Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Choe Zielinski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angela Choe, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Growing up, I always felt like my mind was moving at the speed of light. Bursting with energy and creativity, I saw the world through a lens that was vibrant and full of possibility. But as a child with high-functioning ADHD, I quickly learned that this unique way of thinking came with its own set of challenges. In school, I absorbed information effortlessly, but often in ways that didn’t align with traditional methods. My brain processed things differently—and sometimes too quickly—which left me feeling out of sync with the structured learning environment around me.
Focusing was another hurdle. If a task wasn’t interesting or exciting, I would resist it with every fiber of my being. Procrastination became an almost constant companion, and my own perfectionism didn’t help. I had an “all or nothing” mindset that often made tasks feel insurmountable if I couldn’t complete them perfectly. This inner struggle sometimes left me paralyzed, unsure of how to move forward.
But those very traits that seemed like obstacles in my early years have turned out to be some of my greatest assets. My ADHD has played a pivotal role in my success as a model, actress, and creative artist. The way my mind processes information so quickly has allowed me to adapt to fast-changing situations without getting overwhelmed. My boundless creativity has helped me conceptualize vivid stories and visions that bring my work to life. I see my ADHD not as a limitation but as the secret ingredient that makes my artistry uniquely my own.
Overcoming procrastination and maintaining focus required me to create a system that worked with my brain, not against it. I developed routines that include periods of intense focus, balanced with short, rejuvenating breaks. Whether it’s yoga, mobility work, a brisk walk, or even a quick dance session, moving my body helps reset my brain and keep me energized. These moments of physical activity prevent me from feeling overwhelmed by long stretches of work and make it easier to dive back into tasks with renewed clarity.
In a career where unpredictability is the norm, my critical thinking skills and adaptability have been invaluable. ADHD has taught me to embrace the unconventional, to pivot gracefully when plans change, and to thrive in dynamic environments. Instead of trying to fit into a mold, I’ve learned to carve my own path—a path that honors the way my brain works and celebrates the creative spark that ADHD brings into my life.
Through this journey, I’ve realized that progress, not perfection, is the goal. By silencing my inner critic and embracing my unique perspective, I’ve turned what once felt like challenges into the very strengths that fuel my success. ADHD may have shaped how I approach life, but it has also given me the tools to thrive in my career and beyond.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Growing up, I didn’t have the warmth or stability that many would call a happy childhood. Life was full of overwhelming obstacles that tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But those challenges carved resilience, strength, and an unshakable sense of compassion within me.
As someone with ADHD, I often felt misunderstood and stigmatized. I was unfairly labeled as “stupid” or “different,” and I endured relentless bullying. Coming from an immigrant family, with a heritage that is half Polish and half Korean, I stood out in ways that made me a target. Even within my own family, I often felt like I didn’t belong. My family had a hard time accepting us—we weren’t always invited to holidays or family events. On those days, I’d often find myself sitting in the car with my younger brother, doing my best to entertain him and make him feel like we belonged, even though he was too young to understand the weight of what was happening. Those moments of isolation taught me to be strong for both of us, even when I felt utterly invisible.
In my efforts to prove myself—to create something meaningful out of my life—I pushed myself to the brink. By 2017, I had driven myself so hard that my body nearly gave out completely. The experience was devastating, but it became a turning point. Healing from that near-death experience wasn’t easy; it took months of recovery, years of self-reflection, and an incredible amount of inner work. But through that journey, I came to understand the true value of life and the importance of honoring my own well-being.
The path to healing wasn’t linear, but it taught me lessons that I carry with me every day. I learned that life isn’t about chasing perfection or constantly seeking amazing moments. It’s about embracing the highs, the lows, and even the mundane—because it’s in those moments that we truly grow. The struggles I’ve faced didn’t define me; they shaped me into the person I am today. And for that, I’m profoundly grateful.
Today, I use my story as fuel for my creativity and as a reminder that resilience is a powerful force. Every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger and more determined to live authentically. My mission is to inspire others to find strength in their own journeys, to embrace who they are, and to keep pushing forward—even when life feels impossibly hard.
