Meet Crystal Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Marie.  

Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Crystal Marie. I own the Marketplace located inside Westland Mall. Formerly known as It’s an Experience where I co-owned with my Business Partner. 

Originally the idea was to plan a pop-up shop. But personally, I don’t like pop-up shops. So, my slogan was It’s not just a pop-up shop, It’s an Experience. Hence where the original name originated. 

The concept of the store was an upscale Marketplace to have the overall feel of a department store. Currently, there are 11 businesses inside of the marketplace. 8 of the 11 are permanent businesses. We are currently open Thursday-Sunday regular mall hours. 

We have a variety of products, from activewear, lingerie, body butters to in-house braiders. All our business owners are amazing and dedicated to what they do. Majority of the businesses have an online presence, and with The Marketplace a storefront to run their business from. 

I host pop-up events and various events in addition. From Mother’s Day events to fashion shows our events are intended to draw traffic to the store. While in a dying mall with the hopes of it improving, we have survived during a pandemic up to the present. We have availability if anyone is interested in joining The Marketplace. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is getting business owners to see the vision beyond the malls decline. Westland Mall was once a prominent Mall; with the economy and I’m sure other factors the Mall has lost its status. 

We as business owners cannot rely on the mall traffic in any business really. So, if we are advertising and marketing on our own platforms, we will continue to drive traffic to the store, so I see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a background in Event Planning and Bridal Consulting. I find enjoyment in events, planning if that’s from business plan to event coordination that’s where you will find my joy. 

I started off managing a Local artist. Which I found just as much enjoyment. That term has passed. In turn, I started a Chocolate covered Strawberry Business which was highly inspired by the artist I use to once manage. I’ve had that business since 2015. I love creating and decorating chocolate strawberries, pretzels, cookies, etc. It’s very therapeutic for me. 

I’m the most proud of my accomplishments, the people I’ve met along the way, and my future there are going to be bumps, BUT there is only one way, and that’s Up. 

I’m sure others may be the same, but I see the big picture and know when a concept just works. So, what sets me apart is me not giving up and not expecting monetary growth. That comes with time, so what I’m driven by is my passion. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am available anytime to collaborate, and I appreciate any and all support. 

Call me 313-265-7669 

Email me Marketplacebusiness1@gmail.com 

Crystalmarieberrys@gmail.com 

FB- The Marketplace 

IG- themarketplacebusiness 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Themarketplacebusiness
• Facebook: The Marketplace