Crystal Janvier is the CEO and Owner of Sun Dance Enterprises Ltd., a facility integrity and quality assurance consulting business operating primarily in the oil and gas sector. Crystal participated in the NextStep to Success Business Planning Series in Edmonton.

Crystal Janvier did not always have aspirations of being an entrepreneur, but her determination to achieve her goals is nothing new. Starting university when her son was just 10 days old, Crystal was focused on her education, completing a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree, and following it up with her Masters of Science in Public Health.

Her interest in owning her own business came later, after a career in consulting and working with Indigenous youth to help them get into trades careers.

In the early days of her career, Crystal admits that she did face some of the stereotypes that come along with being a young woman in business. “They called me the kid, because I was the youngest field director at that time. I had to prove myself.”

Crystal began her own oil and gas consulting business in 2009, and then launched Sun Dance Enterprises Ltd. with her husband in 2013.

Prior to joining the NextStep to Success program, Crystal had started writing a business plan but was looking for additional knowledge and resources to finish it. Crystal says she would definitely recommend the series to others.

“Before you invest time and especially before you invest finances towards something you’re not 100% certain about, it will help you determine how feasible it’s going to be. It gives you an ability to analyze your risk.”

In the future, Crystal is planning to expand her business and hire additional contractors. For now, Crystal is happy doing what she loves.

“Success to me means feeling fulfilled and happy with where you are in your life. I don’t really separate work and home life too much. To me, if you are doing something you love, it doesn’t feel like work.”