The Journey Behind the Image: Becoming the Sign Queen

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Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. Before we jump into the details of your journey, can you give us a little background on how you found your way into this work and what those early steps looked like for you? When you compare that version of yourself to who you are today, what stands out most about your growth?

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I actually found my way into this world in a completely unexpected way. Back in 2014, I was running a barbecue restaurant. When we made the decision to close, we started pulling décor off the walls—and one of those pieces was a vintage Squirt soda bottle sign. Someone suggested I hold it and model it for a listing, so we snapped a photo and put it on eBay. To our surprise, that one simple change doubled what we made on the sign.

That moment flipped a switch for me. I realized there was something powerful about combining storytelling, personality, and presentation with these pieces of history. That’s really where the “Sign Queen” journey began—not as a plan, but as a spark.

In the early days, I was just experimenting and figuring it out as I went. I didn’t fully understand branding, audience building, or the impact of visual storytelling yet. I was simply following what felt natural and exciting.

When I look at that version of myself compared to who I am today, the biggest difference is intention. Back then, it was accidental. Now, it’s strategic. I understand how to create an experience around each sign—how to bring history to life, connect with people emotionally, and build a brand that goes beyond just selling.

What started as one photo to sell a sign has grown into a full identity, a business, and a platform—and that evolution is what I’m most proud of.

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The question you chose:

Looking back, what was the moment or experience that made you feel ready to move forward with surgery? How did you imagine it might influence your work, your confidence, or the opportunities you felt open to pursuing—and how does that compare to what you’ve experienced since?

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The decision really started when my friend Cory Chase shared her experience and introduced me to Dr. Revis. Hearing firsthand about her results and confidence afterward made it feel a lot more real and attainable for me. It wasn’t just about the physical change—it was about how she carried herself differently.

The moment I felt truly ready was when I realized I wanted my outer appearance to fully match the brand and confidence I was building on the inside. As I stepped more into my “Sign Queen” persona, I understood that image, presentation, and confidence all play a role in how you show up and how people receive you.

At the time, I imagined the surgery would give me a boost in confidence and help me feel more aligned with my personal and professional image. I also believed it could open doors—especially in modeling and content creation—where presentation is such a big part of the impact.

Looking back now, I can say it did exactly that, but in a deeper way than I expected. It wasn’t just about appearance—it was about how I carry myself. I feel more confident, more intentional, and more comfortable owning my presence both in front of the camera and in business. That confidence translates into everything I do, from creating content to connecting with my audience.

So while I initially saw it as an external change, it really became an internal shift as well—and that’s what’s made the biggest difference.

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For people who’ve followed your journey across different chapters, what do you think they might notice as the biggest difference in how you show up now compared to earlier stages of your career?

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I think the biggest difference people notice is the level of confidence and intention behind everything I do now. In the earlier stages, I was more reserved—I was still figuring out my style, my voice, and how I wanted to present myself.

Now, I show up with a lot more confidence. I’m not afraid to embrace a sexier, more expressive side of myself, and I’ve really leaned into creating more creative, eye-catching content. My outfits, my poses, even the way I interact with the signs all feel more elevated and intentional.

There’s also a stronger sense of identity. Back then, I was just modeling signs. Now, I’m telling a story, building a brand, and creating a full experience around what I do. People can feel that shift—it’s not just about the sign anymore, it’s about the energy, the confidence, and the personality behind it.

Overall, I think the biggest change is that I’ve grown into owning my presence. I’m more bold, more creative, and more unapologetic in how I show up—and that’s made all the difference.

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As someone who puts themselves out into the world through content or modeling, personal branding can be such a big part of the journey. How did you begin shaping your personal brand in the early days, and what were some of the intentions or values you wanted that brand to reflect about you?

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In the early days, my personal brand was actually very different from what it is now. For many years, the “sign model” was really just the body in the outfit holding the sign. My face wasn’t shown, and the person behind the image remained a mystery. People saw the presentation, but they didn’t really know me.

At that time, the brand was centered more around the visual highlighting the beauty of the signs, the styling, and creating an image that felt timeless and intriguing. There was an intentional sense of mystery to it, because I wanted the focus to stay on the art of the piece and the atmosphere surrounding it.

Over the last three to four years, that began to change. I slowly opened the platform and allowed people to see the real Crystal behind the brand. I started sharing more of my personality, my story, and the woman behind the camera not just the polished image in front of it.

As that evolved, my intentions for the brand evolved too. I wanted it to reflect authenticity, confidence, creativity, and femininity but also resilience. I wanted people to see that this wasn’t just about modeling antique signs. It was about building something unique, owning my individuality, and creating a brand that felt personal rather than just visual.

I think the biggest shift was moving from simply creating an image to creating a connection. And that connection has become one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.

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Behind the scenes, what does the day-to-day reality of building and maintaining your brand actually look like for you? Are there parts of the process that are more challenging or more meaningful than people might assume?

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Behind the scenes, it’s a lot more work and intention than people probably realize. What you see in a photo or video is just a small moment—but there’s a full process behind it. From sourcing the signs, planning outfits, and thinking through the look and feel of each shoot, to actually filming, editing, posting, and engaging with my audience—it’s a constant cycle.

There’s also the business side that people don’t always see. Negotiating deals, managing sales, shipping, building relationships with collectors, and staying consistent online—it really is a full-time operation.

One of the more challenging parts is consistency. Showing up regularly, staying creative, and continuing to evolve without burning out can be tough. There’s pressure to keep things fresh and engaging, especially when you’re building a personal brand where you are a big part of the content.

