Episode 34: Unmasked with Crystal Vessels

In this episode of Streamin' With a Purpose, we talk to Entrepreneur and Non-profit founder Crystal Vessels. Crystal Vessels, a native of Virginia, has always believed in bringing out the beauty in others. This passion led her to a career in cosmetology, for which she has been successful for more than 25 years. She perfected her trade and became a licensed cosmetologist and in 2006 opened her own hair salon, X-Clusive Reflections. In 2007 she became a certified makeup artist and as a result of her work was featured in several magazines and nominated for the Golden Scissors Award. In 2010, Crystal expanded her horizons by becoming a licensed cosmetology instructor. She also became manager of Main Event Models and her own group, XCR-Models. But Crystal knew she was destined for something even greater. In 2013, she founded UnMasked as a way to give back after years of donating her time and talent to families in need. She recognized a need within the community to serve individuals and their children who were victims of domestic violence and children of life's extenuating circumstances due to no fault of their own. With a lot of hard work and dedication, Crystal was able to make UnMasked a 501(3)c non-profit organization. It has since received several awards for all of its work in the community.  Every year UnMasked, X-Clusive Reflections, the XCR Team, and volunteers along with the help and support of other area stylists and barbers, provide a "FREE" back-to-school FunDay event. School-age children are provided backpacks filled with school supplies as well as free services including hair care, food, clothing and entertainment. Attendance at these events has grown to over 400, with over 100 children receiving free hair care services. UnMasked has launched several other community functions, which include an annual purse drive, distribution of hygienic, toiletries, hair care products, collection of paper products and supplies, holiday giving/dinners, toys, food, coat drives, and financial support. UnMasked has also started other outreach programs to support different needs in the community such as UnMasked youth group F.I.R.E., Inspiring Women, and Positive Men of Influence.  In today's episode Crystal shares that when we're following our purpose everything aligns as it should. Unknowingly, her salon opened up the door to her nonprofit. She originally thought her purpose was to travel and beautify others with her hairstyling technique, but little did she know that it would be the non-profit that God would have her commit most of her time to and the hair salon that would pave the way for it to even happen. Hear more of Crystal's story in today's episode. Crystal is always looking for volunteers or other businesses to partner with for her community efforts. If you're near or in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area and looking for a collaborative effort that fits your mission, contact Crystal through her website or Facebook.