About
Launched in 2012 Crystal Media is THE resource for local businesses that want to drive traffic and grow their profits using social media and digital marketing tools.
Crystal Media training programs will teach you where to start to support your business goals, how to grow your reach, what to post to get maximum exposure and engagement, how to consistently get in front of digital consumers, how to create loyal fans and customers, how to track social media success and much more. Beyond speaking at conferences across the world, Crystal Media also supports local businesses through:
- Online training courses
- Crystal Media Insider Community: A private, exclusive group of local businesses
- In-Person Workshops
- Facebook and Instagram Ad Management
- Local Listing Management called Get Listed
Crystal Media is headquartered in sunny Carlsbad, California. See Crystal Media founder Crystal Vilkaitis in action by hiring her to speak at your next event or conference. Click here to learn more about our Speaking services. Click here to read client testimonials.
Meet the team!
We know social media can be confusing, especially since it’s changing all the time. And if you didn’t grow up with this technology, or you don’t have much experience, things that might seem simple can feel impossible.
That’s why with Crystal Media you’ll get access to a team to support you and help save you time and frustration. You’ll also quickly notice this team will become one of your biggest cheerleaders. There’s nothing more exciting to us when our Crystal Media members are succeeding, whether overcoming fears of marketing online and putting themselves out there or see sales from social media. We’re your support team and cheering section, and we believe in you.
Crystal Vilkaitis, Founder, Speaker
Crystal is the go-to source for social media training for local businesses, having spoken to thousands on making the most of their social presence, email marketing, and mobile marketing tactics. Crystal has been in the social media industry since 2007 and has taken her educational seminars across the globe, speaking to businesses all over the U.S. and in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Mexico.
In 2012, Crystal created Crystal Media, a consulting company and done-for-you agency and launched an educational membership site called Crystal Media Insiders. She wanted to alleviate local business owner's frustrations and confusion of online marketing through an enjoyable and fun experience, giving them practical and proven strategies. She has created a community of passionate, smart and hard-working local business owners (and their social media person/team) who invest in themselves and in their business, who understand they need to adapt to stay competitive.
CRYSTAL HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
- Fast Company
- Where Women Create Business
- Independent We Stand
- Retailer Now
- Specialty Retail Report
- Gift Shop Magazine
- Giftbeat
- Southern Jewelry News
- Smart Retailer
- Residential Lighting
- Floral Management
- Several boutique industry blogs!
Crystal’s from Loveland Colorado but has lived in sunny Southern California since 2010, and says she’ll never leave unless it’s to go to New York City 
. Crystal loves karaoke, dancing, game nights, her puppies Barry and Florence and red wine 
.
Pauline Blasetti, COO
As Crystal Media’s revered Integrator, Pauline has worked in every role of the business and been instrumental to the company’s growth and evolution. With key attributes of mental acuity, organization skills, and orientation toward process and structure, this wine-and-pizza-loving leader is particularly passionate about problem-solving for clients, prioritizing team and its growing needs, and pivoting seamlessly in the ever-changing world of social.
Pauline’s proven track record of high-level strategic planning and management is supported by her years of background in:
- Day-to-day operations (everything from accounting to human resources)
- Goal-focused sales success
- Store and district expansion
- Inter-departmental partnerships
- Financial analysis and streamlining procedures for efficiency
- Team development and mentorship
- Creating a customer-centric culture
As CM’s COO, Pauline gets to exercise her leadership strengths for this constantly flourishing company—that is, when she’s not out bike riding in her Carlsbad, CA neighborhood, composting, hosting dinner parties, and spending time with her boyfriend.
Pauline truly roots for and champions the underdog. Partnered with her relatable style, it makes her the perfect fit for working with small businesses and independent retailers.
Jessica Austin, Retail Social Media Strategist and Ads Buyer
With extensive experience in PR, branding and social media, Jess brings over 10 years of knowledge of all-things-digital-marketing to her role as the FB and IG Ads Manager. With a knack for problem-solving and a passion for her clients' success, Jess builds ad campaigns that fit seamlessly with her retailers' marketing strategies. Nothing makes her happier than seeing traffic, sales and clients' smiles grow!
