Angelica Vallecillo Goncalves shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Angelica, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me—when it’s just me—usually starts around 6:00 a.m., even on weekends. It just happens naturally since I’m used to waking up at 4:30 a.m. for work (yes, it’s early!). I get myself ready and start the laundry—definitely not my favorite task, but at least it gets done. It’s always that one missing sock that keeps me on my toes (haha!).
Once the laundry’s going, I start thinking about where I want to have breakfast or which coffee shop I’ll explore that day. Once I pick a spot, I head over, enjoy the moment, and take time to reflect. I’ve come to enjoy eating alone; it’s nice to savor a meal at my own pace without any rush.
After breakfast, I head home and finish the laundry—still hoping all the socks made it through. Once that’s done, I usually tackle a to-do list, which often involves my small business. I visit my store locations, prep inventory, and go over reports to see what needs adjusting or what new items need to be ordered.
Later in the day, I start thinking about dinner plans—sometimes it’s with my mom, other times with friends. I try to make the most of the evening and just enjoy the slower pace, especially since life can get pretty chaotic.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Angelica — award-winning podcaster of A Little Bit of Everything With Me, Dream Builder Award Winner by Universal Women’s Network, owner of All Very Good, and a full-time career woman in construction, working as a Health and Safety Coordinator. I’m also a speaker, ambassador for the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe, and a proud single mom to a child with autism.
People often call me a serial entrepreneur and a woman of all trades. Growing up with a learning disability, I was told I would never succeed. My options felt limited, and for a long time, I believed success wasn’t in the cards for me. But with the support and encouragement of my parents, I began to discover my strengths and explore what I truly enjoyed.
I’m excited for what’s next — because let’s be honest, I’m just getting started!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my dad has always been one I deeply reflect on — mostly because I see so much of myself in him. We’re incredibly alike: driven by purpose, determined to achieve results, unafraid to take risks, and always open to trying something new.
My dad had a difficult upbringing. He was raised by his aunt and constantly sought out opportunities, taking risks along the way. He wasn’t a scholar, but he was naturally gifted when it came to building, fixing, and creating with his hands. I relate to him in so many ways — especially in my struggles with school. Learning that I had a learning disability was hard to accept, but he always remained positive and never let me give up.
He was an entrepreneur, worked in construction as a carpenter, was a mechanic, and always helped those around him. In many ways, I feel like I’m continuing his legacy — living out the dreams he may not have had the chance to fully realize, through my own journey in life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s going to be okay. I want to tell my younger self—and anyone who needs to hear this—that it will truly be okay! When I finally accepted my learning disability in 2017, I realized something powerful: every “struggle” was actually a small victory, and what I once believed were “failures” were really opportunities to grow, learn, and become stronger. Life isn’t easy; it’s filled with challenges. But every challenge is a chance to rise, and every risk is a step forward. Remember this: you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that’s foundational in my life is that struggle doesn’t mean failure—it often means growth. When I accepted my learning disability in 2017, I began to see that what I once called setbacks were really stepping stones that made me stronger. As a single mom and entrepreneur, I live by another quiet truth: resilience is built in small, consistent choices. I don’t always say it out loud, but I deeply believe that I can create the life I want, even when the odds feel stacked against me. To me, challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to prove to myself that I can rise, again and again.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want my story to be one of resilience—that I faced challenges head-on and never let them break me. That I turned struggles into opportunities, that I built a business from the ground up, and raised my child with love and courage. I hope people remember me as someone who showed that no matter your circumstances, you can rise, build, and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/angelicavg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlebitofeverythingwithme
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-vallecillo-5a6328190/
- Twitter: https://x.com/angelicavallec1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alittlebitofeverythingwithme
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
