Krystal is inspiration right at the core of the word. This woman, has such an incredible story and is using her story, her journey and all the life lessons she has come to learn (whether she wanted to or not) to affect positive change.
Krystal is the founder and CEO of Pink Hope: a preventative health organisation working to ensure every individual can assess, manage and reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while providing personalised support for at risk women. The background behind the story though is awe-inspiring, this charity was founded from Krystal’s incredible personal journey. Krystal’s entire family and generations of women before her carry the BRCA1 gene and more than 20 women in her family (including her mum, grandmother and great grandmother) have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. So, at the innocently young age of 22, after years of uncertainty, Krystal underwent genetic testing which confirmed her concerns, that she too, had the BRCA1 gene (the same gene that made headlines in 2013 when Angelina Jolie announced she had undergone preventative surgery due to having the gene) and her journey of deciding what to do next began. It was then, during the stress and overwhelm of what she was facing that Krystal realised there was no specific charity focused on the needs of families facing hereditary cancer. And Pink Hope’s vision was born. At 25, Krystal took the incredibly brave step of having a double mastectomy in her prevention journey. I can’t even imagine the journey Krystal has been on and what it took to make this decision at such a young age – a time when your biggest concern should be what restaurant you’re meeting your girlfriends at for brunch – I just can’t. And still, you should see this woman, she is positivity plus… she is something special, and most definitely an inspiration.
Krystal is quite honestly, one remarkable lady. Although, remarkable doesn’t even feel like it adequately describes this woman. Krystal knows fear all too well. Not only has she faced the fear, uncertainty and trauma associated with Cancer head on, but she has risen above it and used her story, her challenges and her knowledge to create and build an incredible foundation to help others. She truly believes that knowledge is power and through Pink Hope, and being so authentic, vulnerable and hard-working, she has built the most amazing charity and community that not only promotes preventative care and awareness but supports those affected by the BRCA1 gene and offers support, love and community. In addition to that, Krystal has made it a priority that there is a large focus on education and awareness… and she is literally impacting and positively changing people’s lives in the process. And whether it’s to do with the charity, her personal life, or anyone she comes into contact with… Krystal is all about community, she is of the what can I do / how can I help / who can I connect you with philosophy (the best kind of philosophy). This is women-supporting-women in black and white. She is an inspiration and the perfect role model of the way more women should be.
Being around Krystal, you quickly begin to realize that she is all love. She is all kindness. She is all inspiration. And she genuinely wants to help others. Krystal is so sweet, so kind, so maternal… just so freaking lovely. I am inspired by her choice to see her life and the obstacles she has encountered as gifts when she so easily could’ve seen them as a burden. I am inspired by her passion and authenticity in genuinely wanting to raise awareness, provide support and raise money for research for those who need it most. I am inspired by her go-get-em and proactive attitude, the fact that she started this charity from scratch, on her own, whilst she was also facing her own health scares and challenges. I am inspired by her ability to rise above it all, to always want to help others and to support those around her. I am inspired by her hard work and how far Pink Hope has come. I am inspired by the fact that she is a mum, a wife, a friend and the CEO and business owner of one of Australia’s biggest cancer charities and her ability to do it all with grace and ease. I am inspired by her courage – it’s the kind Lions are made of. I am inspired by her willingness and desire to alwayyyssss give back. I am inspired by her kindness and her beautiful philosophy that beauty is kindness. I am inspired by her desire to make the world a better place… with Pink Hope, but also with her genuine desire to leave a positive mark on someone’s day. I am inspired by her, she is such a beautiful person and really does make you feel special just by being around her energy.
Krystal’s interview is filled with so much practical wisdom, that it will blow you away – especially because you know it’s not bullshit, it’s not fake and it’s not just what she thinks people want to hear. It’s real, freaking advice and experience from someone who has been through the shit. And when I say through it, I mean through it. Yet, she has risen above and instead of played the ‘woe is me’ card, she has the most beautiful, positive, infectious outlook on life which puts everything into perspective and makes you realize that life isn’t that bad, there are so many amazing people battling way bigger issues than you’re facing and that no matter what hand you’re dealt… the glass really can be half full. I hope some of her infectiously positive attitude rubs off on you and you walk away feeling lucky.
And I mean really, let’s be honest, Krystal’s interview is a beautiful reminder that we are all so lucky.
Lucky to be alive.
Lucky to live the life you live.
Lucky for all the wonderful things in your life.
Lucky to be YOU!
Krystal is living proof that it always comes down to mind over matter and that life is about choices and perception. She is also living proof that if you’re a genuinely kind, beautiful person – you will attract that kind of energy back ten fold. If Krystal’s interview doesn’t make you re-evaluate your priorities, change your mindset and lead with kindness.. I’m not entirely sure what else could.
a
KRYSTAL BARTER // CEO & FOUNDER, PINK HOPE
One word you would use to describe yourself?
lucky… #sheislucky
What would you tell your younger self?
