Meet Niki Saint Angelo | Multi Media Artist, Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Niki Saint Angelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Niki, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a very large role in my life and career. I quit my corporate job in 2019 to start my own business and that alone was a huge risk for me. The thing is, the universe has shown me on multiple occasions that it rewards risk – especially an aligned move towards authenticity.
I’ve let go of contracts that paid handsomely, but were not feeding me on a personal, soulful level, I swear, each time within the same day, I will receive an opportunity for something more aligned.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Honestly, for me – quitting my 9-5 job was truly the most empowering (and scary) thing I’ve ever done, and it immediately catapulted me into my art, and the importance of my community.

Community is everything. Leaning into creativity and empathy has opened my heart, my connections, and collaborations to levels I didn’t know were possible. I am so grateful for the creative community, and the support we have for each other.

The humans I’ve had the honour of collaborating with challenge me. My technical skills. My way of thinking. They push me into the uncomfortable. I thrive on solving problems and working without boundaries (or sometimes, within them) – it’s so beautiful to explore ideas, concepts and create unique one-of-a-kind pieces for clients. Collaboration means growth to me.

There have been a few topics/lessons that have been bubbling up lately within my community. One of them is sharing information openly. You know, those taboo subjects that are not typically discussed, like how to invoice, should you charge a deposit? If so, how much? How much do you charge for this service? etc. Having a safe, open place to talk about these things, and really, truly, help each other out has been integral to unlocking my creative growth and process. I am a firm believer that we need to raise each other up. Another conversation I’ve been having lately is around letting go. To deeply understand that if something is meant for you, it will find you no matter what. This goes hand in hand with learning to say no to projects that are not aligned. (and YES, it’s very difficult to do – I still struggle with this).

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:

1. Jump in the vintage mercedes convertible and heading to Malibu for the day. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway or drive through the canyons. We have to see the superbloom because it’s so magical and looks like an ethereal dream.

2. Coffee before we head out at blue bottle.

3. Malibu Farm for lunch on the Pier

4. After that, hit the Getty Villa and walk through the space – it’s controversial bc he stole a lot of art (LOL) but its so beautiful and the gardens!!!! OMG

5. SUNSET at El Matadar State Beach. Literally MERMAIDS live there.

The following day, we’d head to Silverlake

1. Get COFFEE: La Colombe – sit and chill in the back area or in the little alcove out front and people watch

2. go extra early to beat the line up at get Courage bagels.

3. Lunch at Botanika

4. Walk around, do a little vintage shopping in Echo Park

5. Little Wine Break at Tilda

6. Dinner at Found Oyster

OTHER CUTIE SPOTS | Culver City

1. Destroyer – super good for Brunch with the most beautiful tableware <3

2. Pilates at Solid Core

Santa Monica

1. BLUEY’S. A bit of a hassle to get a table, you order up front then have to grab your own table and its usually v busy but so worth it. The sweet potato/avo pancakes are so so good.

2. Saturday – Venice Flea Market

3. Walk to Venice Beach and check out the skateboarders

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for my community, who supported me during this time, and the brands that hired me when I was first starting out. They will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Website: www.niki-saint.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikisaint

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikistangelo/