While a popular TV comedy drama used to declare 'Eight Is Enough,' one Nashville family ponders an inverse question in their home: 'Is Eight Really Enough?' Although the oldest of Crystal and Michael Archie's six children is the only one currently not living at home, another young man has been staying with them while he finishes college locally -- and they really enjoy having a full house.
"My heart is family. Family is everything," ascribes Crystal, who recalls wanting to maintain her flexibility to be home while also desiring to supplement their family income after an injury concluded her husband's NFL running back career.
Usher in Rodan+Fields, an American manufacturer and marketing company specializing in skincare products, 13 years ago. Crystal saw this at-home business opportunity as the answer to her prayers, but juggling family, business and life from the same residence came with its own challenges. "I remember when little fingers would come wiggling under the door when I ran to the bathroom for privacy to do business calls or presentations. My husband was amazing about supporting my work efforts, and eventually placed 'Do Not Enter' signs on doors when the kids got older," she says.
"I can't say enough about how helpful Michael was, including cleaning the house and making lunches for the kids if I had to leave for meetings. He told me that he had gotten to pursue his dream with football and now it was time for me to get after my dream."
The Archies had four biological children, then adopted two boys from Ethiopia, one 10 and one 17. "Most days, it seems like we always had enough kids here for a sports team or two at the house," recalls Crystal, who had her first baby when she was 18 years old and had four children total by the time she was 28.
Operating a family that large takes many skills. She says she and Michael handled it by being "easy going," taking one day at a time, and encouraging their children to be determined and know in what they believe. Yes, even their Goldendoodle, Arlo, has gotten in on the family action, by becoming a fluffy, online duo star.
Vision boards also were a valuable tool for this family. Crystal says they sat with the kids and asked them about their own dreams, so those goals could be incorporated into future decisions. "We had an organic group approach, they saw their desires in the vision boards come to pass, and they grew up in the business, so they totally understand why we focused like we did. The skin care business was life-changing for our whole family," she adds.
Michael, who played for the Oilers/Tennessee Titans for four seasons, now trains young football players, a few who just started their NFL careers. While he still helps Crystal with her business, this stay-at-home mom turned CEO entrepreneur now manages a large team of independent consultants that has expanded globally into four countries, representing clinically proven dermatological products primarily for acne, sun damage and aging.
“I was not an overnight success, but I chose to stick with it," recalls Crystal. "There were down days, but I always saw the bigger picture, and I didn’t compare myself to others. I focused on my family's journey, and it may have taken me a few years, but I got here, and I don’t have a single regret."
In her 'spare time' (wink), Crystal sandwiches in trips to Ethiopia, her home-away-from-home, to support her initiative called Treasured. In fact, she traveled there this January. Not only do the Archies sponsor children in Ethiopia, Crystal welcomes missionary donations to assist what's commonly referred to as the 'Trash Dump Community.' Through her Specifically Designed program, Crystal says they provide business and skill-set training to women in Africa, which creates the space and teaching tools for them to grow and have opportunities to secure long-term changes.
"We're now partnering with 100 women there, teaching them skills and trades that empower them to take care of themselves and their families, and to get into better housing. For many, it's the first time in their lives that they're working and saving money," she says.
To that end, Crystal offers a special silver or 14-karat gold-plated necklace through her Treasured Shop for $59 each, with all sales proceeds funneled completely into assisting the estimated 200,000 women and children in need who live in Korah, Ethiopia.
Additionally, Crystal owns an online boutique through which loungewear and curated accessories -- such as ruby red slippers, mirror trays, cosmetic bags, clutch bags, themed coffee mugs, blankets and wine glasses -- can be purchased.
Crystal's secret to progress? "Never, ever, ever give up!"
"Part of our legacy in teaching our kids how to handle and overcome life's challenges is to dream big and handle the day-to-day issues and decisions with a go-getting, enterprising attitude, and never let anyone have the power of stopping you from pursuing your goals. The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is a legacy of character and faith," she asserts.
