings and dresses so pretty much the entire look minus shoes can be 5thAveNYC.  Pop up shops, sip n shops you name it I'm down.  I'm a full time student, wife and Mom so this is my only job.  My goal right now is to put my heart into this business and make women feel sexy and happy.

 

Now, you know you can't go without talking about your natural hair! I hope you don't mind, but I am about to get all up into your hair business.

 

Were you a slow transitioner or did you do the big chop?

I was a super slow transitioner!  I let my perm grow out for about 20 months.  Yea ... 20 long months.  I just didn't feel comfortable with 'short' hair.  Once I had about 4 inches left I got antsy and chopped it off.

LOL...way to hang in there.  So after you clipped the rest of those ends how did you feel?
Going natural was the best decision I've ever made.  My hair was totally fried from 22 years of relaxing.  I feel so free from societal pressure to maintain the European look.  Now I have the power to wear my hair curly or straight.  Even though it takes me forever to detangle I wouldn't trade it.

So how did your family and friends react to your decision to return back to natural?

Pretty much everyone I told I was going natural gave me a screw face.  I transitioned, so it wasn't a drastic thing.  More so what I got were reasons why they could never do it like 'my hair is too nappy'.  Then once my natural texture started coming in some of them tried to as well.  Specifically my sister but she only lasted 3 months.  Its not for everyone.  For me, it was the only choice my hair was totally fried & my growth was stunted.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is on the longer side about bra strap/mid back length and multi textured.  I've got great super tight curls on the right side and deep waves on the left.  The different textures keep me away from wash n go's along with my hatred of products.  I used to be a product junkie, but with trial and error I learned just a few things work for me.  If I had to use the numbering system I'd say I'm a 3b/3c.

It does appear that you have really fine hair.  What routine do you follow to help maintain the health of your hair?

My hair is straightened at the moment which is a rarity.  9 times out of 10 you'll find me in my trusty bun lol.... I LOVE my bun.  Usually I wet my hair daily and apply generous amounts of oil and a leave in conditioner.  I co-wash about 3 times a week with a regular conditioner and bi-weekly with a cleansing conditioner.  As for shampoo, I use ONE shampoo brand and I only shampoo maybe once every six weeks and I follow it up with an over night deep condition/oil treatment.

Well, it seems like you have a pretty simple routine.  What product do you use?
Like I said I'm not much of a product junkie.  As a matter of fact I tend to hate products.  They all leave my hair sticky, heavy, and hard 🙅.  I love oils.  Any brand of olive, coconut, carrot or grapeseed.  I transfer my oils to a bottle with an applicator tip.  I'm not a fan of jojoba though its too light in my opinion.  For my leave in its Eden Body Works Coconut Leave In.  If I'm leaving it in it needs to be all natural.  For my co wash its Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.  That stuff is a hair orgasm in a bottle!  For my cleansing co wash again it's Eden Body Works Coconut Cleansing Co Wash.  My shampoo is sulfate free Bain de Terre.  That's the one and only shampoo that detangles and softens my hair.  All others make my hair feel like a brillo pad.  For my deep condition back again to Eden Body Works for the Jojoba Moisturizing Deep Condition.

 

You are cracking me up with your responses... I like the realness and candidness you are bringing.  So how do you maintain your hair at night?

Next question 😂😂.  Ok I'm a super bad girl when it comes to wrapping my hair.  Thank goodness for satin pillowcases.  Unless my hair is done, girl I pass out.  That's so bad on so many levels.  I'll work on it.

Well, it's not so bad, since you sleep on a satin pillowcase.  I hardly ever use a bonnet or scarf anymore.  I just collapse on my satin pillowcase and call it a night most of the time.

 

Crystal, it has certainly been a pleasure having on you my blog today.  If feel like you are on of my girlfriends.  I absolutely love your sense of humor and realness.  

 

Thank you so much for sharing the information about your business and about your hair.  I hope your story is inspirational and gives someone the extra push to get started on their own business. 

 

I do have one more question before you go....Can you tell us what the best thing about being natural is?

The best thing about being natural to me is growth!  My hair hasn't been this long since I was a little girl like 7-8 in my pre-perm days.  I got my first perm (that was the term back then) in 1989 when I was 9 years old and it all fell out.  After I got a little older I nursed it back to health.  I could get some length about shoulder length but that was it.  That chemical really is a monster. My hair looked pretty good but it was dry, brittle, and lifeless.  Next, I would say the versatility and lastly being apart of this movement.  Its so inspiring to see women with blogs, YouTube channels, product lines and more all from hair.  It's amazing.

 

Thanks again Crystal!!

 

To see more of Crystal please check out on:
Instgram: www.instagram.com/mrs5thavenyc

Boutique Website: www.5thAveNYC.bigcartel.com