Crystal Renee Haylsett is this year’s Breakout Star

“When it’s in you and for you, it will never leave you.”

What does a breakout star look like exactly? Well, it looks just like Crystal Renee Hayslett. She took a supporting cast member role in one show and because of her shine she earned herself a spin-off. Now if that isn’t a Hollywood story I don’t know what is! But don’t think it was over night because she has put in the work for a decade! She took her time, set her boundaries, so that she could shine the way she wanted. 

Cox: Crystal, first, I want to say congratulations because having your spinoff is a huge accomplishment and a dream come true. How does it feel?

Hayslett: First of all, it is a dream come true. I’m super grateful. I had to take time on Saturday to sit down and be in the moment. It’s because life can be moving so fast that you don’t have time to soak it all in. I’m just above the moon right now. I can’t even put into words how I feel right now because this is something I have wanted to do all my life.

Hayslett (continued): I moved to Atlanta in 2009 and it took ten years for it to come true. 2019 was when we first started filming Sistas, and to see where I started to where I am now. I couldn’t have written my story any better. 

Cox: I just think you make Fatima pop as a character on the show. She has a dedicated fan base.

Hayslett: When I tell you Michael that Fatima’s fan base is ride or die. Any character that has a problem with Fatima the fans let their dislike of that character be known online. I have to go online sometimes and let them know I like this person in real life. People do not play about Fatima, and I’m super grateful for everyone who supports me. 

Cox: What can we expect to see and learn about Fatima in Zatima?

Hayslett: You get to see a more vulnerable side of Fatima. You get to see her family and friends. After you get to learn more about her family dynamics it will validate a lot of why Fatima is who she is and acts the way she does. But you still get to see OG Fatima who is loyal and doesn’t play. And she loves her Zack.

Cox: What’s the difference for you now being the lead character on your own show?

Hayslett: The workload is bigger and heavier, which is the biggest difference. On Sistas, it’s an ensemble cast so the work load is spread out. It’s more tedious now that the show revolves around me and Devale. 

Halysett (continued.): Also, the visibility is different too. I’m on the billboard for Sistas, but when you see the Zatima billboard it’s just me and Devale. Now, people recognize me when I go places. People are like Fatima, Fatima (laughs). It’s so funny and it’s an adjustment for me. 

Cox: I want to talk about your journey. Tell me what kept you going for ten years.

Halysett: I have always been like this as a child. If there is something I have my mind set on and it’s in my heart there is nothing anyone could do to stop me. I didn’t care what it was. This was a dream that was put into me at a very young age. 

Halysett (continued.): After college, I worked on Capitol Hill for a few years. Then I moved to Atlanta and hit the ground running with music. I was trying to get my foot in the door with acting. There were a lot of closed doors and no one was giving me opportunities. But there were a few who saw something in me and believed in it. So, it makes me more appreciative of this moment because I had to work for it and pay my dues. 

Cox: You never gave up, what advice would you give to others who might feel like their time may never come or might be ready to give up?

Halysett: I would tell them if you have a dream and there is something you want to do you can’t be afraid of starting back from the bottom to build up. I was at a place in my life where I was good and financially stable. I decided that I had been playing it safe and that I was finally going to go after what I wanted.

Halysett( continued): But this meant I had to start all the way over. I started with an entry-level position as a Production Assistant when I went to Atlanta. I was getting coffee for everyone, making them copies, putting scripts together, and doing anything that the designers and supervisors needed done. I did all of this because I knew it was important to be around what I wanted to do. 
Halysett( continued): I feel that anytime you have a goal or dream you should try to work within that area so that you can become a student of that game. But always make sure to keep true to your standards, respect yourself and demand that same respect.