Life & Work with Crystal Bright

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Bright

Crystal , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into interior design began in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where my love for rearranging my bedroom sparked an enduring passion. Life took me through the ups and downs of marriage and military life. After a tough divorce in 2010, I found myself at a crossroads, determined to start fresh.

Relocating to California, I faced homelessness and struggled with drug addiction, but I clung to my dreams, finding solace and direction in self-help books like “Think and Grow Rich.” Over the next decade, I worked tirelessly to rebuild my life and pursue my passion for design.

In 2020, I founded Living Bright Interiors, an interior design firm dedicated to sustainable and innovative design. Recently, we completed one of our most inspired projects, Swella Beauty in Charlotte, NC, where we utilized sustainable practices to create a beautiful, eco-friendly space.

Beyond interior design, I am passionate about sustainable materials. My company, MyGlo, specializes in mushroom mycelium lighting, and our pieces are being considered for an exhibit at the Mint Museum in Charlotte. This is a significant honor for me, as it’s thrilling to influence the design industry with sustainable materials like mycelium, aligning with my commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Today, as the founder of Living Bright Interiors, I continue to create spaces that tell unique stories while honoring sustainability. It’s been a journey of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of my passion, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every step.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has certainly not been smooth. My biggest challenge was overcoming drug addiction and homelessness. During that dark period, it was my passion for design and the support of self-help resources that helped me rebuild my life. It took a decade of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering focus to overcome those obstacles and establish myself in the design industry.

Currently, my largest obstacle is leaving an eight-year-long relationship and starting over. This personal upheaval has led me to dive deep into creating a space for myself, designing with my soul. I’ve thrown out the trends and focused on what truly makes me feel at peace. Using color psychology and physiological triggers like wood and plants, I’ve developed a system for creating personal spaces that cater to where you are in life and what you need from your safe space.

This journey has inspired me to write a book, “Designing for Your Soul,” where I share my insights and methodologies for creating deeply personal and nurturing environments. My goal is to help others transform their living spaces into sanctuaries that reflect their unique journeys and provide the comfort and inspiration they need.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in commercial design, creating curated vibes for businesses and showrooms with a strong focus on sustainability, I work some residential but usually for ideal clients. My work is known for blending aesthetics with eco-friendly practices to create spaces that are both beautiful and kind to the environment.

One of my most proud projects is Swella Beauty, which has recently gone viral. This project is a stunning display of black artistry in braiding, celebrating the rich culture and craftsmanship of the Swella Braid Bar, owned by two black women. The salon serves as a sustainable career platform for braiders, and we infused the space with vibrant colors, branding elements, and sustainable practices while honoring local artists throughout. The theme, inspired by the early 2000s, includes fun elements like Destiny’s Child vibes, grills, and Air Force Ones, creating a luxurious yet down-to-earth atmosphere. We used psychological and physiological triggers to craft a space that feels both luxurious and grounded, and it has been incredibly successful.

What sets me apart from other designers is my willingness to dive into the non-physical aspects of design—energy, vibes, psychology, and physical triggers all play a crucial role. While these elements might not always show up in photos, they significantly impact how a space feels. I think about what a space says and how it feels even when no one is in it. Additionally, being part of the less than 2% of interior designers who are black, I bring a unique perspective influenced by our rich history and diverse surroundings. I believe this unique viewpoint inspires creativity and innovation in my work, and I encourage other aspiring black designers to embrace and celebrate their distinctiveness.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe that flexibility and curiosity are the most important qualities contributing to my success. Embracing the notion that life is a continuous journey rather than a final destination allows for exploration and growth.

Flexibility serves me by allowing me to follow my impulses, even when they seem inconvenient. For example, taking a walk during work might seem unproductive, but it led me to discover a unique fungus that sparked my interest in mushrooms as a material. This curiosity about fungi eventually contributed to the creation of MyGlo, my company specializing in sustainable mushroom mycelium lighting. Although MyGlo came together through various influences and efforts, it was moments of seemingly aimless exploration that planted the initial seeds. MyGlo has since been featured on Fox’s newest game show, Snake Oil, and is being considered for an exhibit at the Mint Museum in Charlotte. These instances illustrate how flexibility and following my impulses can lead to significant achievements.

Curiosity keeps me engaged and willing to question whether my past beliefs still serve me. This openness allows me to stay present and embrace new ideas and innovations. It energetically invites more opportunities into my life because I remain receptive. From my recovery from addiction, I learned to accept things I can’t control, which helps me avoid rejecting people and opportunities that may initially seem intimidating.

These qualities of flexibility and curiosity enable me to continuously evolve, innovate, and remain open to the endless possibilities life offers. They are the cornerstone of my approach to both personal growth and professional success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livingbrightinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/livingbrightinteriors
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@crystaldbright?_t=8oK1GOEm010&_r=1