Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ANGELA THOMAS SMITH. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
ANGELA, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence didn’t arrive all at once—it was rebuilt after surviving domestic violence, one brave step at a time. Jeremiah 29:11 anchored me. Meditating on “plans to prosper you… and give you hope and a future” reminded me I wasn’t broken beyond purpose.
What helped me grow:
Faith first: Daily prayer, scripture, and affirmations rooted in God’s promises.
Safe support: Therapy, survivor groups, and mentors who reflected my worth back to me.
Reclaiming my voice: Journaling, writing, and sharing my story turned pain into purpose.
Boundaries and safety: Saying no, choosing peace, and surrounding myself with life-giving people.
Small wins: Setting goals, celebrating progress, and practicing consistent self-care.
Serving others: Helping survivors heal strengthened my own belief that my life has meaning.
Confidence, for me, is the fruit of healing plus purpose. I survived, I healed, and I chose to believe God’s plan for my life is bigger than what tried to break me. If you’re rebuilding too, start with one step, one truth, one safe person—and keep going. You are worthy, and your future is real. If you need support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Angela Thomas Smith is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker known as the “Queen of Collaborations” and the “Queen Visionary” for her work in empowering authors, particularly from Black and Brown communities. She is the founder of several initiatives designed to support creative professionals in building their brands and sharing their stories.
Angela Thomas Smith’s career and mission
Empowering authors and entrepreneurs: Through her media network and publishing ventures, Smith provides guidance on manuscript editing, book promotion, and building an “Authorpreneur” brand.
Focus on Black and Brown stories: She founded the African American Author Literacy Awareness Campaign (AAALAC) and Aspiring Authors Magazine to provide a voice for authors from underrepresented communities who may have been overlooked.
Encouraging collaboration: Known as the “Queen of Collaborations,” she promotes networking and community-building among creative professionals to help them achieve their dreams.
Business and nonprofit activities
Aspiring Authors Magazine and AAALAC: As CEO of Aspiring Authors Magazine and co-founder of the African American Author Literacy Awareness Campaign, she hosts workshops and events to educate, empower, and encourage writers.
DA Crew Podcast & Media Network: This platform showcases the voices of eight “Queen Divas,” who share their stories and expertise to inspire others.
Life Coaching: In addition to her media ventures, Smith works as a certified life coach and consultant to help clients discover their purpose and achieve their potential.
Philanthropic work: She is involved in various community organizations, with past volunteer experience in social services and poverty alleviation.
Her personal journey
Smith has spoken about her own resilience, drawing from past experiences with poverty and domestic violence to fuel her mission of helping others succeed. She defines her success by the positive impact she has on individuals, watching them exceed their own expectations.
What makes my work special
Survivor-led and purpose-driven: My journey from victim to survivor to hero guides everything I do.
Access and equity: I demystify publishing for first-time and underrepresented authors.
Collaboration over competition: I believe we rise together—through co-authored projects, anthologies, and shared stages.
From story to impact: It’s not just about a book; it’s about healing, legacy, and community transformation.
Who I serve
Emerging and established Black and Brown authors
Survivors ready to share their stories
Faith and community leaders, educators, and youth programs
Anyone who believes their voice can change lives
What’s new and what’s next
New author collaborations and anthology projects opening for submissions
Expanded coaching cohorts for self-publishing and book-to-brand strategy
More multimedia programming that spotlights indie authors and survivor voices
Speaking and partnership opportunities during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond
Call to action
Authors and survivors: Ready to tell your story? Let’s build it, publish it, and share it with the world.
Organizations and media: Book me to speak, partner on literacy and survivor initiatives, or feature our authors.
Connect with me
www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations
www.angelathomassmithbooks.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three forces behind my journey—and how to build them yourself
Looking back on my path from survivor to purpose-driven leader, three forces did the heavy lifting: collaboration, community, and media influence. Together, they turned a personal story into programs, partnerships, and platforms that help others heal and lead. Here’s what mattered—and how you can develop these strengths early.
Collaboration: multiplying impact through partnership Why it mattered: Collaboration turned ideas into movements. Partners brought skills, reach, and credibility I didn’t have alone—accelerating timelines and deepening impact.
