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

Hi Angela, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I once heard a quote, “Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise,” and that has always stuck with me in all of my decision-making. I know if I try something and fail, it will just make me a stronger and wiser person. And to achieve all of my dreams, I have to step outside of my comfort zone. Writing my memoir “Chasing Black Butterflies” and sharing all of the sexual and physical abuse I went through as a child scares the s**t out of me. I know there are so many risks in coming out with a book that exposes all of my demons. Still, I’m willing to take that risk because I know there’s a greater purpose of helping others the way people have helped me by sharing their traumatic stories and how they managed to overcome all of their obstacles. I realized I couldn’t let my fears paralyze me from fulling my destiny. Everything I ever wanted in life was on the other side of fear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a child advocate through the CASA program, the CFO of a multi-million-dollar music company, the CEO of “Evoleros,” which is the hottest couple’s Sexercise Studio in Los Angeles, CA., and now I am the author of my memoir, “Chasing Black Butterflies.” And I was able to accomplish all of this without a college degree. Looking at me now, you would never have known that I had to go to hell and back to get to where I am today. I had to overcome obstacles that had destroyed so many others like me. At times I almost give up on life but hearing the testimonies of people who had gone through similar situations gave me the hope and strength to continue. Eventually, I found my purpose in life, to help others. I hope that sharing my story will help inspire people and let them know that no matter what they have done or been through, it’s never too late to transform your life from a caterpillar to a Black Butterfly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nothing in life gives me more peace than the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Beaches are the place I go to feel closer to GOD. I love going to the Paradise Cove and Moonshadows restaurant in Malibu, where you can eat good food and sip on drinks while on the beach. I also love Catalina Island. It’s a great romantic weekend getaway and makes you feel like you’re in a different part of the world. If you love wine, then you will love Malibu Wine Safari. A driver will lead the adventure on a custom-built open-air Safari vehicle. You’ll make stops along the way to take in the scenery, taste local wines, and get up close and personal with animals like zebras, water buffalo, alpacas, bison, and even Stanley the Giraffe – all just 30 minutes from LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dedicated to ALL my little Black Butterflies. You can either be two things in this world, a victim or a survivor. I chose to fly …

Website: www.ChasingBlackButterflies.com

Instagram: @ChasingBlackButterflies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingBlackButterflies

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfH1KUdiuIQ

Other: https://vimeo.com/480150447

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