Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal P.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
November 4, 2004, I began my career as a professional comedienne, traveling to over 117 cities in Michigan and even out of state and eventually the country. Prior to starting, I went to L.A. to audition for NBC’s Standup for Diversity comedy show at the Laugh Factory. Although I wasn’t chosen, being on that stage felt magical and lit a fire in me. The whole time I was on the stage, my spirit kept telling me, “This is what you should be doing.” And from that point, I was eager to hit every stage, platform, and microphone available to me. I not only did clubs but churches, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and even a few funerals. Yes, I’ve done several funerals and a repast. I guess they were “dying” to hear me.
I started my comedy journey at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, Michigan as an emcee and quickly moved up to a feature act and eventually headlined. I would go on to do many private events for the club as I was one of the very few comedians who worked clean. When I set out to do comedy, my goal was to work clean on stage, which I have done for over 18 years. I wanted to prove that I could be just as funny without all of the profanity on stage. Plus, I didn’t want to bring shame or embarrassment to my parents, family, and friends. Now, don’t make me out to be an angel just because I don’t curse on stage. That is not the case. Plus, some of my FAVORITE comedians do curse like Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Cedric the Entertainer, and more.
Being clean has definitely worked in my favor over the years. I’ve appeared on Showtime at the Apollo, Last Comic Standing – Season 6 and have opened up for countless individuals and groups from R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and even rap artists such as Diana Ross, Steve Harvey, Tracy Morgan, Stephanie Mills, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Chaka Khan, The Whispers, The O’Jays, Maysa & Incognito and many, many more. I’ve even worked with rapper Too Short and opened for Wale’, QuestLove, and The Roots.
Being a comedienne led me to do other things like host/MC events, motivational speaking, and most importantly, giving back. I’ve always been a giver and would constantly do for others. I know how much of a blessing people have been to me and I always want to reciprocate, especially if I’m able. When my youngest daughter was 12, she wanted to go on this educational European tour. There was such a great outpouring of love and support that I wanted to do the same for other children. I would often donate my own money to help a child travel abroad or to accomplish goals in the arts. I would tutor children and give money for educational expenses as well. And no, I was not rich…not even wealthy…heck, barely lower middle class. But I would forgo eating fast food or buying something I didn’t need to help a child. Whenever I would have a birthday party, I would honor others and present scholarships to children with money from my own pocket as I wanted to give back and ensure to build my community. Most of what I did was quietly behind the scenes until one day a friend of mine said that I should have a foundation where the foundation could raise money and give instead of me always doing it out of my own pocket. So, I came up with the L.A.U.G.H. Foundation. L.A.U.G.H. is an acronym for Learning and Understanding God’s Help. It’s the basic principle of sowing and reaping. We not only provide scholarships to boys who major in the arts but have funded tutoring and other resources for children. Now, having the foundation still hasn’t stopped me from helping children out of my own pocket. LOL
With the pandemic, of course, it stopped a lot of activities and fundraisers. I had a roller-skating fundraiser set up that had to be canceled in addition to a lot of my in-person comedy events. But I wasn’t going to let that ole pesky virus totally stop me. I did online comedy shows and even headed up the Detroit 313 Quarantined Comedian Group which put on online comedy laugh-a-thon events. The events would go for a few hours with about 10-20 comedians that would entertain everyone in the comfort of their homes. Those watching had an option to send the comedian a love gift via Cash app, PayPal or Zelle directly. This way, comedians could still earn a little cash and people could avoid total boredom.
