Episode 52

52: How One Nonprofit Created a Candle Business That Changes Lives

What happens when faith, trauma, and entrepreneurship collide in service of empowering the next generation?

Crystal Bell, founder of GEMS (Girls Empowered Mentally for Success), shares her powerful transformation from Rikers Island prison guard to nonprofit leader helping young women overcome trauma through mentorship, empowerment, and social enterprise. Her nonprofit now supports girls through transitions in life with a unique candle-making business that provides not only income but also healing and community.

Through the lens of lived experience and divine guidance, Crystal offers inspiration for nonprofit leaders to launch purpose-aligned enterprises that serve and sustain. Her story is a testimony to resilience, divine purpose, and the power of sisterhood.

For more information visit: https://www.girlsrgems.org/

https://combinedexpertise.com/

About the Podcast

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Beyond the Title
Real Talk. Real Growth. Real Joy.

About your host

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Phildra Swagger

Hi, I'm Dr. Phildra
Dr. Swagger is an executive leadership coach, speaker, and strategist who empowers professionals to lead with clarity, alignment, and discipline. With over three decades of leadership experience - from the classroom to the boardroom - she’s guided leaders across education, government, non-profit, and private sectors to unlock their potential and deliver exceptional results. As CEO of Combined Expertise, Inc., she transforms growth-minded organizations by equipping leaders at every level with the tools to thrive.