Meet Crystal Gunn | Financial Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Gunn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
United Community Solutions (UCS) is a non-profit organization which strives to uplift the economic conditions on the communities in which we serve. With our Rescue the American Dream (RAD) program and collaborations with other organizations, we work to be the rising tide which lifts all boats in the community,

The RAD Initiative is more than just a program; it’s a movement towards economic empowerment and resilience. By investing in financial education, we are not only enhancing the economic status of individuals and families but also fostering a thriving, vibrant community. We believe that through this initiative, we can make a significant, lasting impact on the economic health of our targeted communities, laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all its members.

UCS was years in the making. It was originally founded in 2018 with the overall same mission but life happens, and my two partners and I gave up on UCS. Little did I know UCS still had a purpose.

In March of 2022, I resigned from originating mortgage loans, after months of stress. It was not something that I planned but the peace that came with that resignation was incredible. I launched my financial coaching business full time and although that was going well, there was something bigger coming.

About 4 months later, I received a phone call from someone who had referred clients to me but had never met in person. We had a brief conversation, scheduled a lunch meeting and the conversation over lunch changed everything and UCS was reborn.

Although I wasn’t totally convinced that UCS was to be a thing, I let faith guide me and trusted the process. This person whom I had lunch with, sent me to Daytona Beach to have another conversation with someone her knew and that conversation was the confirmation I needed.

4 hours into that meeting, this gentleman wanted to send me a phone number of someone we had called during our meeting. He said he had two numbers for me in his phone and wanted to know which one was correct. I asked what the other number was because I had only given him my mobile number. My mouth dropped as he read the number ‘313-861-8100’. That was the number for the mortgage office my husband and I had 20 years prior. Talk about a full circle moment.

Toward the end of that 4-hour conversation, it became clear to me why I’ve had every job, why I’ve received every download, why I had made all the connections throughout my life. All of it was for the next chapter in my life: United Community Solutions.

The series of events which followed, continued to confirm my next steps, which I walked in faith. My previous partners, although still currently instrumental in UCS, had other obligations which left me continuing the UCS journey alone. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.

Some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned are:

People will come into your life with the main purpose of helping you walk in your purpose. Don’t let them down by being disobedient to your purpose.

We’ve been taught as you walk this journey of life, you will fail at things. Those aren’t failures, they are lessons so welcome them, learn the lessons and soar.

We receive previews of what we are supposed to do in life. In 2013, I started working for a company and shortly after, we were relocating. Due to regulations, the original office had to remain open for 30 days and had to be staffed. I volunteered and was alone, in the space, for 30 days.

Sitting alone in that space, is when I received the download of the Rescue the American Dream Initiative. It was a preview of what was to be. I was obedient and wrote it out, not knowing when or if I would ever have an opportunity use it.

Today, United Community Solutions goes about the business of impacting communities, using The Rescue the American Dream Initiative.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you know you know, Detroiters go hard for Detroit and we have it all but some spots we would have to grace, in no particular order would be:

Self-care: A sound bath at BLOOM Transformation Center, which is a full-service wellness clinic offering traditional and holistic services to assist others in psychological and emotional well-being. Dr. Rose Moton is the Director of BOOM.

Shopping: A visit to Pink Poodle Dress Lounge to find just the right dress in the carefully curated designs by the owner Raeshawn Bumphers.
Culture: A visit to Detroit is not complete without a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Fine Dining: Table No. 2 is where you find fine dining in the heart of Detroit. Chef Omar Mitchell has done it again.

After Dinner: Brix Wine and Charcuterie is not your everyday wine bar, it’s a destination. Owner, Mikiah Westbrooks will introduce you to the best wines, helping you find a new favorite.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Best Friend – Michele Davenport Harper who is my real life shero. If your best doesn’t inspire you to be better, you need a new best friend. She impacts the lives of many, travels the country making good trouble and unapologetically owns her Amazing!

My daughter who I love with every fiber of my being. I continue to learn so much from her. Being her mother is the best thing I have ever or will ever do.

My mother, the original Amazing Woman! The example one could have on navigating the landscape of womanhood. I am because of her.

Website: https://www.unitedcommunitysolutions.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedcommsol

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedCommSol

Other: www.crystalgunn.com