Christine Angelique shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Christine, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
I have two moments that come to mind. The first was at the goodbye party I threw before moving from Austin to DC. I had packed up and sold all of my furniture, so I invited all my Austin friends to a BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) party in my empty apartment. I had so much fun hanging with the friends who made Austin feel like home and seeing all my different friend groups collide and get along. We danced, we played party games, we caught up and randomly had a stand-up comedy session where friends did a quick comedy set just for fun. I had the best time and knew these were memories I’d cherish forever.
The second time was when my boyfriend and I went to this barcade in DC after recently being reunited from a year of long distance. We had SO much fun feeling like children again as we played arcade games, chess and 21 Questions. While enjoying a gorgeous rooftop view, we also discussed our plans to move to New York soon. I felt so happy and ready to start this new chapter together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! Hi everyone, my name is Christine Angelique and I am a multifaceted creative and storyteller. I work in several artistic mediums, including acting, filmmaking, songwriting and blogging. By day, I’m a freelance video editor and actor, and in my spare time, I love writing my own short films and making music. I also started a blog, ‘Better Moments,’ as a way to cope with my mother’s passing.
I’m a strong believer in the importance of equal representation in the stories and media we consume. I believe art is a great way to express oneself and to connect with others. I hope my art inspires, brings joy and helps educate others on all the different ways there are to be human.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I don’t think I have a specific moment, but growing up being an X-men and Star Trek fan has really shaped how I see the world. I grew up believing people’s differences aren’t something to be feared but rather something that makes us special. The X-Men taught me that at the core, we all want the same thing—to feel accepted, loved, and free to live the life we dreamed of. Star Trek taught me the importance of diversity, communication, and teamwork; Starfleet needed everyone with their unique talents to get the mission done. Growing up watching these shows taught me to value authenticity and diversity. It taught me resilience and the power of unity, harmony and peace.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Losing my mother two years ago has been the most defining wound of my life. Knowing she’ll no longer be part of my milestones and achievements opens another. Looking back on our memories together and desperately trying to keep them alive is another. I’m currently in the process of healing from these wounds—and I know I will be for the rest of my life.
However, I’ve found some tools that help. Writing a blog about my first year of grieving was very therapeutic. I also discovered that taking myself on self-love dates helped me heal and rediscover the joys of life. Connecting with friends, family, and my community has also been a great tool. It reminds me that I’m not alone. Lastly, talking to my mom helps—even though it usually ends in tears. I believe she’s in heaven watching over me, so I still feel close to her, even though she’s no longer physically here.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are several lies the film and television industry tells itself:
– People are expendable or easily replaceable
– Telling new stories or working with unknown talent is too risky
– The artistic side isn’t as important as the business side
– Audiences won’t relate to stories about diverse groups of people
You’ve probably noticed that lately, everything seems to be a reboot or a spin-off. I think it’s because Hollywood is playing it safe. The focus has shifted from caring about the art and telling good stories to prioritizing what sells and what will make the executives more money. This makes it seem like original ideas and fresh talent are too risky, and that diverse stories aren’t guaranteed to connect with audiences. It also feeds the fear that if you don’t follow the industry’s standard path, you’ll never make it.
I don’t believe any of that is true. We do need more diverse stories and fresh faces. There are so many different ways to become a successful actor or filmmaker today. You don’t have to follow one set course to make it. If we put the heart back into the industry and let the art flow freely again, I believe we’ll see some incredible new projects—ones that are just as successful, if not more so, than the “safe” ones.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely what I was born to do! My parents have always been supportive of all their children’s endeavors, so they never told me which path to take. I’ve always loved performing and filmmaking, and I feel blessed that I now get paid to do what I love. I also give myself the freedom to evolve and discover what truly inspires me. For example, I’ve always dreamed of being in movies, but recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for live performance and theatre. Now, I have every intention of pursuing theatre—and in a serendipitous turn of events, I just so happen to be moving to New York! I believe every person on this earth has a purpose. I think it’s our duty to find out what that is, and I’m doing just that.
Image Credits
Kate Hellenbeck, Gigi, Andy Berkovsky
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