University of New Mexico alumna Cristal Everette and her husband recently unveiled their new small business, esQape it!, a unique gaming experience based on various escape rooms, an idea born from lessons she learned at UNM.
Everette graduated in 1996 with a bachelor of science in medical technology. She said her experiences at UNM helped with her role as a business owner and ultimately led her to an organized job that keeps her “on [her] game at all times”.
Everette said she understands that following a set goal, working together and planning are all key components to a successful business, but she said she also understands perseverance. She advised students aspiring for a career in business to be motivated.
“You’ve got to work hard. [Sometimes, young people] have a false sense of reality that things will fall into their laps,” she said.
Everette’s father is a first-generation Filipino immigrant, she said, and her mother worked on a farm for a large part of her life. Both are UNM alumni.
“They’re some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” she said.
While at UNM, Everette was the song leader and fundraising head of Alpha Chi Omega, which she said taught her organization skills. She said it also gave her the drive to get things done and planning skills to figure out how to achieve set goals.
Everette cited a class she took on interpersonal communication as being particulary helpful.
“I use what I learned daily,” she said. “Communication is for all ages, income levels, beliefs. It knows no boundaries. It should be a requirement for all degrees.”
Most games at esQape it! are designed for ages eight and up. Every room is family-oriented, but fit any occasion, Everette said.
Albuquerque resident Mark Reese said he visited esQape it! with his family, as part of the original game test group.
“[We] loved every minute of it; we all contributed to the game and all came away saying we can’t wait to see what they come up with next,” Reese said. “It’s great to have this kind of family-friendly activity in Albuquerque.”
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Everette said success at esQape it! involves hands-on work, observational skills, math problems and listening. Armed with scratch paper and evolving communication skills, guests work together to solve puzzles.
Everette and others watch each game while in-play and give hints on a monitor when necessary,
Everette said it was important that every team must find solutions with only the monitor as a form of electronics. She sees her escape rooms as a way of reconnecting with those on one’s team.
“We’re in a world where our thumbs do more communicating than our tongues,” she said.
As of now, Everette said she is excited for the future of her business, which includes plans to add a room designed for younger ages as well as wheelchair-accessible rooms, along with more New Mexico twists on games to celebrate the state’s history and a spy thriller-themed room called “DeepSky” within one to two months.
Anyone interested can visit esqapeit.com for details on prices.
Elizabeth Sanchez is a reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
