This Week We Feature Young Professional Crystal A. Todman
Young Professional Crystal A. Todman epitomises this view to the point where she has spared hardly a moment to launch into the world of entrepreneurship.
Living the dream
Crystal, who hails from Sea Cows Bay, is the CEO of Errand Girl & Co Personal Assistants.
Her responsibilities entail communicating with different individuals around the island, handling their personal, business, virtual and financial errands and “allowing them to have a peace of mind knowing that everything on their to-do list is taken care of and ensuring that their needs are fulfilled through our network, offering them assistance to help simplify their life.”
Crystal related to Virgin Islands News Online she always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, “ever since graduating High School. The thought of creating a business, a service, creating jobs, building relationships - this excites me.”
Our Young Professional, a product of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Elmore Stoutt High School, said being a business owner allows her to bring out the best qualities in her, which include a genuine desire to help others as well as building relationships.
“What I enjoy most is meeting and helping new customers realise that time makes a difference and it should be valued. Everyone is unique - so is every errand. My customers bring me as much joy as I bring them. I have an open and caring personality, I see myself as the helper and healer. I look out not only for myself but for others and this job gives me the opportunity to do just that.”
Versatility
Always business-minded and ambitious, Crystal’s first business idea and Trade Licence was actually in Graphic Design - ‘Prezidental Designz’- which is still active and which complements her other small businesses.
‘Prezidental Gift Baskets’ is the third business owned by this young and forward thinking Virgin Islander. “We do not have a store front as yet but we make gift baskets for all special occasions and provide delivery to the recipient.”
This versatile entrepreneur recently introduced natural home-made soaps and candles to her offerings. “One of my goals is to establish a signature bath set for my gift basket business of all natural homemade products.”
Crystal’s ultimate desire as an entrepreneur is to see her businesses grow from strength to strength and one day expand beyond these shores.
“I wish someday to see my business flourish from being a home-based business to having an actual storefront. I would also like to see my business grow virtually and expand out of the BVI and around the world. Everyone has errands, advertising and promotion is needed.”
A variety of gift baskets by Prezidental Gift Baskets, a business owned by young Virgin Islander, Crystal A. Todman. Photos: Provided
Education/Other interests
After leaving high school, Crystal enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) where she studied Computer Science.
Additionally, Crystal attended the Ministry of Education and Culture's TVET Programme, focusing in Office Skills/Computer Applications in 2013.
She also intends to further her education in Business Management.
Asked what keeps her focused, our Young Professional said, “As a mom, my daughter keeps me focused. She keeps me motivated. She keeps me pushing. Having a business and seeing that business grow keeps me focused. My customers keep me focused. My desire to be nothing less than an entrepreneur keeps me focused, even on days when it seems hard.”
Crystal loves reading, writing poetry, hair styling, travelling, singing, and meeting new people. “I also love to do research. Nothing feels better than knowing exactly what you are faced with.”
A variety of ‘natural home-made’ soaps and candles by young Virgin Islander and entrepreneur, Crystal A. Todman. Photos: Provided
Advice to young people
Asked what advice she would give to young people to encourage them to also pursue and achieve their dreams, Crystal said the key is not to wait for others to believe in you to make a move.
“Believe in yourself. Push yourself. Embrace yourself. Get out of that shell. Be consistent. I've learned to never let people have control over your happiness or your growth. It only affects you. When it seems hard, remember that obstacles do exist and they exist to help you be a better you.”
Additionally, Crystal advises to never stop learning and to know when to ask for help.
“Learn from everything. Ask questions. Ask for help. You have to understand that no one will support your vision like you if you aren't serious and they definitely won’t see it the way you do. You have to be your biggest fan, biggest believer and biggest motivator first before you look for it in others. The BVI has lots of talent, don't waste yours.”
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