Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystle Starr
Hi Krystle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been building with LEGO since I was a kid. My parents used LEGO sets as a reward for good grades, which sparked my love for creativity and problem-solving. As I grew older, I turned that passion into a career by teaching LEGO classes. It was this experience that helped me get selected for Season One of LEGO Masters, where I made it halfway through the competition.
Just as the show was airing in 2020, the world shut down—and so did my body. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was told I would never smile again. This news was especially tough as a cosplay model, TV personality, and role model for kids. But I wasn’t about to give up. Through resilience, hard work, and the amazing team at Mayo Clinic, not only did I reclaim my smile, but I went on to win two LEGO Masters trophies.
During my recovery, I went back to the brick and found peace in building. It was a therapeutic outlet that helped me through one of the most challenging times of my life.
Now, I travel the USA with my LEGO Masters partner, Michelle Brooks, and together we bring building classes and interactive activities to events everywhere. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been teaching LEGO Therapy to adults and children with different abilities. Helping people use LEGO to build confidence, improve communication, and enhance creativity has been incredibly fulfilling.
My journey has been one of overcoming adversity, embracing creativity, and achieving dreams I never thought possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s part of what makes the journey so meaningful. The biggest challenge I faced was being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 2020, just as LEGO Masters was airing. I was told I would never smile again, which was devastating, especially considering my career as a model and TV personality. The hardest part was learning how rare the tumor was—only three people a year get the type I had. It was growing on my 5th facial nerve, paralyzing the left side of my face, and only two doctors in the country have successfully removed tumors like mine without fully paralyzing one’s face. The odds were not in my favor.
But I refused to let that be the end of my story. The emotional and physical toll of surgery, along with the uncertainty of recovery, was incredibly difficult. My face and neck look very different today because I was misdiagnosed for so long. My smile will never look the way it did before the tumor, but I CAN SMILE, and that means the world to me. Once I found Mayo Clinic and learned about its rich history of faith, I was at ease. I relaxed and put my life into their hands. Through resilience, hard work, and the amazing team at Mayo, I not only reclaimed my smile, but I went on to win two LEGO Masters trophies—both nationally and internationally!
Another struggle was dealing with the isolation of the pandemic. While the world was shutting down, I was also dealing with my own personal shutdown. It was a time of reflection, but also a time when I found peace in building with LEGO again, which helped me through my recovery.
And through it all, I’ve faced the challenge of balancing my many passions—LEGO, cosplay, teaching, and being a role model—while navigating personal hardships. But each struggle has made me stronger and more determined to live my life with purpose and creativity. It’s been a journey of resilience and finding light even in the darkest times.
The struggles have shaped who I am today and have made my achievements even sweeter. I love the word “BEACON” and use it in my daily self-affirmations, as it represents the light and guidance I strive for in both my life and my work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a creative at heart, with a passion for building, problem-solving, and inspiring others. My work revolves around LEGO—whether I’m building intricate designs, teaching others to create with bricks, or bringing LEGO to life at events. I specialize in LEGO therapy, where I help people of all ages and abilities use LEGO as a tool for personal growth, communication, and creativity. I’m known for my work on LEGO Masters, where I went on to win two trophies, both nationally and internationally, alongside my incredible partners, Michelle Brooks and actor Rob Riggle.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine my love for LEGO with a deeper purpose. I use my platform and experiences to help others build not just with bricks but with confidence, creativity, and resilience. I’m also a cosplay model, which allows me to express my creativity in different ways, blending my love for LEGO with the art of transformation and storytelling.
I’m most proud of my journey through adversity—specifically reclaiming my smile after a rare brain tumor diagnosis. This journey has shaped me in ways that go beyond my work with LEGO. It has taught me to find peace in creativity, embrace challenges, and remain focused on the light ahead, no matter the obstacles.
I also pride myself on being a role model, particularly for those who may be facing their own challenges. Whether it’s through teaching, building, or simply sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to overcome their obstacles and tap into their own creative potential.
What sets me apart is my resilience, my passion for using creativity as a tool for healing, and my ability to connect with others in a meaningful way. I’m not just about building with LEGO—I’m about building community, confidence, and a brighter future, one brick at a time. I also have a growing community on Twitch, where I engage with fans, share my creative process, and connect with others who share my love for LEGO and gaming.
In addition, I’m passionate about giving back through charity work and community outreach. I regularly collaborate with organizations to help raise awareness and support causes that are important to me. Whether it’s through building events, fundraisers, or volunteering, I strive to use my platform for positive impact, encouraging others to join me in making a difference.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve found several things that help me do my best in life. One of my most fulfilling experiences has been running a book club with almost 50 women each month. These connections fill my social tank and support the sense of girl power and community.
I also listen to Morning and Evening Meditations by Louise Hay every day. Her work has been transformative for me in ways I can’t even fully express. You can find much of her material for free on YouTube, which has been a great resource for daily mindfulness.
To manage my social media use, I try to limit myself to an hour a day, and I use parental locks to help keep me on track. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in staying present and not getting lost in the digital world.
Staying active is important to me as well. I aim to exercise five days a week, and I find extra motivation from watching Monday Night RAW—the wrestlers’ physiques are seriously inspiring! I never miss it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BricktoBond.com
- Instagram: KrystleStarrX
- Facebook: KrystleStarrX
- Twitter: KrystleStarrX
- Youtube: KrystleStarr
