Meet Catherine Angiel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Catherine Angiel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience stems from my upbringing and the challenges I faced early on. Growing up in a low-income household as a young lesbian, musician, and artist, I often felt like the odds were stacked against me. By the time I was 16, I was working to support my passion for drumming, all while balancing school, art, and music. It wasn’t easy, but it instilled in me the importance of persistence and optimism.

One of the most challenging periods of my life was when I decided to break into the jewelry design world. I wanted to combine my love for art with jewelry, but at the time, the industry wasn’t welcoming to women designers. I had to take minimum-wage jobs in factories, absorbing every bit of knowledge I could. Despite the obstacles, I never let go of my vision, and I pushed forward, knowing that there was a place for me in this world of creativity.

These experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficulties, but about finding ways to adapt, learn, and grow, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. That mindset has shaped who I am today—someone unafraid to pursue bold dreams, challenge norms, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacle

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a jewelry designer and artist, my work revolves around creating pieces that tell a story. Each piece I craft is not just an accessory; it’s a representation of my journey and the experiences that have shaped me. I draw inspiration from my life’s experiences and the challenges I’ve faced—infusing those narratives into my designs.
What excites me most about my jewelry design is the ability to create something beautiful that resonates with people on a personal level. I strive to make my pieces inclusive and accessible, so everyone can find something that speaks to their individuality and story. I believe jewelry should empower the wearer, making them feel confident and connected to their own identity.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I would say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

Resilience: Life has thrown many challenges my way, and it’s my resilience that has allowed me to push through. I learned early on that setbacks are part of the process, and maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. My advice to those starting out is to embrace failures as opportunities for growth. Each challenge you face can teach you something valuable.

Creativity: As an artist and jewelry designer, creativity is at the core of what I do. It’s essential not only for producing work but also for problem-solving. My advice here is to nurture your creative instincts by exploring various forms of art and expression. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box—your unique perspective is what sets you apart.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been vital in my journey, especially in the ever-evolving fields of art and design. I learned to pivot when things didn’t go as planned, whether that meant finding new ways to market my work or adapting my designs based on feedback. I recommend that emerging artists stay open to new ideas and be willing to change course when necessary. This flexibility can open up unexpected opportunities.

For anyone early in their journey, my best advice is to stay true to yourself and your vision, while also being open to learning and growth. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek out mentors, and never stop exploring new skills and techniques. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill a strong work ethic. Growing up in a low-income household, they faced numerous challenges, yet they consistently emphasized the importance of hard work and determination. Their example taught me that if you want something, you have to work hard for it and never give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catherineangiel.com/
• Instagram: catherineangiel