Crystal Uncorked

Join me, Crystal Vilkaitis, on this thrilling journey of self-discovery in my podcast, Crystal Uncorked. In this episode, we're exploring some crucial themes like fear, urgency, the beauty of being multi-passionate, and above all, the power of consistency and accountability in achieving our goals. I'll be sharing some exciting updates and a peek into how I'm navigating my own journe...

Get ready for a super exciting announcement! But, before I get into that I want to back up and share some behind the scenes on how it all came to be and my formula and process for making decisions, like this. Recently I was taking part in a mastermind call, and the speaker was a producer of a ton of popular TV shows. And if you’re a listener, you know I have a dream to have my own show. After gett...

We’re live at the Las Vegas Market. Dawn Grooters started her company Broken Vessel Sales in 2020 when she noticed a need between retailers and wholesalers, creating and working with inside sales and making connections. She works with wholesalers, vendors, and rep groups, and even helps retailers. As the expert in all things sales, Dawn offers some great tips for small businesses that might be exp...

If you’re wondering where the first 9 trends in this list are…stop and go back to episode 70 to check out part 1! Let’s get to it.  10. ChatGPT (as seen in episode 69): an AI that provides ideas for copy and design, lists, assistance, and leverages technology to save time. 11. I nfluencer Marketing: becoming more popular among businesses, and it involves increasing usage by partnering with the rig...

After talking with Grace Kang, I can’t wait to check out her boutique Pink Olive at any of the amazing locations she shared about on the show today. Grace opened up Pink Olive at its first location in the East Village of Manhattan, New York 15 years ago. She now has another NYC location, as well as one in Cold Water, New York, and Little Rock, Arkansas. If you tune in, you’ll hear all about how sh...

In this part 1 episode I  am sharing my 9 MUST DOs’ in the social media and digital marketing world. Some you might already be doing, some you might be on your list to try, and some might seem totally crazy… but I promise you businesses who are doing any of these 9 tips are going to see some success this year. So let’s dive in.  Increase in video usage: Leverage video to connect with customers -Sh...

Have you heard about Chat GPT? I am coming to you from Salt Lake City, Utah for an Outdoor Retailer Snow Show. Paula and I are spending some time between the show getting really focused on branding and messaging for this year, and some special goals and projects we’ve got in the works. But I had to come on here and talk to you about this powerful new tool, Chat GPT. Chat GPT is an AI that can answ...

Just outside the city of Austin, Texas sits the beautiful property of Flat Creek Estate. Eva Horton the owner of this winery and entertainment property joins me to share her inspiration and vision for this incredible place. Flat Creek sits on 80 acres of beautiful vineyards, gardens, outdoor patios, and curated spaces. The winery features a tasting room and a 5-star restaurant, with plans to build...

Happy New Year! It's 2023, and after what felt like a long, long December it is finally the new year! I hope you had a great holiday season with family, and friends, and doing what you love to do! If you're anything like me though, you're ready to start the new year with big goals, and important changes, and ready to see success. I am sharing a few rituals, one old and one new, that...

 Are you guilty of scheduling and planning things more because you're afraid to miss them than because they’re actually something you need or want to do? I know I am. I get caught up in FOMO. But recently when I had a full schedule and cancellations were bringing me so much relief, I was reminded of JOMO, The Joy of Missing Out.    Too often we get caught up in our schedules and places we thi...

Whether you think you need to be using LinkedIn or not… Viveka Von Rosen says, you do. Viveka is the CVO of Vengreso. Vengreso started out with sales prospecting training programs and has now created an incredible text expander software for business owners and entrepreneurs, FlyMSG. So many people are not using LinkedIn the way they should be, I’m guilty of this too. But Viveka brings up something...

Let’s get real…I haven’t been trusting myself. This year I’ve invested a lot in myself, $57,000 to be honest…no small chunk of change for me. I’ve joined masterminds, professional development, programs, live events, you name it. And time and time again…I’m hearing the same information. And I know that I’ve learned things that are priceless and things that I might not see a return on right away. Bu...