I also began teaching online baking classes. The classes were originally for children but was expanded to adults/families. I’ve been a professional baker since about 1995 creating and decorating all-occasion cakes and desserts. Many times, over my career, I would get asked if I would ever consider teaching people how to bake and/or decorate. My answer was always, “NO!” I didn’t consider myself a teacher nor did I believe I had the patience to deal with children. Boy, was I wrong! During the pandemic, I witnessed so many people talking about depression and boredom. It really struck a nerve with me because I wanted to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I asked my husband, “What do you think about me teaching online baking classes?” He told me to do it. Of course, he always tells me that I can do something. He never doubts my ability to pull off any project…even when I doubt myself. I taught my students how to bake everything from scratch. I had a child as young as 2 years old and I had a couple of students who were greater than 60. Students learned how to sift, zest, bank, fry, blend, peel, you name it! We started off with banana pudding and worked our way through red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, key lime pie, lemon bars, fried apple pies, brownies, cookies, poundcakes and so much more. They even made homemade pizza and chicken pot pies. I know they’re not desserts, but both were made with homemade crusts that require baking, so I taught them. 98 percent of the recipes were recipes that I created or changed as my own. I also taught the children to use their creativity to change and/or improve upon the recipes. I also taught them about entrepreneurship and some students were even able to sell what they made. Some students would bake and give their items as gifts for Mother’s Day or Christmas. The most important aspect of the classes was for children to learn a new skill, especially since home economics is no longer being taught in many schools. It was also to help keep children out of trouble. As the old folks say, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” The classes morphed into online party classes as well. Similar to Painting with a Twist, I created “Baking with a Whisk” online events for those who wanted to celebrate their birthday online with their friends by baking up something good since the pandemic stopped us from having in-person parties. In addition to those parties, I did events with sororities, fraternities, Jack and Jill, and other organizations trying to create a unique activity for their members. I thought the classes would be temporary…maybe a month or so. But that month turned into two months then into six months and went on for two years until my kitchen went underwent a renovation, which is still taking place. I hope to get back to teaching those classes. I really miss my babies who are probably grown men and women now. Many of the students still use what I taught them and I get text messages of pictures showing their accomplishments. It really touches me to see that I had a positive impact.
I do a show called “More Than the Eyes Can See” and it is basically my one-woman show where I do comedy, music, and more. I titled it “More Than the Eyes Can See” because sometimes people only know you for one particular thing or look for you to do one particular thing. This show opens their eyes and expands their horizons. They get to see me in a different light and see me in a way they’ve never seen before. I hadn’t done the show in a long time, but I had a lot of requests to do the show, so I’m bringing it back for a third time. The show will be Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Silver Gardens Event Center in Southfield, Michigan. This show will give back to Lupus Detroit as well. Many don’t know I was diagnosed with Lupus in December 2015. People will often quip, “You don’t look like you have Lupus.” I’m not sure what Lupus looks like, but I have it…it doesn’t have me. I try to live by the motto: The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. With that being said, I try to show others who are battling this disease that they can lead a long and meaningful life.
Today, I’m still doing private and public comedy shows along with movies and commercials. I booked my first commercial in June 2022 and a second one in August 2022. My dream is to do a national commercial for Doritos, especially during the Super Bowl. I have some crazy ideas for a Doritos commercial in my head. I have filmed several movies that are being featured on Tubi and was an extra in “Up in the Air” featuring George Clooney many years ago.
I try to share any nuggets I’ve learned along the way in an effort to help move people forward. I talk about savings and travel a lot and how to make reward programs and your money work for you. I’m still doing work in the community, volunteering, giving back and just trying to be a beacon of light in an often-dark place. I try to share comedy nuggets to those up-and-coming comedians or just share my experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, the road has been pretty smooth, but there have been a couple of Michigan potholes here and there. One of the biggest struggles, I think, for entertainers is having balance and accepting that you will miss out on some events. When you’re traveling on the road and contracted to do a show, you won’t get to attend all of the weddings, parties, and showers you’re invited to. When my children were growing up, I tried to be at their school events and I went to PTA Meetings, Parent-Teacher Conferences and was a part of the booster club. But there were times when I missed out. I missed my youngest daughter going to the prom because I was in another country. I had to watch on video.
