Crystal Ferrier is a young, multi-talented, up and coming artist. She is a graduate from York University, obtaining her degree in Sociology as well as Theatre Studies. As a jack-of-all-trades, Crystal is an actress, a comedian, an emcee, a model as well as a business woman. The funny Crystal has had her comedy showcased at various comedy clubs across Toronto and the GTA The dramatic Crystal has acted on stage in theatrical productions such as ‘CariRonto’ with Synergy Productions and ‘He Said…She Said…& The Truth’ with Life & Style Entertainment. The outgoing and articulate Crystal has emceed events such as the George Brown Mosaic Fashion Show and the Essence of Mahogany Bridal & Beauty Show. The fashionable and poised Crystal is a fashion model and has done numerous fashion shows and photo shoots for top designers in the city. The entrepreneurial Crystal is currently a co-producer of the reality comedy theatre production of ‘CariRonto’ Where Toronto Meets The Caribbean. Crystal’s personality is warm and embracing and will captivate anyone who falls in her company. She finds inspiration amongst the struggle of being a young, female minority living in Toronto. Her real-life, raw comedic personality is absolutely unforgettable and will keep you wanting more.

Our partner website 2ronto.com http://www.2ronto.com sat down with Crystal for an exclusive interview about her view on diversity in Toronto.

You have dedicated yourself to realizing your dream and passion as evidenced by your current success.  Explain what drove you to take the necessary steps to be on your way to where you are now?

As a shy child with a strict upbringing, I was focused more on academics than arts.  I have a lot of determination and drive especially if someone tells me I can’t do something.  To make a long story short I fell in love the first time I hit a stage…and the rest is history.

What have been some of your main achievements in your industry to this point?

I am currently a co-producer of CariRonto ‘where Toronto meets the Caribbean’.  It’s a reality sketch-comedy theatre production that has played in Toronto for two years now.  It was always my dream to not only act but see the vision from behind the scenes.

Most people are deterred by seemingly daunting obstacles but you have, up to this point, successfully and effectively chipped away at those obstacles.  To us outside of your industry what would you say are some of the challenges you have had to face and overcome?

There will always be obstacles in this industry for me because I will always be an Indian woman.  This industry is without a doubt run by men, and has way too many politics…or as I like to call it ball-itics.

What do you feel sets you apart from the other professionals in your industry?

Well the same thing that makes it difficult is ironically the same thing that sets me apart.  Being the only female on a show will definitely be more memorable than being one dude amidst twelve.  People have told me that I have good stage presence and that I keep the audience attentive…maybe they’re just staring at my boobs, well at least they’re listening...I think.

What sort of role, if any, did your being from an ethnic background and upbringing play in motivating you to succeed to the level you have achieved so far?

Being an Indian female has most definitely played a part in my success.  I can’t deny my culture, for goodness sake I live in Brampton…even the white people here are Indian.  Also a lot of my material is culturally-based so Toronto audiences can relate.

2ronto is all about celebrating diversity in Toronto a city with undeniable potential for a go-getter like you.  In spite of being a visible minority you are successfully catering to a diverse audience.  However do you feel that minorities are being fairly represented within your industry as far as in leadership and decision-making positions even though the diverse general public seems to be accepting you?

Let’s face it although I get a lot of love from audiences across the city, that doesn’t make me a leader or gives me any position of authority.  I’m running a race amidst other visible minorities all trying to get their own piece.  But I look up to Canadian comics like Kenny Robinson & Russell Peters who have worked for years to gain the heavy-hitter status they have now.  I’m not sure if minorities are being fairly represented within this industry as far as leadership and decision-making positions go, but there’s more possibility for that today.

What are your views on initiatives such as those of 2ronto to encourage diversity and fair representation of minorities in the leadership and decision-making positions in industries such as yours?

I totally agree.  The faces in Toronto should represent the faces seen in these positions.

In your profession what were you ever involved in that required you to work with mostly minorities and what did you learn and gain from those experiences?

I love doing ethnic comedy shows.  It’s empowering to realize that all different cultures can come together and laugh at things that we all may have in common – like crazy mothers.

What steps would you take to support and encourage the diversity movement in Toronto?

Well supporting magazines like yours or groups that advocate the same message are always good.  And just really being proud of who you are and where you have come from.  If it’s who you are then walk it and talk it.

Do you feel others in your community are motivated by you to follow into similar fields?

In my community I should have been a doctor or a lawyer…or at least married one…but I’m doing this for the little girl that wants different.

Is some of the admiration from your community due to their awareness of what you have had to overcome?

Most definitely.  I get approached by many Indian women who tell me I’m brave because my comedy is racy and raw.  I sometimes feel that not only do I have to overcome being a minority or a female, but I also have to overcome my own community who can be judgemental at times.  But my mom still loves me so I’m good.

What are your plans for 2009 and beyond?

Just to hit every stage I can and keeping working on this talent God has put in my heart.

With technology advancing everyday and creating new mediums for promotion and advertising what are some of the various ways that interested readers can learn more about you, join your group or enjoy updates from you?

http://www.myspace.com/crystalferrier and of course Facebook - the stalkers heaven