How to build it:
Clarify your value: Write a one-line promise of who you serve and the result you deliver.
Map your ecosystem: Identify 20–25 potential partners—organizations, creators, schools, faith groups, and media with shared values.
Lead with a win-win: Propose co-created events, anthologies, trainings, or cross-promotions that help them meet their goals too.
Make it clear: Use simple agreements for roles, timelines, deliverables, and revenue/IP.
Communicate consistently: Weekly check-ins and shared dashboards keep everyone aligned.
2. Community: the engine that sustains momentum
Why it mattered:
Community provided safety, accountability, and belonging. It’s where stories become shared learning, and shared learning becomes change.
How to build it:
Listen first: Host listening sessions, surveys, and office hours to learn real needs before building.
Create safe spaces: Set clear guidelines, consent practices, and confidentiality—especially for sensitive stories.
Show up on rhythm: A weekly newsletter or live session builds trust and habit.
Elevate members: Feature peer spotlights, invite co-facilitators, and form an advisory circle.
Prioritize access: Offer captions, replays, flexible pricing, and multiple ways to participate.
3. Media influence: shaping narratives that serve people
Why it mattered:
Media amplified the mission—educating the public, opening doors to partnerships, and making help easier to find.
How to build it:
Define message pillars: Three themes you return to (e.g., survivor advocacy, literacy/authorhood, collaboration and community uplift).
Craft a signature story: Share facts with care, pair truth with tools, and end with a clear call to action.
Build a press kit: Short bio, photos, talking points, past features, contact info.
Use an omni-channel approach: Publish weekly on your own platforms, pitch local media/podcasts monthly, and cross-promote with partners.
Repurpose smart: Turn one talk into clips, quotes, a blog, a newsletter, and a media pitch.
A simple 90-day starter plan
Week 1–2: Write your value statement; define three message pillars; draft a one-page press kit.
Week 3–4: Map 25 partners; schedule five intro calls; host one listening session with your audience.
Month 2: Launch a weekly live or newsletter; secure three collaborations; pitch five podcasts or local outlets.
Month 3: Host a community event or co-authored project; publish one signature long-form piece; review metrics and refine.
Ongoing: Track what works (opens, shares, inquiries, attendance) and double down.
Final advice
Start small, stay consistent—momentum beats perfection.
Lead with service and clear boundaries—your wellbeing is the foundation.
Document and share your process—when you teach what works, your impact compounds.
These three strengths—collaboration, community, and media influence—can turn any mission into a movement. Begin with what you have, invite others in, and keep your message clear and compassionate.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes—I’m always looking to collaborate.
Who I’m seeking
Survivor-led orgs, shelters, and advocacy coalitions
Authors, poets, illustrators, and editors (especially first-time and underrepresented voices)
Educators, librarians, youth programs, and universities
Faith and community leaders
Therapists, counselors, and trauma-informed practitioners
Media partners: podcasters, radio/TV producers, journalists, and bloggers
Brands, sponsors, and foundations with CSR/DEI and literacy or survivor initiatives
Event hosts, conferences, and city agencies
Ways we can partner
Co-authored anthologies and Write-to-HEAL workshops
Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaigns and survivor spotlights
Book-to-brand coaching cohorts and publishing intensives
School, church, and community literacy programs
Live conversations, podcast series, and media features
Resource creation: journals, curricula, and toolkits
Book drives, scholarships, and citywide H.E.A.L. events
What I bring
Survivor-centered, trauma-informed programming
Publishing and media infrastructure to amplify voices
Community-building and collaboration design
Clear goals, metrics, and storytelling with impact
What I ask
Shared values: safety, consent, equity, and integrity
Clarity on roles, timelines, and budget/resources
Mutual promotion and measurable outcomes
How to connect
Start here: www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations
Learn more: www.angelathomassmithbooks.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelathomassmithboioks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelaqueenofcollaboration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenofCollaborations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/founderofaspiringauthorsmagazine/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AAALACAuthors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dacrewpodcastmedianetwork
- Other: https://www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
