Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Kelly.
Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My motivation to triumph against all odds began as a teenager who grew up in Sunnyside, TX. I worked at Chuck E. Cheese at the young age of 15 and transitioned to employment at a well-known Pipeline Company through my high school’s Co-Op program. My unwavering work ethic was further demonstrated once I graduated from Lamar High school with honors and enrolled at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. It is here where I, once again, was shown how I could persevere and achieve success by becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as earning her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in 2009. Later, I furthered higher education and obtained a Masters in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, defying yet another odd.
Amidst each of these milestones, I knew my formal skill set wasn’t enough to rewrite the history of my family and wanted to push myself even more. After moving to New York City to achieve my dream of becoming an attorney, it was revealed to me that God had other plans. As a means to a temporary income, I was hired as a receptionist, for Fox’s, Jeremy Kyle show.
As fate would have it, I was asked to fill in as a production assistant, and the rest is history. Almost ten years later, I have had numerous opportunities working in television. I am now credited for my contributions as a Producer for The Trisha Goddard show, Dr. Phil, The Maury Show, Couples Court with the Cutlers, Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court, Personal Injury Court and a host of other successful syndicated projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road I have traveled to the entertainment business has not been smooth by any means… but it’s been worth it. As a double minority, black and female, I had to work twice as hard as my peers. In my mind, there was absolutely no room for mediocrity. There were plenty of long nights and weekends. One of the biggest challenges in the television business is stability. I moved a lot for work. I’ve moved to New York, L.A. & Atlanta for work. There were a lot of family events, weddings, celebrations, etc. that I’ve missed due to work.
One piece of advice I would give young women who are starting their journey is to set interpersonal goals. Identify early on what it is you want out of life and career. Life is unpredictable, but regardless of what it throws at you, stay the course. Another piece of advice is to remember, relationships are very important in this industry. You are your brand. The entertainment business is a very close-knit community and it only takes one phone call to confirm who is as a person and a worker.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have Produced a variety of shows ranging from make-overs, bullying, race, reunions, paternity, family secrets, cooking, and the list goes on.
I am currently a Senior Producer for two syndicated television shows; Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court and Couples Court with the Cutlers.
I am now DayTime Emmy WINNING Senior Producer for MGM’s syndicated court show, Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important piece of advice I would give a young woman starting her career is to go after what you want in life. The worst thing anyone can say is ‘no’, and if you are told ‘no’, find or make another way. Nothing worth having in life comes easy. Remember trials and tribulations build character and triumph builds faith and confidence. When issues are thrown your way, adjust your crown and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Email: ProducerCrystalKelly@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @ckel12
Image Credit:
Crystal Kelly
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