We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie Hughes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In my journey, I’ve learned a crucial lesson: risk is an unavoidable part of life. Initially, I viewed risk as a gateway to potential negative outcomes and believed that playing it safe was the key to avoiding adversity. This mindset was rooted in my fear of the unknown and a comfort in familiarity.

However, my perspective shifted dramatically as I faced a personal crisis that mirrored a professional turning point. My hair, which I had always straightened with harsh treatments and chemicals, began to fall out, leaving me at a crossroads. I was faced with a choice: continue with my damaging routine, risking further hair loss, or venture into the unknown by embracing my natural, curly hair. This decision was daunting; I had no idea what my natural hair would look like or how it would be received. Yet, I realized that remaining static was the riskiest decision I could make. Embracing change was not just about my hair; it was about unlocking my full potential.

This leap into the unknown turned out to be one of the most transformative decisions of my life. Embracing my natural hair led to a newfound self-confidence and became the catalyst for Wepa Beauty. It taught me that sometimes the greatest risk lies in not taking one. Through this personal experience, I learned that embracing risk can lead to discovering and pursuing life’s passions.

Now, I view risk through a different lens. It’s not just about the potential downsides of action but also the risks of inaction. The real danger often lies in complacency and failing to progress. Embracing risk, despite its fears and uncertainties, has propelled me toward growth, achievement, and fulfillment. It’s understanding that risk and opportunity are two sides of the same coin, and navigating this landscape is an essential part of success.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting Wepa Beauty was born from a key moment in my life when I decided to turn things around. My self-confidence was low, and I had neglected self-care. But when I started to focus on nurturing myself, especially my hair, I experienced a significant personal evolution. This journey wasn’t just about rejuvenation; it led to a profound personal growth that inspired the creation of Wepa Beauty, aiming to inspire others on their paths of self-discovery and wellness.

At the heart of Wepa Beauty, we thrive on witnessing the positive changes our philosophy and products bring to our community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals flourish and embrace joy, exceeding what they thought possible. This is where we see the value of self-care as more than a routine; it’s an enriching path of personal growth, full of excitement and self-discovery.

Our products, including a range of haircare and body essentials, along with our empowering workshops, embody this philosophy. Each product is more than just an item for self-care; it’s a gateway to vibrant, exotic experiences. Drawing inspiration from lively and colorful locales, we use natural ingredients and unique names to make daily self-care an invigorating adventure. At Wepa Beauty, we’re about infusing your routine with joy, excitement, and that extraordinary touch, helping everyone to discover and embrace the best version of themselves!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Culinary Exploration in Little Ethiopia – We’ll start with lunch at Messob Ethiopian Restaurant, indulging in authentic dishes. We’ll opt for the combo plate to try a bit of everything.

Day 2: Beach Day in Malibu – Nothing says California like a day at the beach. We’ll soak up the sun or maybe try a bit of paddleboarding!

Day 3: Road Trip Adventure – We’ll take off on a mini road trip to a nearby national park, either Death Valley or Joshua Tree. These parks offer a nice contrast to city life.

Day 4: Taco Trucks – No visit to LA is complete without visiting a taco truck. We’ll hit up Leo’s Tacos for some of the best tacos and Mexican food!

Day 5: Tap Into Our Artistic Side – A day of culture awaits at the Getty, where we’ll explore art collections and stroll through the hilltop gardens.

Day 6: Wellness and Relaxation – We’ll dive into the wellness scene with a rejuvenating Sunday morning yoga session in the park, led by WalkGood, or spend the day at one of the local spas for ultimate relaxation.

Day 7: Hiking in Santa Monica – To round off the week, we’ll take an easy but scenic hike to Inspiration Point in Santa Monica. A perfect way to end our amazing week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success has been crafted from various sources of guidance and support, but a key source of that guidance has been the resources offered by the public library. As a child with limited resources, my library card opened up a universe of knowledge and possibility. It wasn’t just about books; it was about unlocking wisdom and potential, teaching me that with the right knowledge, any path can be forged.

During challenging times in my adult life, inspirational audiobooks from the library were my beacon, guiding me towards brighter prospects. These resources weren’t just mentors in print and sound; they were a constant source of encouragement and hope.

My journey, from a curious young reader to where I stand today, reflects the transformative power of support and accessible knowledge. I’m deeply thankful for the role public libraries have played, not just in my life but as vital pillars in the community, offering gateways to personal growth and empowerment.

Website: www.wepabeauty.com

Instagram: curl.culture

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-hughes-231322183/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WepaBeauty

Image Credits
Emily Flynn Daniel

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