But at the same time, that’s also what makes it meaningful. The creative side—bringing a vision to life, telling a story with each sign, and seeing how people connect with it—that’s the rewarding part. And honestly, the relationships I’ve built along the way, both with collectors and followers, have been more impactful than I ever expected.

So while it may look effortless on the outside, behind the scenes it’s a mix of creativity, strategy, and a lot of dedication. And that balance is really what keeps everything growing.

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As your journey has evolved, how have you seen your audience respond to the changes you’ve shared? Are there particular reactions or patterns in how people engage with you that stand out to you?

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My audience’s response has definitely evolved along with my journey, and one of the most eye-opening chapters for me was between 2022 and 2023. I went through a life event that required me to step away and shut my page down for a couple of years. At the time, I had built it up to around 160,000 followers, and when I came back, it had dropped to under 12,000.

That experience really showed me just how important consistency is—not just for growth, but for maintaining connection. Social media moves fast, and if you step away, it doesn’t wait.

Rebuilding has been a challenge. Getting back to around 28,000 followers has taken time, effort, and a lot of persistence. But what stands out to me most isn’t just the numbers—it’s the type of engagement.

Now, the audience I have feels more connected and more invested. The people who stayed or found me again are genuinely interested in what I’m doing, not just scrolling past a photo. I notice more meaningful interactions, more conversations, and more loyalty.

So while that period was difficult, it also reshaped how I view my audience. It’s less about how many people are following, and more about who is actually engaged. And in a way, rebuilding has created a stronger, more intentional community than before.

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With everything you’ve built so far, what does the next chapter look like to you, both personally and professionally? What feels most important to carry forward into what comes next?

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As I look toward the next chapter, both personally and professionally, I really see expansion and evolution. I’ve built a strong foundation, but I’m ready to take things further by collaborating more with other creators. I think collaboration is such a powerful way to bring fresh energy, reach new audiences, and continue growing the brand in a way that feels exciting and dynamic.

I want to keep pushing the creative side—elevating the content, telling bigger stories, and continuing to refine the “Sign Queen” identity into something that’s not just recognizable, but unforgettable. At the same time, I want to stay grounded in what got me here: authenticity, consistency, and connection.

Personally, it’s about continuing to grow in confidence and really owning every part of who I am—both on and off camera. Professionally, it’s about building something that has longevity, something that goes beyond trends and creates a lasting impact.

What feels most important to carry forward is that sense of intention. Not just posting to post, but creating with purpose, connecting in a real way, and staying true to the vision I’ve built. Because at the end of the day, that’s what turns a brand into something people genuinely connect with and remember.

The question you chose:

Well, it’s been great chatting with you today. As a final thought, what do you see coming next for this industry, what should people be paying attention to, and how can readers continue to follow along with your journey?

Type your response to question #8 - Use full paragraphs the tell your story.

It’s been such a great conversation—thank you for having me.

As for what’s next in this industry, I think we’re going to see a continued shift toward deeper personal branding and storytelling. It’s not just about posting a great photo anymore—people want to feel something, to connect with the person behind the content. Authenticity, creativity, and consistency are becoming more important than ever.

I also think collaboration is going to play a bigger role. Creators working together, blending audiences, and bringing new perspectives—that’s where a lot of growth and innovation will come from. And beyond that, content is becoming more cinematic and experience-driven. The bar is being raised in terms of quality and intention.

What people should really pay attention to is how brands and creators are building connection, not just content. The ones who can tell a story, evoke emotion, and stay consistent are the ones who will stand out.

As for following along with my journey, I’ll be continuing to evolve, collaborate, and share more of both the creative side and the real, behind-the-scenes moments. You can follow me on Instagram and be part of the journey as the “Sign Queen” brand continues to grow and take on its next chapter.

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The question you chose:

Edit Featured Article Interview

Upload a cover image. (Landscape, 16:9, PNG or JPEG)

The question you chose:

Looking back, what was the moment or experience that made you feel ready to move forward with surgery? How did you imagine it might influence your work, your confidence, or the opportunities you felt open to pursuing—and how does that compare to what you’ve experienced since?

The question you chose:

For people who’ve followed your journey across different chapters, what do you think they might notice as the biggest difference in how you show up now compared to earlier stages of your career?

The question you chose:

As someone who puts themselves out into the world through content or modeling, personal branding can be such a big part of the journey. How did you begin shaping your personal brand in the early days, and what were some of the intentions or values you wanted that brand to reflect about you?

Upload up to 30 Gallery Images (PNG or JPEG)

The question you chose:

Behind the scenes, what does the day-to-day reality of building and maintaining your brand actually look like for you? Are there parts of the process that are more challenging or more meaningful than people might assume?

The question you chose:

As your journey has evolved, how have you seen your audience respond to the changes you’ve shared? Are there particular reactions or patterns in how people engage with you that stand out to you?

The question you chose:

With everything you’ve built so far, what does the next chapter look like to you, both personally and professionally? What feels most important to carry forward into what comes next?

The question you chose:

Well, it’s been great chatting with you today. As a final thought, what do you see coming next for this industry, what should people be paying attention to, and how can readers continue to follow along with your journey?

Upload your headshot. (Square, 1:1, PNG or JPEG)

Upload a cover image.
(Landscape, 16:9, PNG or JPEG)

Upload up to 30 Gallery Images
(PNG or JPEG)

Upload your headshot.
(Square, 1:1, PNG or JPEG)