Born and raised in San Diego with a degree from UW in Seattle, she's a CA girl whose heart belongs in the mountains. She's an adventurous eater, self-proclaimed bibliophile, and globe trotter. You can find her looking for her next adventure or napping with her dog Sawyer.
Madeline Goode, Retail Social Media Strategist and Ads Buyer
As a Pittsburgh native, Facebook and Instagram Ads Manager Madeline excitedly joins the Crystal Media team in Carlsbad. Equipped with a University of Pittsburgh degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, a social media management background, and a flair for creativity, Madeline's longtime interest in the advertising world makes for a great fit with the Crystal Media team and mission.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream and bringing only a few important elements (including her boyfriend and cat), Madeline recently drove across the country to live in San Diego. When she's not enjoying the SoCal weather and delicious local tacos, you'll find her cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers every football Sunday.
Grecia Hernandez, Retail Social Media Strategist and Ads Buyer
This bilingual, East L.A. native prides herself in building strong human, trustworthy connections with her clients, but lets her 8 years of varied brand and industry experience speak for itself through online profitability, audience engagement, and capturing leads. With the lime green Mac desktop her dad bought her at age 14, Grecia's start online eventually parlayed into a Cal State Fullerton Communications & Advertising degree. As the mommy of two, she’s also almost certified as a slime master.
When forever-fan Grecia’s not at Disneyland parks (or planning for her next visit to the Happiest Place on Earth), chat her up about bears, beets, and Battlestar Galactica to put a smile on her face!
Joseph Molnar, Retail Social Media Strategist and Ads Buyer
With almost a decade in the industry, Joseph joins the Crystal Media team with experience serving a wide variety of companies. Although raised in a small town, Joseph has also embraced big-city living all over the country which allows this East Coast native to bring a wealth of background, relatability and knowledge to the team and his clients.
A passion for helping independent retailers and small businesses grow and flourish is just a part of what makes Joseph a great fit for Ads Management. He's always happy to help serve clients with a combination of his strategic approach and desire to create.
Steph Bechard, Digital Strategist and Community Manager
With her background in design and digital marketing for small businesses, Steph uses her experience to find creative solutions and results. Starting as an Insider herself, she now uses her knowledge of the company and conveys it into our brand image.
Living in Vancouver, Canada, Steph works remotely for Crystal Media as a designer, creative, and social media specialist. She is happy to help you brainstorm ideas for your social media, define your brand, or help you move past any creative block you may be having.
Steph is dedicated to creating during her work hours and after hours as well, as one of her favorite past times is designing. She also loves exploring the city, having friends over for a home cooked meal, shopping at local businesses, and trying out a new restaurant.
Robin Rodig, Copywriter
With over 20 years of corporate, retail-based operations experience, Robin has worn a multitude of professional hats- from marketing to management to merchandising. She made the decision to leave that world to follow her passion for travel, and the creation of her own travel blog, RobinGoesTo, blossomed from her creative writing and impressive photography. Having been featured in The Huffington Post, Havas PR, Solo Traveler, Little Passports, and local galleries and art shows to name a few, Robin loves what the power of words can do for others.
When she’s not seeking new, authentic experiences through planting herself abroad for a few months each year, Robin loves to smile by hanging with friends and family, enjoying a Padres game at the ballpark, watching Sunday football (psst, and anything in The Bachelor franchise), hunkering down on rainy/chilly days, and partaking in a good glass of wine.
Erick Sapalaran, Get Listed Manager
Currently living in the city of Bacoor, Erick is the hardest working team member native to the Philippines! His education in Business Administration from Polytechnic University of The Philippines and impressive management and supervisory roles in the customer service, e-commerce and International Project Management fields led him to a digital researcher position with Crystal Media. Erick’s penchant for learning, growing with the evolving needs of the company, and innate happy-to-help demeanor made him the perfect fit as our Get Listed Account Manager. Problem-solving, fixing things, and offering solutions for clients and co-workers is Erick’s jam!
Outside of work, you can catch this basketball/Lakers-loving fan absorbing the latest YouTube tech news, playing Hearthstone (an online card game), and enjoying every extra minute he can with his growing son.