Meet Krystal: From Career Highs to Building a Mission-Driven Business That Protects Families
Before kids, Krystal had what many would call a successful career: 15+ years leading large, complex initiatives in project management and operations across tech and services.
“I was good at it. I built teams, managed budgets, launched products, and kept everything moving forward.”
On paper, it all looked great. But behind the scenes, it was a constant sprint.
“In reality, it was a constant sprint that left very little room for pause.”
There wasn’t one single moment that changed everything — it was more of a slow unraveling. Becoming a parent, becoming a caregiver, witnessing her kids get online younger and younger, and watching people she loved fall prey to the darker sides of the digital world.
“I saw people close to me, especially older family members, fall victim to online scams, manipulation, and fraud. The systems that are supposed to protect kids and seniors are fragmented, reactive, and often confusing to use.”
At the same time, Krystal was still building — for other people. She was tired. She was trying to keep up. And she couldn’t stop noticing just how deeply broken this gap in digital safety was.
“I was juggling a demanding career, motherhood, and a growing sense that the world my kids were growing up in was fundamentally different from the one I was prepared for.”
So, she did what many do in these moments — she started working on something new in the margins.
“I didn’t quit overnight. I started experimenting while still working. Nights, early mornings, weekends. I talked to other parents and caregivers. I interviewed families, seniors, educators, and financial institutions.”
And slowly, it all started to take shape.
“Eventually, I stepped away fully to build OneHaven, an AI-powered digital safety platform designed to protect children, seniors, and even adults who want to manage their own digital well-being.”
She’s clear about why she’s doing it.
“This chapter of my life is about alignment. Building something that reflects my values, protects my family, and helps other families do the same.”
And if you asked her to sum it up in one line, it would be this:
“I didn’t step away because I couldn’t handle the work. I stepped into something new because I finally listened to the voice that said, ‘You’re meant to build this.’”
What Made It Hard
Krystal says one of the biggest challenges was learning how to live in the in-between — that messy space where things are unclear, and you haven’t landed yet.
“I went from being very confident and validated in my career to constantly questioning myself. When you step away from a clearly defined role and title, especially as a mother, there’s a quiet identity shift that happens.”
And with that identity shift came the pressure — from herself, mostly.
“This wasn’t just about me. It was about my kids, my family, and building something that genuinely protects people.”
Finances, of course, were a factor.
“I didn’t replace my income overnight. Investing in development, legal work, and early traction before revenue exists is stressful, even when you believe deeply in what you’re building.”
And then there was just the day-to-day chaos of building something while parenting.
“Work happens in fragments. Early mornings, late nights, school drop-offs, sick days, and constant context switching. There’s no clean separation between work and life.”
One of the biggest lessons came when she stopped trying to make the path look linear or polished.
“Once I stopped trying to make this journey look polished and allowed it to be real, everything became more sustainable.”
What I Wish I’d Known
“I wish I had known that clarity doesn’t come before action, it comes from it.”
Krystal says she spent a lot of time thinking she needed the perfect plan, more certainty, more validation — when in fact, everything started to shift once she started talking, testing, and building.
She also realized how crucial community is — and how harmful it can be to try to do everything alone.
“I spent too much time trying to carry everything on my own, believing that asking for help meant I wasn’t capable enough. In reality, things moved faster and felt lighter once I let people in.”
And perhaps most relatable of all:
“I would have protected my energy more. I said yes to too many things that didn’t actually move the business forward. Learning to distinguish between ‘busy’ and ‘useful’ was a hard-earned lesson.”
Advice to Others
“First, know that you’re not behind. If you’re feeling the pull to change something, it’s not random. It’s information. Pay attention to it.”
Krystal believes you don’t have to blow everything up to begin.
“Start small. Experiment. Have conversations. Test ideas in the margins of your life before you make a big leap.”
And be honest about what you can take on.
“Progress might look slower, but it’s often deeper and more intentional. Give yourself permission to work in seasons.”
Protect your energy. Focus on what matters. And most of all…
“You already manage complexity every day as a parent. You are more capable than you think.”
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