Meet Crystal Renee Hayslett: The Multi-faceted former production assistant turned actress and star of the new BET+ series, Zatima

Every now and then we are introduced to stars who have a non-traditional route to success. Meet Crystal Hayslett, former television and film costume designer turned producer and actress. She reminds us that our wildest dreams are possible with hard work, dedication and faith. As one of the stars and consulting producer of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, BET’s #1 scripted show Hayslett has now secured the bag even more with her latest spin-off show, Zatima that hit households this Fall.

Crystal, you are the real deal and play by your own rules. Tell our audience how a girl who worked in the United States Senate office on Capitol Hill (after college) transitions into having her own television show?

Crystal Renee: It’s important to know that before my story began, my family instilled faith and education in me. From the very beginning in my small Tennessee town I knew I was different and had the ability to make any dream a reality. I would often practice my award speeches in the mirror regarding the future I desired. Because education was so important after I completed college, I headed off to the beautiful area of D.C. for an internship that later turned into a job on “The Hill”. Fast forward, all I knew was that God was calling me to Atlanta. I called my mom with my D.C. house fully packed up to say, I was moving to Atlanta and the rest is history.

That first year I was challenged with so many obstacles I thought I was cursed. That turned around, after getting a job at an agency. Shortly after, I got the call to be production assistant at Tyler Perry Studios that quickly shifted into custom design for background actors and that turned into styling Tyler Perry himself (within the span of about 4 years). All the while (still) actively auditioning and asking God to direct my steps for the right opportunities. While styling was opening major doors, my heart was in acting. I would often study lines, self-tape and audition on lunch breaks as a stylist.

One day, Tyler stated he was creating a television show about black women called Sistas and wanted my perspective asking me to come on as a consulting producer. As if God wasn’t already blowing my mind he (Tyler) then asked to create a character for me, Fatima that had the ability to grow as far as I wanted to go (big or small) and here she is, a spin-off BET+ series, Zatima.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while being a production assistant (low level in the entertainment industry) that you carry with you today as a leading lady on the screen?

Crystal Renee: The most valuable lesson is to never forget where I come from. More than anything I must be rooted in the understanding that I was once in their positions (production assistant and customer designer) so I know what it’s like to take in all the different energies from everyone on set. I also carry with me that the people helping me have lives outside of work and that we’re all going through something. I am very cognizant that everyone is fighting their own fight and even in this moment the world does not revolve around Crystal.

The biggest takeaway I carry daily is that with kindness everything has the ability to go smoothly; which should ultimately be the common goal on set.

You star on a show that exposes all angles of sisterhood on BET’s Sistas. How does your character shine light on the realities of sisterhood and friendship? What do you hope people see in the character of Fatima?

Crystal Renee: I hope that in Fatima’s character people see a real person. A girl who is flawed, human and triggered by certain things (as the next woman). I hope they see the realities of a woman working through traumas and past situations; a ride-or-die chick even.
What I love most about Fatima’s character is that she is a “girls girl” that a lot of women can relate to. So many fans of the show praise Fatima’s character saying, “She’s my best friend in my head” and I love that because it means that she is relatable and in touch with our soul as women.

Let’s talk about the spin-off, Zatima with co-star Devale Ellis. Were you shocked or always open to the idea that your characters would have their own show? How do you hope the show can contribute to the concept of #BlackLove?

Crystal Renee: When I started reading the script for Season 2 of Sistas when Zach and Fatima first met, I said “where is this going I can’t see it”. Right around the time of Covid-19 the production paused and Devale and I had a little more time to develop the characters and saw where this could go. One day Devale spoke it saying, “You know we gon’ get our own show” and as we kept on I began to see it.

As we were shooting in Fatima’s apartment, Devale and I were running lines and Tyler walked into Fatima’s room and said “I like this” pointing to me and Devale. When it (Zatima) happened, I don’t think I was surprised because the fans vocally expressed how much they loved our on-screen chemistry.
What’s funny is we get compared to the characters of Martin and Gina often and it’s a compliment because these are shows that we grew up to and desired to mirror for such a long time. Unfortunately, in entertainment we have gotten away from the concept and idea of real love and traded it in for the relativity of toxicity. Above all, Devale and I wanted to bring that feel good black love on-screen so we put a strong emphasis on re-writing the narrative so that our fans could remember what real love is.

You are an active advocate and participant in youth education. With your busy schedule as an entertainer, why is it important to you to support youth education in your community by assisting them with homework and after-school activities?

Crystal Renee: It’s so beautiful. What I’ve learned from spending time with a lot of children is that they don’t really have anyone to talk to. Oftentimes their parents are hard working and focus on putting food on the tables of their families amongst other things that society gets a hold of our children (television, social media, etc).

For me, they don’t realize they bless me more than I bless them. Just being able to be there for them as an listening ear, a sounding board and more is so important. As young adults in the community we must make time to serve as a gap filler for parents who cannot because they have no choice but to work to provide for their families. That's the entire purpose of humanity and above all, the village.

A piece of advice for young women working in careers that do not bring them joy?

Crystal Renee: Find your passion, pray, and work towards making your dream tangible. Have an exit plan and strategy that includes a cushion. Sometimes you're not going to like what you need to do in order to place you where you need to go.

I was always taught to do everything in excellence and to honor every position you're in so that God will take you higher. Honor where you are.

Finish this sentence, my faith opens the door to…
Crystal Renee: my five-year-old self's wildest dreams.