Keeping a Sustainable Approach to Life
Crystal Hinnant repurposes old furniture and uses all-natural hair products
Name: Crystal HinnantPosition: Grants and administrative manager, Center on Global ChangeYears at Duke: 2
What I do at Duke: I provide program coordination for the Center on Global Change and also handle pre- and post-grant management for Rob Jackson's Laboratory. I deal with everything in the grant process from applications through closing with all the reporting, budgeting and everything in between.
If I had $5 million, I would: Take my family on vacation. I've always wanted to go to Italy and visit Rome and Venice. I love the architecture and history. I'd also like to increase my children's' college funds and create trust funds for them. I have an 18-year old daughter and a 14-year old son.
My first ever job: I was a cashier and server at Taco Bell in Wilson, North Carolina for two years until I graduated high school. I started the day I was old enough to apply for a work permit around 16 and worked there year-round.
My dream job: Furniture designer. I like to buy old pieces and redesign them. I've done it for my home. My favorite is a black chair and ottoman. It used to be an old chair with floral patterns and beautiful wood details. I wanted to make it contemporary so I had it reupholstered and now it's a black vinyl. I believe older pieces have a lot of character and the quality used to be very good. Plus, nothing ends up in a landfill this way.
If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: The most common thing people ask me about is my hair because I'm African-American and my hair is natural. It hasn't been chemically treated or relaxed in over two years. People always ask me how I maintain it. I try to use items that are as natural as possible like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, yogurt or honey. Sometimes I'll use items from the store , but I try to use organic as often as possible. It's healthier for my hair, which is as healthy as it's ever been.
The best advice I ever received: My grandmother always stressed importance of education because she was a teacher. Knowledge is power.
What I love about Duke: My coworkers. It's so much fun to learn about everyone's interests and the research they conduct and support.
When I'm not at work, I like to: My top priority is spending time with my family. We like to go to the movies, local events and spend time outdoors. Sometimes it's nice to spend a quiet night at home, too.
Something most people don't know about me: It took me over six years to earn my degree because I worked full-time the entire time I went to college. I could only go to school part-time because I worked as a training coordinator for a counter-drug program for law enforcement. I worked with officers locally and nationally to help train them about gangs, critical incident peer support and analytical investigative techniques. I hope that inspires someone who believes they can't earn a degree because of their responsibilities.