Meet Angela Sulai Kaeser

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Sulai Kaeser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angela Sulai, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Though I had to build a lot of resilience from a young age, as brown skinned girl in a white family and country, it was a long journey to learning how to navigate life and work as the only one in the room that looks like me, that was healthy and not based on unsustainable coping mechanisms. There were two parts that played a role in this evolution. One was looking for more diverse communities and environments. Which was one of the reasons I moved to the US. The other part was the work I had to do within myself to learn how to create trust and safety for myself and the acceptance that its a loosing battle trying to fit in, where I had no chance to fit in but only stand out. And as a more introverted person I didn’t feel like I wanted to stand out, so I just focused on standing in my truth, standing up for myself and leave spaces where I’m not welcome. At the end of the day it’s also the realisation that most people in some way and form experienced the feeling of not fitting in. So if everyone is trying to fit in, what are they trying to fit in? Insecurity can look ugly when projected on to others and it’s not my problem to solve for them, I take myself out of it. And the more you stand in your own truth, you will attract like-minded people, in work and life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Beauty inside and out is probably the connecting thread in the different paths I’m walking.
As a Make-up artist in the print world, I don’t only contribute to creating beautiful images, I also hold space and help
women that sit in my chair to feel beautiful, confident and empowered. Which then ties into my work as a Reiki & Somatic healer, where I hold space especially for women of color, to go deeper and support them in building safety, trust and healing within themselves to then go out into the world and create and be who they are meant and desire to be. With mindfulness, meditation, energy, creation and beauty all being important parts of my world. I’ve found a creative and therapeutic outlet for myself in ceramics and have started creating and selling unique handbuilt ceramics and sculptures to bring beauty and good energy into people’s physical spaces. I have just launched my first batch of my ‘sacred moments’ multipurpose candle bowl which includes a refillable pearled candle and is now available to purchase. I’m as well working on creating a collection of Reiki infused female buddha sculptures which represents compassion and wisdom. Sofar these were only available ‘made to order’, so I’m looking forward to have these come alive in the near future and bring light to people’s home and zen spaces.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Passion and willpower are key to sustain the journey as a creative and/or entrepreneur. Love for your craft alone will not be enough to endure the times when it gets challenging. I think the willpower is what helped me to keep going.

Professionalism and reliability. Just because you love what you do, you still have to treat it as a business if you want to make a living as an Artist/Creative/Entrepreneur. It’s important how you show up and how you deliver not only on the job, but also in your communication, negotiation, marketing and all the parts that are part of running a business.

Kindness. I have it in my signature, it’s free, sprinkle that stuff everywhere. It’s so much more fun and rewarding to work with (or buy from) kind people. Kindness goes a long way.

And as a final word of advice, stay curious and open to continue to learn.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

It was not one person, but it’s been many many incredible humans that have contributed, supported and came along the ride. It is a constant co-creation. Building genuine connections with peers, clients, co-workers and leaders is imperative and has gifted me not only with great work opportunities but also many beautiful long-lasting friendships. It takes a village…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.angelakaeser.com www.angelasulai.com
• Instagram: @angelasulaikaeser @sulai_ceramics

Image Credits

Image 6: Sally Montana
Image 7: David Malana