Meet Angel Guerra-Chagolla: Risk Director, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angel Guerra-Chagolla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I created Beauty & Beast in Business as a forum to amplify the voices of Businesswomen across the country. It is important to discuss topics that we are facing and assist with shining the light on Intersectional women who are creating successful careers. The digital publication is the perfect forum for sharing information, providing educational tips & tools as well as provide space for business to advertise to a new market while creating the “Know, Like, Trust” factor. Many industries who depend on in-person events such as conferences and networking opportunities are failing to grow into new markets or meet potential clients. I want B&BB Publication to give them a beautifully designed platform. Sharing their services or products with other like minded and motivated Businesswomen across the US, will allow us all to try new brands and show up in an affordable way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

While I am currently a Hybrid (full time employee and full time entrepreneur), I believe that my experience from each has helped me create Beauty & Beast in Business LLC. A career in Risk Management allows me to coach others in Risk Navigation and forecasting. Understanding what risks are, how to weigh out options and forecast multiple options in decision making is a skill which can launch a person’s career forward and assist with our lives as well. Prior to COVID I held in person educational events for Businesswomen in the Insurance industry, which were wonderful in creating community and support systems. No different than most other entrepreneurs, I was faced with the barrier of the pandemic. After much thought, I decided to pivot into the digital world and launch a quarterly digital publication that would bring the knowledge and community from my in person events, into a forum that was accessible to all at any convenient time.

The idea came to me in October 2020 and the first edition “Girl Talk with a Business Edge” launched New Years Day 2021. The mission is to amplify voices of Businesswomen across the US (and hopefully world) while discussing topics that we face daily and adding in a bit of beauty to the pages. We can read about career navigation, health, barriers and the wins of other women in the safety of our homes. In addition, the publication gives small business owners an affordable place to advertise their services or products. B&BB is built on four principles : Empower, Advocate, Educate and Connect. With these building blocks, inspired and motivated women can come together to support one another through providing empowering stories, advocating for equality/equity/inclusion while virtual networking.

The more we show up for each other and within the publication, the more others get to know us, hopefully like us and trust us. We are #BetterTogether In addition to the publication, I will be launching online courses for professionals just starting their careers. While we learn the basics in High School and create an expertise in college, what most of us do not get is the “How To” courses on things that are extremely important in career and life. How do we Self Brand so that current and potential employers are interested in promoting/hiring us? How do we overcome fear of networking and learn how to create our own opportunities that lead to upward mobility within our careers? There are even discussion about self advocating for the pay or benefits we deserve or dressing for the board room, which are not included in the years of school we complete. I am very excited about the upcoming launch of these courses!! My life’s mission is to provide others the necessary tools to empower themselves and take control of their futures.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to Temecula for winery tour and tasting. We would stay a few days at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. They have a wonderful dining experience at The Vineyard Rose! I recommend the filet mignon, the vineyard rose salad and of course you need to end the meal with the baked apple crostata. The rooms are spacious with a very cute view of the vineyard right outside your back door. The next day we would visit Wilson Creek to enjoy the variety of bubbly wines such as Peach Mimosa and Almond, just to name a few. Moving on to the Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Vineyard. This beautiful open space overlooks the vineyard with a sunset to die for. They also have a superb ceviche that rivals any other you may have tasted delicious roasted chicken over risotto. Of course the winery has a wonderful selection and adorable shop. We would take a drive to Dana Point and splurge at the Oceanfront Haceinda (I have always wanted to stay here) and enjoy the beachfront view. We end the week in Downtown Riverside at The Mission Inn which is a local gem. A spa day with pampering and then a stroll around the area to visit the museums, boutiques and definitely stop into a few of the eateries for appetizers. Some recommendations are ProAbition, The Salted Pig (the pork belly is a must try) and some authentic mexican food at The Taco Station.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success definitely includes inspiration from others. My grandmother is still my SHero! I watched her work 3 jobs through her 60s and two jobs through her 70s. This little powerhouse (all 4’7″ of her) worked full time with the County of San Bernardino until she turned 89. This instilled a work ethic and dedication that I have today. I have also been extremely lucky to meet people who openly shared tips and guidance with me. Each have a special place in my heart and I feel that it is my duty to give the same kindness and that has been given to me.

Currently I work with an amazing women, Megan Hodge, who is the CEO of Cultiver, a Business Coach for Diversity & Inclusion as well as career mentor. When we reach a certain spot in our careers, it is sometimes difficult to find other women who have the same passion or interest in being a guiding light. I’m fortunate to count Megan a friend. As I am a self proclaimed book nerd, there are so many to choose from when I think of great ones that left an impact, but one of my favorites is The Go-Giver. I have gifted it to a number of High School students and Businesswomen alike. The premise is that when we conduct business with integrity and the mission to create a positive impact in the world, we build relationships built on kindness and they proceed to create partnerships or collaborations that are beneficial to all. Like a stone tossed in a pond, you create a ripple effect that produces positive business culture far beyond your reach.

Website: www.beautyandbeastinbusiness.com

Instagram: @Beautyandbeastinbusiness

Linkedin: Angel Guerra-Chagolla

Facebook: @Beautyandbeastinbusiness

Youtube: Angel Guerra Chagolla

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