Kristal Duval. Writer. Author

Lessons from a Resilient Heart

In the tapestry of my life, the threads woven by my mother stand out in vibrant hues. A strong presence, she dedicated 25 years to the military, emerging as a symbol of strength and unwavering determination. From her, I learned the indomitable spirit of never giving up.

Beyond her military prowess, my mother possessed an artistic soul. A talent for dramatic acting and singing hinted at the depth of her creative reservoir. The melodic tunes of a guitar accompanied her soulful voice, echoing through our home. Her love for the arts and literature created an atmosphere of inspiration.

I often marveled at her linguistic prowess. Fluent in Russian and Moldovan, she quickly learned Armenian and Italian. Intriguingly, when I was born, she chose Russian as the language for bedtime fairy tales. Considering her linguistic repertoire, it was a curious choice, but it laid the foundation for my early fascination with storytelling.

Her reading sessions transcended borders, painting vivid landscapes from Russian classics to global fairy tales. Through her, I first glimpsed the enchanting worlds crafted by authors worldwide. The diverse stories she shared fostered a love for storytelling that would shape my future.

Beyond literature, my mother's love for Italian culture manifested in her affinity for movies and music. Italian cinema became a shared fascination, offering a window into a world she admired. The melodies of Italian music serenaded our home, creating a harmonious blend of cultures.

Reflecting on the mosaic of lessons bestowed by my mother, I realize the richness of her legacy. Her resilience, love for the arts, and commitment to lifelong learning echo in my pursuits. I carry the torch of tenacity and the joy of embracing diverse cultures in her honor.

My mother is a woman whose strength shaped my character, whose creativity fueled my imagination, and whose love for languages ignited a passion for storytelling. Her love for music, art, movies inspired me completely.

Also she is creative entrepreneur, who generates ideas and making it to work.

The Unconventional Path to Entrepreneurship and Artistry

Life's journey is often painted with unexpected strokes; mine is no exception. Growing up amidst challenges—earthquake in 1988, wars, the fall of the USSR —my family faced financial struggles, yet their resilience and unwavering work ethic became the bedrock of my character.

At my 5th birthday party, I wasn't just singing and telling stories; I was orchestrating plays with other kids, already dreaming of Hollywood. At 9, my narrative took a turn when a teacher asked about my future aspirations. "I'll become President," I replied, to her amusement. Even then, my concerns extended beyond myself—ecology, politics, and human rights.

Driven by a desire for self-discovery, I embarked on a journey of questioning, preferring to seek answers independently. Educators recognized leadership qualities and a keen sense of justice, leading me to advocate for animals and people.

Work became a constant in my life from age 12, starting work with my father in his military shop, channeling earnings into self-development. I've never had a typical childhood; I raised my sister and brother with my grandmother while my parents worked. My days were a whirlwind of additional dance, music, acting, chess, and art classes.

At 16, I ventured alone to Rostov, a city of creativity. Theaters, stages, and rock bands became my canvas. I continued my entrepreneurial path in Rostov by co-founding a Dancing Costumes Shop, later expanding it into a worldwide online store.

The move to St. Petersburg at 22 brought its own set of challenges. Rejected by theaters due to a lack of acting education and facing stereotypes related to nationality, I decided to work globally, vowing not to collaborate with Russians again.

All funds from my work poured into personal development and business. Simultaneously, I continued my pursuits as a dancer, musician, and producer. Progressing from Art Director to the founder at the School of Arts, I finally got an actor's diploma.

In dispelling stereotypes, I find strength in knowledge. Life is a canvas; every stroke tells a story—a narrative of resilience, creativity, and an irrepressible thirst for life. 🌟💼

🚀 Inheriting Entrepreneurship: Embracing the Legacy of My Gifted Father 🚀

Entrepreneurship is woven into my very essence, a legacy handed down by my gifted father. His enduring guidance molds my journey, insisting on imparting all he knew breaking free from gender stereotypes.

My dad, a polymath—musician, multilingual enthusiast, comedian, photographer, and entrepreneur—radiated positivity. Our shared laughter over film nuances echoes through cherished memories, creating an everlasting bond.

Opting for the family path, he transitioned from military service in Germany and drumming in a German band to entrepreneurship. A man of creativity, strength, and intelligence, proficient in English, Armenian, German, and Russian.

From age four, my father laid the foundation for language, teaching me English and Armenian. His influence reached beyond words, nurturing leadership qualities recognized even in kindergarten. Teachers saw leadership potential, and imaginative games became my canvas.

At nine, a mentor fueled my curiosity for math and science, and by twelve, I worked with my father in his military shop.

Chess, a cherished pastime, thanks to my paternal grandmother, echoed every Armenian's favorite activity. We played for years in school. I didn't venture into chess championships. My focus shifted to creativity and shooting.

My father's teachings emphasized self-confidence, resilience, facing challenges with perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge and skill. His influence persists, shaping me as an entrepreneur. I wholeheartedly appreciate the wisdom he shared and the entrepreneurial spirit he instilled within me. 🙏💼✨

I'm on Instagram as .writer. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=vs258z30e65o&utm_content=lxan37n

https://kristalwriter.world/soul-family

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Grand Fortress Magic | Kristal Duval Grand Fortress Magic

https://kristalwriter.world/within-the-walls

Within the walls | Kristal Duval Within the walls

https://kristalwriter.world/children-of-wars-and-ruins

Children of Wars and Ruins | Kristal Duval Children of Wars and Ruins

https://kristalwriter.world/gyumri-chronicles-my-artistic-genesis

Gyumri Chronicles: My Artistic Genesis | Kristal Duval Gyumri Chronicles: My Artistic Genesis

Diving into my writing journey at age 9, I started with these little poems – those early scribbles that marked my first steps into writing. Luck struck as I found my great-grandfather's old typewriter, a relic of his writing days. The thrill of discovery sparked a fire within me, an inheritance of creativity. This spark ignited my crafting of fairy tales, shared eagerly with my younger sister and brother, their excitement fueling my imagination.

Fast forward to 14, the rock universe engulfed me! Thanks to my dad, a former drummer in a German band, I fell for rock music. It was like I'd unlocked a new way to express myself. Lyrics and verses flowed like thoughts with a melody.

At 15, my journey soared higher. Armed with musical training, I dared to create a musical! Believe it or not, as a pianist with a voice praised as "gold liquid" by music school peers, I transformed dreams into notes and poetry.

By 18, I graced the boards of the Musical Theater. Part-time due to opera vocal studies and jazz and blues techniques at musical college, I embraced acting, dancing, and singing with fervor in Musical Theater.

There's more – the theater world held stories into my soul. Youth Theater, Puppet Theater, Dance Theater – each whispered tales, inspiring my pen. Theater became my muse, igniting creativity that made me create plays.

My connection to rock never waned. At 20, I birthed a rock and blues band. Music and lyrics flowed from me, with my voice as the core. Also I was playing keyboards, guitar, violin and harmonica.

At the age 22, a cinematic debut beckoned. Lightbulb moment – could my storytelling extend to scripts? I dabbled, crafting scripts for short films.

Fragment from the book "Born for Freedom".
Author ©Kristal Duval

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Here I stand, a tapestry of writing and creativity experiences. This page you're on? My haven, a realm for creation, exploration, and the magic of words.