Bio

Crystal’s story begins with deep roots in her Puerto Rican heritage. As the first-born daughter in her family, she carried a lot from the start. She grew up in Bed-Stuy, in the heart of the projects, raised by a single mother alongside her siblings. Life wasn’t easy—it meant growing up fast and facing adult responsibilities early on.

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“Being the first daughter was challenging… still is,” she reflects. “There was a lot we had to figure out on our own. I turned to art for everything—it became my escape, my voice, the one place I could really express how I felt.”

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Crystal’s passion led her to attended Brooklyn High School of the arts. After she graduated she attended Borough of Manhattan Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Multimedia Arts and Design. She then went on to Brooklyn College to study Psychology, and now she’s setting her sights on the School of Visual Arts to pursue Art Therapy—bringing her love for creativity and healing together in one path.

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Over the years, Crystal’s talent has earned her recognition through various art awards at a young age. She’s worked with companies like Gilt City, NBT, and Industry City, and has worked with artists from around the world. One of her most memorable projects was assisting UK-based artist Lakwena on the iconic Bowery Wall mural in New York City.

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Now the creator of HIRAKUNYC and a small business owner, Crystal continues her art journey with heart and purpose—sharing her work with the world in hopes of making people smile, laugh, and feel a little more joy in their day.