As I have grown into my career and passion as a model and actress I have began to see the fruits of my labor and along with that it’s almost as though it’s come full circle. Everything I had experienced has prepped me and helped all the way to this point! I am now working on expanding my modeling and growing to the international level. As an actress I will be acting in my very first movie role as well this year along with several other big projects as well! I wish i could speak about them but I am not allowed just yet.
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 on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today: resilience, adaptability, and self-compassion. Each of these has played a vital role in helping me navigate the challenges I’ve faced and turn them into opportunities for growth.
Resilience has been my anchor. Life hasn’t always been kind, but I’ve learned to get back up no matter how many times I’ve been knocked down. Resilience doesn’t mean being unaffected by hardship—it means allowing yourself to feel the weight of it, but still finding the strength to move forward. For anyone starting out, I would say: lean into your struggles and let them strengthen you. Don’t run from the hard times; face them head-on. Every challenge you overcome will add another layer to your strength.
Adaptability has been the key to thriving in environments where I often felt like I didn’t belong. Whether it was finding ways to entertain my brother in the car during family events or navigating a career that demands constant reinvention, adaptability has allowed me to pivot when plans fell apart. My advice? Embrace change. The more you can learn to flow with life’s unexpected twists, the less daunting they will feel. See change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to grow and discover new parts of yourself.
Self-compassion was the hardest lesson for me to learn, but it’s the one that has made the biggest difference. For years, I was my own worst critic, trapped in cycles of self-sabotage and perfectionism. It wasn’t until I learned to give myself grace—to see my worth even in moments of failure—that I truly began to thrive. For anyone early in their journey, I would say: be kind to yourself. Celebrate progress over perfection and remember that you are deserving of love and grace, even on your hardest days.
Each of these qualities took time to develop, and none came easily. But they have become the foundation of who I am and the work I do. If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone just starting their journey, it would be this: the path won’t always be easy, but the person you become along the way will make it all worthwhile.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has profoundly influenced my personal development is Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty. This book came into my life at a time when I was working through some of my toughest challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Jay’s insights on purpose, resilience, and mindfulness deeply resonated with me, not only because of their universal wisdom but also because they aligned so closely with the lessons I was learning through my own journey.
One of the most impactful takeaways for me was the idea of “detaching from external validation.” Growing up feeling like I didn’t belong—whether in school, family, or broader society—left me constantly seeking approval and recognition. Jay’s philosophy helped me understand that true worth comes from within, not from the opinions of others. This realization was liberating and helped me focus on building a life centered on my own values and passions.
Another nugget of wisdom that resonated was the concept of “finding stillness.” In a world where I often felt overwhelmed by my ADHD and the pace of life, the idea of embracing quiet moments of reflection was revolutionary. Learning to find clarity amidst chaos gave me the tools to reset, focus, and approach life with a calmer, more intentional mindset.
Finally, Jay’s emphasis on service and giving back reminded me of the strength and compassion I’ve cultivated through my hardships. His belief that we grow by helping others inspired me to see my struggles as a way to connect with and uplift those around me. It reframed my narrative, turning pain into purpose.
Think Like a Monk didn’t just offer me a new perspective—it gave me a toolkit for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, gratitude, and grace. I carry its wisdom with me every day, using it to guide not only my personal growth but also the way I approach my work and relationships. For anyone feeling lost or searching for a deeper sense of self, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelachoeartistry.kavyar.site/
- Instagram: Angelachoeartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558053688681
Image Credits
1. Photographer: Sean Jones
Hair and Makeup: Audree Meacham
2. Photographer: Daniella Blagoeva
3. Photographer: Lloyd Farris
Stylist: Dae Thomas
Hair: Thomas Kenefick
Makeup: Kayla Whitehead
4. Photographer: Scott Tucker
5. Photographer: Sean Jones
Makeup: Kayla Whitehead
6. Photographer: Lloyd Farris
Makeup: Kayla Whitehead
7. Other Model: Torres Ingraham
Photographer: Lloyd Farris
Hair & Makeup: Kayla Whitehead
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