15 – the fear of losing your mum will subside and she will be ok. Being young and knowing so many strong women in my family had faced cancer really swallowed me when I was younger. Defined me in a negative way.
21 – This growing belly and incredible man by your side will change your life.
30 – surround yourself with people who have your back. It’s all about quality not quantity.
In your opinion, what is true strength of character?
Being true to yourself. We are always our own worst critic and can put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Coming into my 30’s I am stronger and wiser.
‘I tell [my daughter] everyday that being beautiful is being kind to people.’
What sparks motivation for you?
My family, being the best role model for my children is by far my greatest motivation.
Self love, positive self talk and mind-set; why do you believe they are important?
I can write words about how important it all is… but we are all unique. The way we cope with certain situations, I have learnt as best as I can to look after my emotional health. There are things that we can control and things that we can’t. I really believe our mental health directly impacts our mind set. If we are in-tune we feel positive, but after facing anxiety myself for a long time, it takes a lot of work to find that space in your life… and hold on to it.
How do you practice self love and self care?
I am genuinely really busy… working full time and raising 3 children has that affect. Time out is really important…. I feel even just switching off to watch your fave show or downloading over tea with my bestie. That’s love and care to me. Also having realistic expectations on what self love and care is. To me its time to be by myself, to have a moment where I am focusing on what I want in life. And sometimes that is simply “watching Gilmore Girls” 😉
‘Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it is the little voice at the end of the day that says…. I will try again tomorrow.’
You have been through a lot and are such an inspiring lady! What has your journey so far taught you?
Oh thanks honey! Gosh I have experienced so many ups and downs but recognising that so many other people have it so much worse… has taught me to focus more on the positive. At this current moment I have an amazing family, my health (even though it’s not perfect) I am fortunate.
How do you pick yourself up?
Music…. If my kids have been particularly full on of a morning or I have had a busy day. I play music really loud, sing and often dance… in the car… in my lounge room. It is so therapeutic.
The single best realization you have ever had?
I am lucky… that’s my motto. I am the lucky one.
So many women in my family didn’t have the opportunities I had regarding my health and future.
Have you found any full proof ways of dealing with stress / worry / anxieties?
A gorgeous meal, a glass of wine and a conversation with my husband. He is the most amazing man who is so relaxed and level headed. The best support system really helps.
How do you find strength?
Through my family. We are super tight nit – my parents and brother live next door. We rely on each other during the good times and the bad.
‘Self belief and love comes from within… you can’t rely on external sources to provide you with it.’
How do you define kindness and why do you believe in it?
By having more empathy and not judging people.
I believe in it, because the world we currently live in. Needs a lot more of it.
In your opinion, how can we cultivate more kindness to each other in our day-to-day lives?
Something I simply do and it makes me feel good as well. If I see someone who looks genuinely gorgeous “I say you look beautiful today”. I call everyone “honey” “beautiful”… It can lift someones day in a positive way.
In a more larger scale way… I give people time. Time to listen to their stories – whether I am out at an important event and someone wants to talk to me. I listen.
As a mother, what do you hope to instil in your daughters when it comes to self love, self belief and kindness?
I tell her everyday that being beautiful is being kind to people. I will keep her off social media, the most she will get is a snap chat funny face. I will continue that.
Self belief and love comes from within… you can’t rely on external sources to provide you with it.
‘Whether it’s your time, your money, your voice. It makes an impact.’
When it comes to bullying, what is your view on the concept of see something / say something and why is it important?
I think there is a line with “kids just being kids” and “emotional and physical bullying” – I think all children need to understand the difference. And if it crosses that line to definitely say something.
If my child was being bullied or the bully I would WANT to know so the situation could be rectified.
Why is it important for girls and women to stand together, support and build one another up rather than tearing each other down and in what ways can we do so?
This is so important. I have an amazing support network of exceptional women who I genuinely want to see succeed in life, love and career. If I can play a part in that… then I am always happy to do it.
If you could have lunch with any woman who would it be and what would you love to talk about?
Angelina Jolie has always been at the top of my list – I think she is incredible in her philanthropic work and I was lucky enough to meet her a couple of years ago. The work she does in women’s key issues all around the world, she is certainly a game changer.
‘We are always our own worst critic and can put unnecessary pressure on ourselves.’
If you had 2 minutes to speak and be able to reach and inspire every young girl and woman around the world, what would you say?
Gosh…. That is one of the hardest questions ever!
I believe in philanthropy. It is something I hope to instil in my children. No matter what position you are in, there is always someone worse off than you.
Find something you are passionate about – women’s health, refugees, children’s issues and give back. Whether it’s your time, your money, your voice. It makes an impact.
Your favorite quote that always inspires you?
Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it is the little voice at the end of the day that says…. I will try again tomorrow.
