Rising Stars: Meet Crystal McKnight

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal McKnight.  

Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Due to a medical disability called short bowel syndrome, I had to stop working in the corporate world and stay at home. SBS has a lot of complications, and it started affecting the quality of my daily life. However, I was determined to live up to my full potential every day no matter how I felt or what the doctors said I could or could not do. 

I started a home-based virtual assistance business, Virtually Anywhere Global. That way, I could work when my body was able. Plus, I am a mom of two and a wife. So, a flexible schedule is perfect. I did a little bit of everything from social media management to project management and graphic design. 

Journaling was always a hobby of mine, and my faith plus prayer, well that was the only thing that kept me going from day to day. I would pray and talk to Holy Spirit and journal what He said. The next thing I knew, I had about 6 notebooks of conversations with Holy Spirit. The light came on, the idea was birthed to create a devotional for others and call it Conversations with Holy Spirit so they, too can have faith for hearing God for themselves. I went on to create 10 journals and 2 planners. 

I am happy to announce my new release, The Birthing of Vision and The Birthing of Vision Author’s Planner, just published this week! This book will guide you through each trimester through the birth of your vision. The process of birthing your God-given vision is beautifully supported by the Author’s Planner, acting as a trusted midwife throughout your journey. This planner becomes your constant companion, providing guidance, structure, and encouragement as you labor to bring your book into existence. 

Not only am I pleased to announce the birth of those books, but Encore Publishing Inc. will now be offering coaching sessions for new and seasoned authors. By using my experience and faith-based practices, I offer vision sessions and practical coaching to help you birth your book. 

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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Of course, there are struggles, and my main struggle is my health. Every day is a challenge. I deal with malnourishment because I have less than 6 feet of my small intestine. I have to supplement to get the vitamins I need because my intestines don’t absorb any. Every week I get infusions for dehydration that takes 4 hours. I have low blood sugar all the time, which can cause me to pass out. I have low blood pressure that can cause me to pass out. But I P.U.S.H. (Pray, Unleash, Strategize, Hold on). I pray every day, I unleash my gifts to bless others, I unleash my passion and talents through my business, I strategize by creating a plan of action and embrace the power of perseverance and resilience, knowing that the journey may be challenging but worth every effort, I hold on to the vision at all costs because I have children watching me and depending on me. I have people waiting on me. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Encore Publishing is a full-service publishing house. I am going to give you a list of services we provide: 

*Consulting sessions 

*Goal planning sessions 

*Monthly review consult 

*Book Cover 

*Interior artwork 

*Book formatting 

*KDP Account setup 

*Book editing 

*Proofreading 

*Keyword creation 

*Publishing 

*Flyers 

*Bookmarks 

*Website 

*Flipbooks 

*Author Bio 

*Brand guide 

*Book Trailer 

We are a one-stop shop! I am most proud of that, to be able to offer so many services to my clients without diminishing the quality of them. What sets us apart is that I am a Holy Spirit-led coach and a Christian business. Combining Christian principles and practical methods with my expertise makes this business operate with excellence. 

What were you like growing up?
I was so quiet growing up and, of course, always had my nose in a book. I was a straight-A Honor Roll student. I opened up a little more around my closest friends, but socially I kept to myself; it wasn’t until I was in college I started to come out of my cocoon and spread my wings. And boy, did I spread them. I went from one extreme to the other! lol, Thank goodness I’m at a happy medium now. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crystalmcknight.com
• Instagram: blessed2be_crystal
• Facebook: vcmcknight
• Linkedin: hello-crystalmcknight