True Dream Crystal C Hudson Memorial Scholarship

Greetings,

The family of Crystal Hudson is launching a scholarship. Please see application details at this link:

True Dream Crystal Hudson Application

We have set a fundraising goal higher than the initial award amount, which allows us to make a 2023 award as well.

Crystal C. Hudson (1959-2018) was originally from Charlotte, NC, raised in Petersburg, VA, and graduated from Petersburg High School c/o 1978. She was beloved by her classmates and was eagerly awaiting her upcoming 40th Class Reunion.

After completing her studies at PHS, Crystal attended Flair Beauty School in Petersburg, VA. After obtaining her cosmetology credentials, she worked as a stylist in established salons but had a larger vision of opening her own business. To realize her dream, Crystal worked to learn everything she could about how to open her own business while also saving the money she was earning. She would buy one chair or shampoo bowl at a time (stories she would often recite to family). She was able to obtain her first business in Petersburg, VA, without any outside financing. She later expanded her business to Richmond, VA. Crystal had a grand vision for growing her business and reaching more people. Over a span of 30 years, she opened multiple salons and barbershops in the greater Richmond area and even outside of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, GA. She sold her businesses in the greater Richmond area in 2000/2001 and relocated to Stone Mountain.

Crystal served as a mentor and friend to countless professionals in the local area. She provided high-quality establishments for stylists, barbers, and nail technicians to serve their clientele. She poured everything she had into her business and was always teaching the fundamentals of economic empowerment to anyone who would listen. Crystal encouraged the operators who rented from her to treat what they were doing seriously and as a business in spite of renting a booth. She really wanted the message that they needed to protect their brand and hers to resonate. Those who worked for her and rented from her legitimately felt like family.

One of her daughters recalls a fun story from back in the early 90s when her mother purchased a new Volvo. She remembered being impressed that it had a tan leather interior, sunroof, heated seats and a car phone. From her viewpoint, as a child, it felt like a luxury vehicle, especially with the car phone. One day when Crystal arrived at work, one of the barbers said to her, in front of a large crowd, “Look at the car WE bought you!” Her reply was quick and witty and had everyone laughing and high-fiving hysterically. She said, “Well, you’re a fool for getting me one and not getting one for yourself.”

Crystal’s businesses were truly a community Institution. Everyone knew her, and everyone had some connection to one of her many salons or barbershops. The establishment where she worked was on Midlothian Turnpike and affectionally called “The Shop.”

If there was such a thing as a posthumous award from the local Chamber of Commerce for a business owner who exemplified excellence in their field she would indeed be a top candidate. Her zeal for economic impact and community engagement was known to everyone.

She is survived by five cherished grandchildren whom she never had the opportunity of meeting: Alton Brooks Pollard V (3), Miles Hassan Pollard (1), Jade Crystal-Michelle Pollard (1), Avery Sofia Elam (1) and Blake Alexandra Elam (1). The intention for this award is to honor her legacy and memory for her grandchildren and all others who loved her.