Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Antoinette.
Crystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a hero. From being bullied in the 3rd through 5th grades, I knew what it was like to feel alone, unseen, and without support and I never wanted others to feel that way. I fell in love with sci-fi books that had themes of lady knights, dragons, and victory and it drove my desire to be and do the same. I had an affinity for writing and drawing very young, writing many poems and even going to school in both middle and high school for visual arts. I found a safe place to both escape to and express myself through words and imagery. I’ve always been super transparent, and I believe that is my superpower. Because sharing your story often gives others the courage to share theirs.
Although I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Morgan State University, I never stopped writing and sharing my journey and wisdom. In 2021, I wrote A Daughter’s Keeper, a deeply personal story about learning to receive and understand God’s love while navigating the complexities of my relationship with my biological father. In 2025, I wrote the Queen Standard which is a book to encourage women to not only recognize their passion but to take their thrones of influence seriously. God has not called us to merely take up space, but to reign.
While the literary side remains a passion, I hold an annual conference called the Queen Standard Conference and workshops to provide a safe place for women to heal, find their voice, and find their community of like-minded women who love God. We truly are better together and in moments of weakness or trials, we all need a sister who can both laugh, cry, and pray us through.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
By no means but has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Sharing your story, whether in written form or not, is sharing a piece of yourself. It’s always scary when you put your heart on paper for others to read, critique, and criticize. Sometimes, people don’t understand you or your vision and that can be discouraging. It takes bravery to share the not so beautiful parts of your life. I’ve had to battle with feelings of shame, insecurity, and fear as I’ve shared parts of my journey. The reality is that healing is hard! But when you release your words into the world, you gain a new level of boldness and courage. It’s amazing how many people have gone through what you have- sharing your story allows someone to come along side you and say, “me too, girl”. And suddenly, you don’t feel so alone anymore. Life has happened to me, but the events no longer define me. Only God does and He says I’m worthy, beautiful, loved, and valued.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Queen Standard is a faith-based empowerment brand created to help women understand their identity, embrace their God-given purpose, and live with confidence and intention. I love to create spaces where women can grow spiritually, personally, and relationally. Our annual event is the Queen Standard Conference, a gathering designed to encourage women through biblical teaching, worship, connection, and workshops that provide practical tools that help them walk out what they believe.
What sets Queen Standard apart is the safe atmosphere to let down your guard, take off your mask, and heal so you can reign. I don’t want women to simply leave inspired; I want them to leave equipped and embolden to action. Whether we are talking about relationships, purpose, leadership, or personal growth, everything comes back to the question: “Who has God called you to be, and are you living from that identity?” And you don’t have to figure that out on your own.
I am proud of the breakthroughs that happen at our events. My desire has always been to create environments where women feel seen, challenged, celebrated, and encouraged to become more of who they were created to be. Whether it’s daring to be vulnerable, bold enough to voice her opinions, or even has a breakthrough in her mindset or perspective; those are the moments I love. When I see the ladies embrace and encourage each other, it’s speaks to the little girl in me who wished for community like this. It’s an honor that these women trust me to speak into their lives and encourage them year over year.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would encourage people to look for a mentor who is not only successful in the area they’re looking to grow in, but who also has the capacity to mentor and coach. When possible, also look for someone who has a story or journey that is similar to yours. Success alone doesn’t necessarily make someone a good mentor. You want someone who is willing to invest in you, who can offer wisdom from experience, and who can help you see possibilities that you may not yet see for yourself or in your situation.
I also learned from my mentor that networking is really about being a delight. It’s not always about walking into a room thinking, “What can this person do for me?” It’s about asking, “How can I encourage, connect with, or add value to this person?” When your goal is to uplift others, you tend to leave a lasting impression. Look for something to compliment, take an interest in what they are enthused to share, ask thoughtful questions, and find something to connect with them on. And if you meet again, ask about something they shared with you. It shows that you were listening and really care. People always remember how you made them feel, and I’ve found that being kind and having a servant heart often open doors more naturally than trying to make a connection solely for what you can gain from it.
So be brave! Find people you can learn from, but also become someone others want to learn, connect, and build with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://substack.com/@crownedrose
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crys.antoinette
- Other: https://a.co/d/00g2u6Uh
