The rallier
Crystal Ung
The Ralliers is a collection of interviews with female creators we admire. We look for women who make hard choices in exchange for self-defined lives. You'll leave these stories with wisdom, comfort and beauty too.
Describe yourself.
I’m a troublemaker at heart - I dislike the status quo and rules especially if they are archaic. As a recovering overachiever, I thrive in competitive situations except in playing board games. You could guess where I live based on my favorite things to eat and drink: sushi, takoyaki, carne asada fries, and mezcal. Lastly, nothing makes me happier than a good laugh with the people I love.
How have you broken with tradition in exchange for a self-defined life?
Growing up, there was pressure to follow an academic and career trajectory that would lead to a stable profession. I sacrificed my predisposition for creative endeavors to follow a more linear path. In early adulthood, I felt frustrated and stifled by traditional career paths and almost went to law school purely for a stable, defined route. A defining moment for me as I was debating my future was a death of a dear friend. Reflecting on the way she lived – full of joy and exuberance inspired me to pursue meaningful things that energized me. Naturally, this led me down the path of entrepreneurship, a wild journey that started 13 years ago with my first e-comm venture in a pre-Shopify, pre-Facebook/IG ads world.
Tell us about your uniform.
My way of dressing has evolved over the years, but one thing has stayed constant – my desire for comfort. For a solid part of my childhood, I exclusively wore overalls because it was the most comfortable thing that was appropriate to wear in public. Like most athletes, I lived in sweats in college and fast forward to a few years ago, I founded a brand dedicated to comfortable apparel for work. While I am a practical person and my way of dressing always reflected that I also love a wide range of aesthetics and find it fun to dress in widely different looks that match my mood. One day I’m in streetwear and the next I could be in a frilly, romantic dress with red lipstick – it just depends on how I feel!
I like to make things that don't exist but should, not for the sake of creating more stuff in the world but to serve unmet needs - the consumers that have long been ignored.
Tell us about your work.
I like to make things that don’t exist but should, not for the sake of creating more stuff in the world but to serve unmet needs – the consumers that have long been ignored. I currently run two brands: The Make NYC (dedicated to millennial women) and Ren (serving jade lovers), and will be directing a lot of my attention to a new project in the food space. As a founder, I do a little bit of everything and love the variety in my day-to-day. There is no typical routine but if I had to distill down what I do to a few words, it is being a problem solver.
What do you want most want us to know about making things?
Success is defined by you and only you. I believe you need to know the root of why you’re pursuing the things you are and to clearly articulate to yourself what success means. Otherwise, you’ll fall into the comparison trap and find yourself doing things that don’t align with your truth. And, remember to stay humble!
What do you most want other women to know?
A few things – The most important relationship is the one with yourself. How you love yourself is how others will love you back.
Take notice of your internal chatter – what kind of tone does it have? Is it critical? Mean? Demanding? You have the power to be kinder to yourself by addressing this internal self-talk.
There is unmatched beauty and power in friendships with other women. Surround yourself with ones who lift you and bring out the best in you. Watch out for the self-proclaimed, woke feminist who is in it for themselves. This variety is particularly toxic because it masquerades as a passionate friend.
What are you searching for?
Peace. I am always searching for an inner balance and peace whether it is through meditation or places of comfort and refuge. Running a business has such high highs and low lows that I am constantly trying to recalibrate my spirit.
What brings you healing?
Poetry brings me healing, and I’m not referring exclusively to poems. My appreciation for words extends to all writing, which I believe can be as mesmerizing and delightful. There’s something comforting about words that are intentionally and expertly crafted to tell a story or impart wisdom. It is also intriguing to contemplate the author’s purpose and state of being at the time the words were written.
Share a good read, watch, or listen.
Listen: Prof G with Professor Galloway. One of my favorite professors of all time! I am drawn to people who speak with candor and honesty. I enjoy his data-driven insights and provocative analyses. He also writes a great blog called No Mercy No Malice. I highly recommend reading his old posts about WeWork.
Read: Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong. The increased violence against Asian Americans has made me confront a lot of feelings and thoughts related to identity and being Asian American. I’ve sought more books and stories to better understand my experience and find solace in other’s experiences. If you want to learn more about the AAPI experience and struggles, this is a must-read.
Watch: I didn’t own a TV for over a decade. I’m not much of a TV person but the pandemic enabled me to discover some amazing shows. Favorites I recommend: Broad City (Ilana, can we be friends?), You’re The Worst, Pen15, and Killing Eve.
I love shows with a good female lead!
Tell us about something you've just discovered.
Rich Brian. I can’t believe I just discovered him! His music is 🔥🔥🔥.
Tell us about a gift you gave someone.
I recently sent a friend amethyst crystals and tea (her favorite) to send some good vibes and love from across the country.
Your best tool or resource.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Confucius. Big projects, ideas, etc. can be daunting. Take it one step at a time and remember incremental progress is cumulative.
Crystal is the Founder and CEO of Ren and The Make NYC — and, new project coming soon @thebowlcut_official.
P.S. The pieces in our stories are always authentically picked. When purchased, we sometimes receive compensation in return. Thank you for supporting!
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