Meet Crystal Allen | High Fashion & Runway Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, why did you pursue a creative career?
For me I have always seen myself as a creative person. I love putting different ideas and concepts together. I love the extra input of any project I work on. I have always been asked, or told I should model and here I am. Honestly, I feel like having an artistic and career chose me. Being a model has chosen me. Why? Because I have this vision and reassuring self-confidence that comes not easily, but swiftly to me. I know there are other women and men that do what I do, but I always focus on the how. How I am able to do what I do? How do I set myself apart from others? How am I different from them? There’s many aspects behind that: confidence, time, risks, and passion. Walking runway has always been, I feel, is my signature as a model. It’s what I’ve become known for. My walk comes so natural to me and my confidence comes second nature which supports that. When I’m on a runway that is my moment. Nothing exists other than me making the mark I’m working to make and nothing other than me being a walking piece of art. I am a walking representation of the amazing artist and creatives work. I never knew I was photogenic until posing became an all around flow and I was allowed to express my personality with different facial expressions and cues. This all took some time as I was establishing different walks, knowing my body, being comfortable with being uncomfortable, being confident, knowing how to pose, giving all my energy, and then was blessed with some amazing opportunities to broadcast myself on a stage. The more I found myself working to be a professional high fashion and runway model the more I became determined to have this as my lifestyle. What’s next for me? What can I do with this? I want more. So I’ve been pushing myself to do more. To be more. As of having a creative career, there are so many ways to have one, and this is mine. I was already standing out because I was tall, but then I began to walk where I know I’m going further.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Many don’t know, when I was younger I actually attended modeling classes, but when I got to high school I began playing basketball which became everything for me. When I stopped playing basketball in college, I found myself gravitating to participate in the Kentucky State Fashion Show. Ever since walking in college I haven’t stopped. I’ve walked in another Kentucky Fashion Show. When I moved back home to South Florida, I began walking in more shows thanks to my designer and friend Brittany Jade. She is the designer of the brand Beautiphull. I became a brand ambassador and started having photoshoots. I also started arranging my own photoshoots. There were so many things I had to learn: having different walks, keeping things professional, appearing appropriately, knowing how to pose, being safe working with new people, looking out for scams, balancing work, modeling, and having a personal life, and of course setting myself apart from others. Nothing is never easy and I try to never stay comfortable because there’s always something I can do better, or have more. I think what may separate me from other models, or what makes me different, is that I always want to be different. I like to make things into my own. I enjoy bringing a new or different approach some people may be too shy, feels it’s too risky, or want to accomplish something that may have already been done. I am excited to officially share and be seen as my own brand which is what I am working on. After creating my own concepts for my photoshoots and content, I will be sharing and showing others how they can have that experience as a content creator and creative director of different projects. I have build a portfolio and now I want to expand my portfolio and also show my growth. Every year I try to set a different standard, expectation, and goals for myself. This year is definitely the year where I will finally tap into that. I am a person who has had to step out of her shell and even my own shadow, because everyone who knew me was a basketball player. I was a tomboy. I was shy and kept to myself. Now, I’ve stepped into even more of who I am. I can network and meet other creatives, or artists, and they love my energy and want to work with me. I can walk in any room with my head held high knowing I am here to make a difference, be the difference someone hasn’t seen, and manifest every opportunity I have is mine. I’ve truly come a long way and still have a way to go.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course when I have friends from out of town, or state visit me, the first place I plan to take them is the beach. That’s always on the agenda. We bring some blankets, food, cooler of drinks, and a speaker to blast music. Enjoying the scenery and most importantly the laughs. During the week, I’d take them to eat at Big Boyz Barbecue, Bokampers Bar and Grill, and Crafty Crab. Two other places I enjoy eating at is Cooper’s Hawk and Winery, and Shooter’s Waterfront especially for brunch. A brunch where I like to listen to music would be at the Velvet Lounge Cafe. I take them to South Beach to go to Fat Tuesdays and maybe do Jetskis. I like to take them to the Hardrock Casino and maybe go out to a few lounges depending on the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I thank God for it all! I am forever grateful for the many blessed opportunities I’ve received. I am also grateful for the vision and guidance he’s given me. I want to thank you at Shoutout Miami for this amazing opportunity. I really do appreciate being able to have this interview and opportunity to share my journey. To my family and friends, I thank you all for always supporting me, always. I thank you guys for uplifting me. To my father figure, Tavie, thank you for being such a big part of helping me find my way and educating me. To the Beautiphull team: Robin, Willandra, Kodie, and Ms. Brittany Jade, O can’t imagine working with a greater and highly talented group of women and always pushing me to be great. You all are truly gifted in your own way and thank you for trusting me to represent your work. Brion, you are the greatest friend and photographer anyone can have. Shooting with you is always an experience. You have made me the muse I am. Shayna, Xyona, Nicole, Derek, And Stan Lo, I love you all and I thank you for always showing up for me in every way. It has meant more than you can ever know and can’t say thank you enough. I appreciate the encouragement, advice, and the many laughs that has kept me going. I want to thank every photographer, videographer, editor, hair stylist, designer, makeup artist, studio, nail artist, and show coordinator that has played a major role in my moments. I want to thank anyone who has ever supported me by coming to a show, buying tickets, share my social media, refereed me to work with, assisted me at a photoshoot, etc., I thank you. Ms. Lillian Greaves, I really miss you and I’ve only hoped I’ve made you proud. I will never forget you and I love you coach, teacher and my inspiration.

Website: http://cristlechampagne.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cris_r0cks13

Image Credits
Photos: Octavian Simms and Brion Heath