A Florida woman says she paid Christal Clear Designs six figures to renovate her home, but the company never showed up.

Jack WolfMarch 16, 2023

HOUSTON — A Florida woman speaks out, claiming she paid Christal Clear Designs six figures for interior design work, but the company never came to her home.

“They were supposed to do repairs, but they didn’t even show up. Nobody ever came and I never got any furniture. Nothing has been done. This has been going on since 2020,” Toyescha Smarr said.

In the past two weeks, we’ve told you about five other victims who had the same problem at an interior design firm.

Several former employees also spoke out.

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The Pearlands paid the famed interior designer thousands of dollars for a custom-made bed and say they never received the furniture.

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Here’s what we’ve learned so far

– The owners, Octavia and Jesse Crystal, did not return our emails and phone calls.

– The Secretary of State forcibly dissolved the business last year.

– The company’s warehouse on Old Cathy Road was locked up due to non-payment of rent, and Web site does not work any more.

KPRC’s ReShel Turner spoke to the Better Business Bureau, who say it’s important to do your homework and research a company before giving them any money.

The BBB says you can search the internet for a business and see if anything comes up that could be a red flag. A victim in Florida feels like a target.

“My name is Toyesha Smarr and I paid $105,000 to Christal Clear Designs,” Smarr said.

Smarr Face Timed Turner from his home in Tampa, Florida. She says she contacted Christal Clear Designs after seeing their work on social media.

“I found them on Instagram and a couple of my followers actually asked them to design their property, so I did a little research and felt very comfortable moving forward,” she said.

Smarr says the company has provided her with a detailed invoice with the cost of each project. She even selected furniture and various items for her home.

“I start giving them deposits, $5,000 here… $20,000 here… not right away, everything was still going well,” she said.

Smarr shared copies of her receipts showing she sent $43,300 in additional payments to Christal Clear Designs; $15,000; $9716; and 5000 dollars.

“I knew it was a change when I gave them the last payment in 2022. The conversations and all then stopped,” said Smarr.

“We recommend that you pay less than a third up front. Basically, it’s like the rule of thirds: no more than a third up front, and then as the work progresses, you can pay the next third, and then pay the last third only after the work is completed,” said Lia Napoliello.

Napoliello of the Better Business Bureau advises never to pay the full amount up front and ask for references. The agency has not received any complaints or feedback about Christal Clear Designs but says it’s important to investigate before investing.

“Especially for a huge costly job. So, take the time to look them up online. See what you can find. Look at the BBB to see if we have complaints or reviews, read them and see what other customers have said,” said Napoliello.

The BBB says you can file a complaint or feedback by submitting information in writing. They will send it to the business or contractor. If the BBB does not receive a response, they will issue a report showing that they are not responding to complaints.

As for Smurr, she works with her to try and get her money bank. She also plans to go to court.

The Better Business Bureau says it’s important to have a reliable and trusted contractor when hiring.