Featured Non-Traditional Entrepreneur:

Soror Crystal Black-Davis

Soror Crystal Black-Davis is the founder & President of Savvy Events & Marketing, The Talented (thetalented.net) and The Next Awards (thenextawards.com). She has substantial experience in the field of marketing, event production has worked in partnership with the United Kingdom Trade & Investment Association, Habitat for Humanity, Magic Johnson Foundation, World Congress on Information Technology and National Urban League to name a few.

Crystal has been successful in launching numerous products, restaurants and venues over the past decade and has produced a multitude of memorable events from Los Angeles to Munich.

This year marks the ten year anniversary of Savvy Events & Marketing.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I started my company in 1998 as an organized way to host fundraising events and provide marketing support for the charitable causes I was involved in.  The more people saw my work, the more they requested my services.  Savvy began to grow organically and the rest is history.  The reason I kept the company active while employed is simple, I never wanted to be caught off guard and not have anything to fall back on if I were ever downsized.  I've been affected by two corporate reorganizations; however I could always hit the ground running and seamlessly fall back into the roll as full time entrepreneur. 

What were some of your challenges or obstacles, and how did you overcome them?

I faced a great deal of competition with far more experience, however when you deliver quality results and provide solid solutions to the needs of customers, the experience obstacle no longer presents itself as relevant.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

• Be passionate about what you do

• Understand that owning a business takes a great deal of emotional,
  physical and financial sacrifice

• Don't be afraid to take risks

• Aim high

• Be competitive

• Network like your life depends on it

• Have fun!

Savvy Events & Marketing

280 Madison Avenue, Suite 912

New York, NY  10016

Tel: 877-628-6128

Website: www.thehouseofsavvy.com

Email: crystal@thehouseofsavvy.com