Susan Negen is the other half of WhizBang! Retail Training and my dear friend and industry partner. I previously had her other half Bob Negen on the show for episode 43. As WhizBang! Celebrating 23 years, Susan shares some great tips and lessons on creating both a business and a life that you love.  Not only does Susan run an incredible business, but she also does it with her spouse! She shares ho...

Paul de la Garza brings with him over 25 years of leadership experience. He is a dear family friend, my "adopted" father, and my business coach. He has a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor, both of which he lets shine in this episode. Paul and I discuss this great analogy for your various journeys, whether it be in life, business, relationships or all of the above. So often y...

I love talking about authenticity and people’s superpowers and their importance whether we’re marketing online or just simply showing up. I value creativity and I have never been the kind to stick to what everyone else is doing. Quick story: back in college, I went to a Halloween party with a friend of mine and everybody was in costumes. My friend dressed up as a cute sexy cat – there were a lot o...

Vi Wickam has been my web guy for over a decade. He is a digital expert, an incredible fiddler, and a dear friend to me. Every time I have a crazy idea or question when it comes to my website, Vi is right behind it saying anything is possible. He believes you truly CAN do anything, as long as you are willing to put the time, effort, (and money) into it. Are you worried your website isn't gett...

I’ve recently shared about my therapy journey and how helpful it has been and continues to be for me. In a session, my therapist asked me, “What does it feel like to feel free”? Closing my eyes I was instantly taken back to a childhood memory of riding my bike. Alone or with friends, happy, no weight of the adult world on my shoulders, completely detached from the world. A memory that brought me t...

Oh my gosh! The shock of last week's episode!! Cheers! *decaf coffee in hand*. If you missed last week go back and check it out because I’m engaged!!! Leaving off from talking about my tearful company meeting and the appreciation of vulnerability I got from one of my employees. I’m just so thankful for the feedback I got from multiple employees in the subsequent hours and days after that meet...

Vulnerability is such an important quality but can be so challenging to reach. I'm at a place in my life and my business where it’s happening a lot more organically and I'm finding myself sharing and crying and opening up in a way that isn’t really typical of me. The feedback I'm getting for that….Thank you! Each time I'm vulnerable those listening have really truly listened an...

We’re back with part two, Celebrating 10 years and finishing up my list of my top 10 tips and lessons learned in business. If you haven’t listened to last week's episode, Part 1, go back and listen for tips 1-5 and then come back to finish it up! Tip 6: Have a Support System This is not your work team but your personal support as an entrepreneur. You need someone there for advice or an ear an...

Can I get a WOOHOO!? *Pops Champagne* While I’m not drinking on today’s episode, I am certainly celebrating. We have reached 10 years in business at Crystal Media!! I am so proud and honored to reach this milestone along with my team. In honor of this exciting milestone, I am sharing my top ten tips and lessons learned in my last 10 years of business. Tip 1: Mentorship I wouldn't be where I a...

If you're a listener or a follower of mine, you have probably had the chance to see some of Christina Gressianu’s work. Christina is a dear friend of mine, whom I met on Twitter nearly 15 years ago! Today, she is joining me on the show from her photography studio in Loveland, Colorado. I am so happy to finally be close by and continue to work with her often. In this episode she shares some in...

My guest Sarah Goldberger, CEO and Founder of Lord Jameson: Organic Dog Treats, joins me today with some really great advice for those in the pet industry but also for business owners in general. We talk about the importance of mentorship, embracing failure and uncertainty, and SuperZoo, an incredible conference for pet retailers and others in the pet industry. Sarah so eloquently phrases her Zone...

Janel Dickin is a former client who left her retail business to become a retail consultant. She works with Management One to help independent retailers operate more efficiently through merchandise planning. She has been a colleague and friend and a big inspiration for me getting started with Crystal Uncorked, the entire conversation over this episode is fun and funny and full of amazing tips and i...

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Conn and our souls just connected. Jennifer is a spiritual educator and offers mediumship and clarity readings, retreats, and other amazing spirit work through her business, The Medium Experience. As Jennifer has come into her space as a Medium, she comes from a place of urging both herself and others to trust themselves. Spirit is all about energy,...