Angelene Ronique shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Angelene, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Many people secretly struggle with feelings of inadequacy but seldom voice these concerns. We often underestimate our own power, worth, impact, and most importantly, our unique gifts. In a modern world dominated by social media and the significance of followings, we constantly find ourselves in a cycle of comparison. Unfortunately, this comparison can lead to the feeling of “not being good enough.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fashion designer who believes that fashion is more than just style—it is a powerful statement of identity. It is a language that speaks volumes to anyone willing to listen. Fashion is far more than clothing; it can be used to communicate a message or serve as a catalyst for revolution. It is art. It is expansive. It is passionate—and I love every moment of it.
The industry should get its surfboards ready because I plan on making waves.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father, an entrepreneur, instilled in me the strong work ethic I possess today. He taught me the importance of always giving my best and fully committing to everything I do. He emphasized the need to provide exceptional service to clients and to let your work speak for itself. My father instilled in me the principles of integrity and excellence in business. Every project I complete and every client I work with carries the footprint of his strong work ethic.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Although people often fear failure, what held me back the most was actually the fear of success. It’s comfortable to be seen as the “struggling artist” or the unknown creative. But what happens when the spotlight is on you? How do you handle fame? Are you strong enough to embrace greatness while remaining humble? Can you endure being under constant scrutiny, judged and criticized for every move you make? These were some of the questions that paralyzed my progress. I was truly afraid of being seen, recognized, and known, fearing that success would expose the insecurities I had buried deep within as an artist.
I hesitated to emerge from my inconspicuous existence because I believed the world taught that perfection was a requirement for success, and I knew I didn’t measure up. However, one day I decided to own my imperfections, embrace my insecurities, and boldly accept being seen. I began to welcome criticism and allowed it to sharpen me. I no longer feared the spotlight; instead, I let it burn away the illusion that I needed to be anything other than myself to achieve success.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The current public version of myself represents my true self, but that hasn’t always been the case. Before I fully embraced my authenticity, I felt compelled to create a performative character to navigate through society. I believed that strength was a badge of honor, when in reality, it was my vulnerability that demonstrated true strength. I thought that glam, makeup, and hair defined my beauty, but it was actually the sincerity of my spirit that made me shine. I crafted a flawless persona to handle my social interactions, yet it was my mistakes that truly made me relatable. Nowadays, people crave something real—something honest and genuine—and today, that is exactly what I choose to offer them.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people will tell when I am gone is a simple one: that I was an artist who inspired the world. I want my lasting legacy to be that I infused hope into the hearts of creatives, encouraging them to use their God-given talents to make the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angeleneronique.com
- Instagram: @angeleneronique
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ angelene-ronique
- Facebook: Textile Tuesdays with Angelene Ronique
- Youtube: A.R.M Network (Angelene Ronique Media )
Image Credits
Photographer: Trent Dang
