A winding path back to her roots

Crystal grew up in Paso Robles, where gardens, orchards and farms were part of everyday life. She studied psychology out of curiosity, then found herself in business operations. A software company she helped run expanded to the United Kingdom and was acquired by its largest client, giving her firsthand exposure to acquisitions and corporate development.

Back in the United States, consulting offered flexibility as she raised her daughter as a single parent. Alongside that work, she pursued her interest in food and worked on educational projects for children and families. Further study in sustainable agriculture helped bring those interests into her professional life.

Finding a connection between development and agriculture

A surf-pool project in Texas became a turning point. While working on its business and development possibilities, Crystal saw agricultural zoning as an opportunity to incorporate an agrihood into the wider project. The idea brought together her experience with business planning and her enthusiasm for growing food.

She describes CCNG as the result of that combination. Her projects focus on small farms and agricultural experiences within communities, hospitality properties and other developments. Her role often means working with owners and executives to explain how an agricultural component can support the purpose of the property.

Start with what people will do there

Crystal begins by asking how a space will be used. A school garden might serve as an outdoor classroom. A hospitality garden might supply herbs and edible flowers while giving guests a tangible connection to the food or drinks they enjoy.

That focus shapes both the design and the business plan. She describes preparing operating procedures, financial projections and budgets, as well as overseeing installation. Creating an attractive garden is only part of the work; someone also needs a practical plan for staffing, maintenance and programming.

The right operator matters after installation

Crystal draws on a network of people with experience in regenerative agriculture to help clients find an operator. She wants the person maintaining a project to understand the methods and intentions behind it, with training and procedures to support the handoff.

She is candid about how much of her own work happens at a desk. Although the projects bring people closer to the land, building the business involves coordination, planning and relationships with other specialists. She describes working with complementary professionals rather than trying to perform every role herself.

A garden can be part of a larger experience

For schools, Crystal sees opportunities to connect growing food with science, mathematics and even entrepreneurship. For commercial properties, she considers how the garden fits the overall story and the experience visitors are meant to have.

She also discusses helping farmers explore agritourism as another potential source of revenue. The recurring business question is how a property’s existing strengths can support an experience people value, while remaining realistic about who will run it and the work involved.

Test the work before committing to the dream

When Jet asks what she would tell someone entering sustainable agriculture, Crystal suggests spending time working on a farm. The experience can reveal which tasks a person enjoys, which they do well and where they can add value.

Her own business has relied heavily on relationships and word of mouth. She points to chambers and community groups as places to participate and understand local needs. Her closing advice brings the conversation back to action close to home: learn what a community needs and find a useful way to contribute.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Crystal Hilsley?

Crystal is the founder of CCNG Developments, combining experience in operations and corporate development with her interest in sustainable agriculture.

What does CCNG Developments do?

In the episode, Crystal describes planning agricultural experiences and small farms for communities and properties, including business planning, installation oversight and operational preparation.

How can a garden fit into a hospitality business?

Crystal discusses growing selected ingredients, such as herbs or edible flowers, and making them part of the guest experience. The design depends on the property’s goals and available space.

What advice does she give aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs?

Spend time working on a farm, discover which responsibilities suit you and build relationships with people who have complementary expertise.