The only other struggle that I can think of is thinking that you’re on your way to something great and then have the rug pulled out from under you. Nothing in life is guaranteed. I’ve learned over the years not to take things too personally and to just pick myself up and brush myself off. I’ve also had to learn to just create my own opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So, I call myself The C.H.A.S.E. Comedienne, Host, Actress, Singer, Entertainer. I’m known for doing clean comedy but have a penchant for keeping a party or event moving along smoothly. I can cater to all crowds, especially those 35 and over. It’s nothing to see me serve as a Mistress of Ceremonies, but see me singing or teaching dance moves while the DJ plays. I’m going to ensure your guests have a wonderful time. After all, that’s what you’re paying me for.
I’m a professional baker and decorator. I have a business called Break a Whisk. Under the Break a Whisk umbrella, I bake, decorate, teach and even have a book coming out soon. Everyone loves my homemade buttercream frosting because it’s light, airy, and tasty. It is what has kept me in business for all of these years along with my homemade yeast rolls.
It’s hard for me to really narrow down what I am most proud of as I have accomplished so much over the years. I would have to say being a mother to two amazing daughters, Brittany and Bria. I tried to instill values and teach them so they would be prepared for adulthood. I wasn’t the perfect parent, but I tried.
What sets me apart from others? I would have to say my ability to do many things well and roll them into to one. God really did bless me with multiple gifts. I remember doing my first “More Than the Eyes Can See Show.” I not only prepared and catered the entire VIP reception including beverage and dessert prior to the show which received rave reviews; I designed my opening outfit on stage; I did comedy, sang, played the keyboard, the flute, and the drums; and I produced the entire show. You never know where you might find me. I’ve painted some of the artwork in my home, did the landscaping in my front yard including putting down the weed barrier, paver bricks, planting a tree along with flowers, lighting, and a plaque dedicated to my sister who passed in 2021. I guess the next thing I need to learn is electrical and plumbing. I don’t care how old a person gets, there is always room to learn or do something new.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
-Spirit of Detroit Award for exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life
-Wayne County Commissioner’s Office Award for positive community advocacy to the Greater Detroit Metropolitan and to the United States at large
-Community Service Award from Charter Township of Royal Oak for outstanding and dedicated community service;
-Service Award from Lupus Detroit 2017
-Certificate of Appreciation from Lupus Detroit 2018
-Community Service Award from the Michigan Interfaith Kiosk Alliance
-Daily Venus Diva Thrive Award for work in the plus-sized community
-Sara’s House Excellent Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Health and Wellness Fair and Community Baby Shower
-Voted Detroit’s New Queen of Comedy
-Royal Crown’s Royal Crowned Comedian
I previously served as a Detroit Police Reserve Officer and graduated at the top of my class receiving the High Scholastic Honor and a Perfect Attendance Award. I also delivered the Code of Ethics at the graduation.
I’ve done work for Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer; Sista Strut for Breast Cancer for WMXD MIX 92.3 FM; March of Dimes; DHHS Prom Closet; Alcoholics Anonymous; Narcotics Anonymous; Alzheimer’s Foundation; Salvation Army; Riyah’s House; Gilder Radner’s LaughFest.
Looking at one of the awards, it reminded me that I forgot that I used to do plus-sized modeling and I also used to be a guest host and fill-in host on the radio.
I’m also a licensed minister in the State of Michigan and perform weddings for We Say I Do Wedding Officiant. I got started because of my sister. We Say I Do is her business and she was so busy that she had to turn people away. I got licensed to assist her. Of course, I’m the one that adds humor to my spiel whenever I conduct a ceremony.
I used to do hair during my college days and used to sew. I haven’t made anything in about 30 years, so I just stick to designing outfits for myself unless I need to do something very basic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/CrystalPisCrazy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ComedienneCrystalP
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/CrystalPisCrazy
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/N2Comedy
- Other: www.tiktok.com/CrystalPisCrazy
