Mama Bear Boss: Meet Crystal Vazquez

Questions and Answers with Mama Bear Boss Crystal Vazquez!

1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?

My name is Crystal Vazquez and I own Crystal Vazquez & Company and Addy Elizabeth Chic Boutique.

2. What inspired/encouraged you to start your business?

I started to play with makeup in 2002. I guess trying to boost my confidence after struggling in my school years. I then started to play with makeup on friends and really enjoyed the feeling when they looked in the mirror and I could see the confidence wash over them.

3. What do you love about your work?

Through the years makeup artistry has allowed me to conceal the scars on survivors of domestic abuse, help women going through chemo still see themselves as the beautiful women they are, even donate services of free weddings for women terminally ill. You see, makeup artistry has a bad rap. My goal is not to paint your face, or recreate you as a person. My goal is to use my knowledge to help you look in the mirror and see yourself the way you are seen every day, as a beautiful being, while still looking like you.

Three years ago I found myself struggling with my age. I am a mom of three, professional but on a budget, and wanted to look trendy while comfortable. My favorite stores stopped making clothes that covered me and I decided to open a boutique for women like me. Capsule wardrobe pieces, with a side of trend, add a dash of comfort at a reasonable price point. What I didn't expect to come was the same warm feeling inside of me when I see customers posting pictures wearing my pieces. It made me see that my purpose out of both businesses is helping other women see their beauty.

4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?

My advice to other women looking to start a business is to not compare yourself to anyone else. We all bloom differently.

5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?

I hate to admit that self care isn't something I practice often. Most of the time work opportunities are my social life, but I do feel self care is important.

6. What can we do to support you in the community?

The community as a whole can be uplifted if we each vowed every year to support 5 small businesses at least once that year. Real queens fix each other's crowns!

7. Favorite spot to take the family around town?

My down time for work in January-March so activities with the kids are often creative. I love the togetherness of family meals so we like to do things like go to the library, Springfield Museums, sledding, and we always end at Classic Burger because it is always a fun experience.