Daily Inspiration: Meet Angie Madama Ladabouche

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Madama Ladabouche.

Hi Angie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was inspired to initially form “Reach heART” in March 2020, when the pandemic began, that would offer art lessons for kids through Zoom that combine my passion for the arts and for mindfulness (I prefer to call it “presentfulness”). It was my intention to provide a safe space to create, physically and emotionally, in addition to supporting an outlet for social engagement, as well as to encourage a sense of connectedness–to think of and support others in our community through our art. My background stems from a degree in technical Theatre (Costume and Scene Design), the entertainment industry, my love for the arts, yoga, sports (both playing and coaching), and being a parent myself. I have a constant thirst for creativity and learning, particularly in the field of social and emotional development, neuroscience and the various ways we all can cultivate a practice of BEING present. I am now teaching both kids AND adults in one-on-one lessons, camps. After School Art Classes, Adult Art classes, and events that include birthdays, team building, friends and family gatherings and even scout meetings.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I could insert emojis instead of words to answer this, there would be about 50! It has been, and continues to be, a journey…I feel like I am doing what I am meant to be doing and that I am on my authentic path. Yet, there are many aspects to running a business that I have absolutely no clue about. For example, my business is all virtual and I am not the most tech-savvy individual (yet). At times, it can feel really overwhelming, which can interfere with the creative process. That’s when I have to fall back on the very things that I am trying to guide others through—being present with what’s here, holding space for all of the emotions that come with it, accepting it, and moving through it. Having an amazing support system of family and friends has made all of the difference!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
People might nutshell what I do by saying, “She teaches art to kids and adults on Zoom.” Personally, I would change the word “teach” to “guide” because I am not a master of anything. Yes, I guide kids and adults through art projects but it’s about SO much more than that. I think art is a powerful conduit to the best teacher we have—ourselves! When we are present and we feel safe, we can remember (or learn) how to tap into our creative nature, we are willing to take chances, to experiment, to be joyful, to be inspired and to inspire, and maybe, just maybe, even let go of expectations, let it all unfold the way it needs to and create something unimaginable! I love the Ram Dass quote that says, “We are all just walking each other home” because that’s all I aspire to do.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Just like the ancient story of “Maybe,” I don’t really like to think of something as good luck or bad luck, it just is. I can say, though, that if it were not for the pandemic, I don’t know if I would have founded Reach heART so “maybe”…

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.reachheart.com
• Instagram: reach1heart
• Facebook: REACH-HEART

Image Credits:
Jamee Palmer, photographer