Crystal at Bag-O-Day Crochet and I share more viewers on YouTube than any other channel. The background stories of what creates a YouTube Host are not always explicit, but in this video released hours ago, Crystal shares that I was her push to start after her husband gave her the seed to begin something new.
My inspiration was a horrible YouTube host. Barely any views were so technical that I couldn't understand what she was talking about as her words didn't match my mother's. I thought, what would I do differently? I didn't put much time into it and just did it.
Initially, when I started, I wanted to kick everyone's ass, but I missed the point and realized in the first year the only competitor was myself. There is space for everyone. Crystal stepped forward and was authentic to herself. She 'got it'.
People have the gift, or they don't. Authenticity cannot be taught; it's within everyone, but not everyone is vulnerable enough to show it. Some people in business are trying to centre the universe around themselves and make it all about them. You can easily see that.
While Crystal and I disagree with some product reviews, everyone who watches has to decide for themselves. What is a 'break' for Crystal may be a 'yay' for me and vice versa. I come from an engineering, manufacturing, and trucking logistics background. I am more forgiving of some elements as I have been in my steel-toe shoes to be part of the processes in some way. I have my thoughts, and so does she. It's why people tune in.
When I officially got sponsored by Yarnspirations, the CEO said, "We don't want a mouthpiece or a spokesperson; we want you to stay as you are without worry of having to love everything they do." I was disappointed for a short time but realized that your authentic voice resonates with people. It's been the best decision overall.
Recently, something earth-shattering happened to me, and I contacted Crystal to let her know about something she could fall victim to. I haven't recovered from it, as I did fall for it. At some point, your competitors must be your allies and work together to protect each other.
So, Crystal, this is me taking a compliment, which is hard, but it's you who did the work. You saw an opportunity and walked through the door. The rest of your journey is yet to be discovered. As you mentioned at the end of the talk, our time is limited. What you did with your time will last into generations ahead, as you gifted your teaching so others can go on and show others, too.
So continue to Inspire, Create and Celebrate. Life is short.
Kathleen C. says
Crystal inspired me to move from basic stitches and one-row repeats to more complex patterns and items beyond squares and blankets. I am an intermediate crocheter because og Bag O Day videos. Then I found The Crochet Crowd on YouTube and am now learning how to read patterns and diagrams by printing them and then following along with Mikey’s video. Crystal’s video about Mikey confirmed to me that I’m learning from the best - and, believe me, I’m learning about a lot more than crochet. Thank you, guys, for sharing your talent and vibes with us.
Sonja Birch says
I have been with Mikey The crochet crowd for many years an also Crystal when she started an her fabulous bags, hats, then her cardigans, everything. I love them both, an Mikie an Crystal are my go to whenever I have a need to be sorted. Love an Blessings Mikie an Daniel, Crystal an family.from North West England UK. 🥰
Susan says
I love Crystal! She actually inspired me to get back into crocheting after many, many years! I have learned so much from her and have taken my crocheting to a new level. I have much more confidence in trying new things in crochet that I never thought I could do. Her videos AND inspirational talks have allowed me to take those chances. Beside all of the crocheting, she has a great soul. She shares her love of animals and gives back! I am sorry for the hassles that are presented to the Youtube community by a few people. I only hope they are caught and punished. Crystal will always be my inspiration. ❤️