Crystal Ro is the Senior Editor at BuzzFeed, writing viral content and quizzes focusing on women, pop culture, and trending 
stories. She focuses on a lot of content around women’s interests and also doing illustrations which are mostly about periods, Disney Princesses, and Keanu Reeves. Sometimes all at the same time. She was born in New Hampshire and graduated from St. Andrews in Scotland. Crystal was once called the “Mother of Dragons and Period Drawings.”
Crystal shares how she was able to create a career from her artwork and also what gave her the confidence to take her artwork seriously. She also shares tips that can help you in your own journey to self confidence.
Bio
Crystal Ro is the Senior Editor at BuzzFeed.
Cultural Background
Crystal is of Korean descent.
Favorite Self Confidence Quote
You miss 100% of the shots you never take.
Definition of Self Confidence
Self confidence is not worrying about what others will think about what you do! Which is easier said than done, of course.
Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence
Crystal feels like she has been a pretty self confident person for most of her life, certainly as a child. She thinks a lot of that is owed to her upbringing. She was fortunate to have very supporting parents. She actually thinks struggling with self confidence is something that comes up when you’re trying to figure out life as a teen and then a young adult.
The “AHA” Moment
For Crystal, it was more about realizing OTHER people (like, not just her friends and family, lol) thought what she did — in this case, her artwork — was good! She is really terrible at taking compliments because she finds it embarrassing, but when it does happen it feels really good.
Her Life After the Discovery of Self Confidence
Life is great for Crystal especially her career since she has a great support system. She sees more Asians in the creative industry which is great to have more representation.
The One Self Confidence Tip For the Listener
Crystal and her best friend has had a saying since college, and that’s: “You don’t HAVE to do anything!”
She thinks this extends to the idea of doing things to please others. You don’t have to do anything that’s outside of your comfort zone or for anyone else. Do what you like to do and make yourself happy. Focus on yourself and your interests, it’s so important.
