Entrepreneur Profile: It's Not Just About the Ring

Crystal Russell is not only the founder and designer of It's Not Just About the Ring, but has her own graphic design firm called C3 Crystal Clear Concepts™. Her creativity and design has also led her to specializing in the entertainment industry, working with some of the top in the industry.

What does the name of your company mean to you and how do you try to incorporate that message into your product?

INJATR stands for It's not just about the ring. When your in a relationship the ultimate goal of that relationship is to find 'the one' to receive 'the ring'. The entire campaign is about not getting caught up in the pursuit and putting all your emphasis on that one area of your life. Don't chase it. In the right time it will happen but you can't force it. I don't see how you can be in relationship when you haven't discovered yourself first. So the ring is a reminder to pursue your dreams, discover who you are, put your goals first, put people in your life that support those goals.

What does your ring mean to you and what do you hope it will give for others?

When I see my INJATR ring it means a couple things to me. It means I actually created/designed this. It's 100% my original creation. It's a message to myself to not give up on the campaign. To keep persevering & getting my message out to the world. It's my reminder to be grateful for everything I have already accomplished. Also not to waste my time on a guy that's not worth my time. It means so much to me. I hope that it will remind every girl that she has the potential to do whatever she wants to do in life. It's her reminder to not get caught up in relationships that are not worth your time. To keep your heart open but also keep your mind open to possibilities and dreams for the future.

Was their a turning point in your life that led to your current direction?

I had a moment in college where my friends seemed be going in the opposite direction and I was the only one left on the track. What happened to graduating college and pursuing the career that we've all been working towards? That's when it hit me that so many other girls needed the encouragement that they can pursue their dreams without getting caught up in the bad relationships that distract you from your goals & INJATR was born.

Who are the people that inspired you to follow your dreams?

My parents have always made sacrifices to give me the best opportunities out there. My mom has never once given up on my abilities and talents. She's always encouraging me to keep going. I'm also surrounded by a close group of friends that have been very supportive along the way.

Define what it means to have “the right people” in your life?

It's simple. Everyone should surround themselves with people that support them. It's natural and normal for people to walk in and out of your life. But it's important to make sure the people closest to you support you and encourage you to begin the next step.

How do you deal with failure?

I'm like every other girl…I get down, frustrated and discouraged too. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want to give up some days. Building something from start is not easy. If I hit a major roadblock I tend to have my regroup days which consist of spending time with a best friend/family and watching a Disney movie. Pick up the pieces and keep swimming.

How could you advise young people to learn from their failures?

First attempt in learning: it's okay to fail sometimes. How are you going to succeed if you never tried? I really only see a failure as failing at the same thing repeatedly. Sometimes you need to know when to walk away and open another door.

What plans do you have for your career that we would have never suspected?

My ultimate dream is to one day have my own reality show. I see 'those shows' on major networks such as BRAVO, TLC, MTV. They all seem to chase after the drama and the 'wow' factor. I want to have my own show to put on display the different struggles I go through but in a positive light.  I want to be the catalyst that breaks the mold.

5, 10, 50 years down the line when you've achieved everything you aspire for today, where do you see yourself?

I hope to build INJATR to the point where my "potential" ring could be in retail stores like target or macy's. I feel my ring has such a strong message and could be the next "promise"/"purity" ring if people just knew about it! I hope by then that I have a strong list of clientele for my C3 business too. I love design and it's my passion. I also hope to have had my reality show by then too!

Who’s career inspires you the most?

Lauren Conrad. She has written books, created fashion lines, had 2 successful reality shows, been in movies and is a positive role model. I love that she never once got to the top by taking the easy way out. She went to college. Worked her tail off. She has managed to be successful at more then one of her passions and that's what I would like to do too.

What is your dream accomplishment?

At the end of the day I want to create something that really matters. I'm the dork that makes a difference. I know that I can do it too. It won't happen overnight. I'm not naive; I know that… but it will happen.

Evelyn Pelczar | Elite.