Seasoned & Strategized - The Perfect Brand w/ Crystal Chanel & Chef Kiara

In this power-packed episode, host Leigh LaRie sits down solo to interview Portland’s ultimate power couple: Crystal Chanel, CEO of Press Release Marketing, and Chef Kiara, the culinary mastermind behind Kitchen Killa. This episode, "Seasoned & Strategized," dives deep into the intersection of high-end branding, luxury culinary solutions, and the beautiful reality of a successful queer Black marriage in business.

Crystal and Kiara share their incredible journey from South Florida to the Pacific Northwest, explaining how they navigated an "accelerated" relationship that started as a professional client-consultant dynamic. From moving across the country on a private jet to fulfill a private chef contract to building a multi-staffed culinary empire in Portland, they reveal the real work behind the "glamour."

They discuss the "cobbler’s kids" syndrome in marketing, the necessity of building a team that is smarter than you, and why "humility with confidence" is the key to providing luxury service. Plus, they get real about the microaggressions they face as Black women business owners in the whitest city in America and why they prioritize giving back through their annual Community Cookout.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking for relationship goals that actually work, this episode provides the strategy and the seasoning you need to elevate your life.

Episode Time Breakdown:

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 3 – Seasoned & Strategized
• [01:10] Meet the Guests: Crystal Chanel (Press Release Marketing) & Chef Kiara (Kitchen Killa)
• [02:45] Seasoned vs. Strategized: Which word fits your skill set?
• [05:10] Balancing Romance and Business: Navigating the "Clocked In" vs. Spouse dynamic
• [07:15] Letting Go of the Scarcity Mindset: Transitioning into Abundance after 12 Years
• [09:25] Building a Team: Relinquishing Control to Scale Your Business
• [13:10] "New to You, Not New to This": Navigating the Struggle of Being Recognized
• [15:35] Defining Luxury: Anticipatory Service and Humility in Craft
• [20:15] Entrepreneurial Lies: Why the Job is Never Really "Done"
• [22:45] Breaking the Narrative: Building a Business by Supporting Black & Brown Communities
• [24:50] The Origin Story: DM Sliders, Pop-Up Dinners, and Professional Vetting
• [28:15] Falling in Love over Spreadsheets and Oysters
• [31:10] The Portland Move: A 48-Hour Decision and a Private Jet to the PNW
• [34:35] Dating Privately: The Social Media "Unveiling" and Matching Tattoos
• [36:45] The Proposal: Sunset over Biscayne Bay and a Surprise Engagement-Moon
• [39:40] Destination Wedding Strategy: Why Everyone Should Get Married in the Bahamas
• [43:55] Future Couple Goals: Romance Novels, Poetry Books, and The Family Compound
• [47:50] Marriage Dynamic Shifts: Learning Love Languages and Celebrating Wins
• [49:40] Eliminating Competition: Being Your Spouse's Biggest Protector
• [54:35] Navigating Portland: Paying Homage to Elders and Researching the Culture
• [57:40] Dealing with Microaggressions: The "Per My Last Email" Approach to Respect
• [01:02:50] Community Cookouts: Why Giving Back is a Business Necessity
• [01:05:20] Advice for the Next Generation: Just Say Yes and Do It Well
• [01:07:30] Where to Find Crystal Chanel & Chef Kiara
• [01:09:05] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care So Slick Edge Control
• [01:10:00] Outro: Follow Nik B and Leigh LaRie

Season 7 Sponsor Information

Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey.

• Product Highlight: So Slick Edge Control (All-natural vegan formula to keep your baby hairs in place without the buildup)
• Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com
• IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx
• For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH

Production & Editor

• Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com
• IG: @BetterDaysWest

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