We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angelica Bongiorno. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angelica below.
Hi Angelica , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care has become a cornerstone of my life, especially as a mom of school-aged kids and with the milestone of turning 50. For me, self-care is about ensuring I have wellness across all five areas—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial health. I practice Pilates four days a week, which I’ve been dedicated to for the past two years. It’s my physical reset and helps keep my body strong and resilient.
I also prioritize supplements, regular massage and facial treatments, and a solid skincare routine—all things that help me feel my best and bring a bit of peace to my day. I check in with my doctor annually to stay proactive about my health, so I can catch anything early that I wasn’t able to prevent. Spiritually, I’ve recently enjoyed a Bible Study, which has been enriching for my soul, and I keep up with my DIY crafting hobby, which is a creative outlet that brings me joy and relaxation.
Through these practices, I aim to maintain balance in every area of wellness. My midlife mission is to stay strong, steady, and prepared for whatever lies ahead. Self-care isn’t just about looking or feeling good—it’s about having the vitality to be fully present in life and to be there for my family, now and in the future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Beauty Veteran and Midlife Wellness Mentor, I’m passionate about empowering women in midlife to be the best version of themselves. With over 25 years in the beauty industry—leading teams and guiding thousands to success—I had the privilege of helping grow multi-million dollar brands across the country for Nordstrom. Through this experience, I learned not only the intricacies of makeup, skincare and wellness but also the importance of confidence, self-care, and embracing each stage of life. Now, I focus on helping midlife women redefine beauty and wellness on their own terms, sharing insights, strategies, and encouragement for finding balance, joy, and self-confidence.
Recently, I felt inspired to expand my impact by consulting with nonprofits and small businesses on their social media strategies. What started with one nonprofit client quickly turned into a fulfilling passion, as I saw the difference that thoughtful marketing could make for mission-driven organizations and emerging brands. Through this work, I’m able to support these organizations’ growth, spread awareness, and help them reach more people who can benefit from their services.
Whether I’m mentoring midlife women on beauty and wellness or strategizing social media for a nonprofit, my goal is to uplift, empower, and create real value. It’s an exciting time, as I continue to expand my consulting services and bring even more resources and insights to midlife women seeking wellness, confidence, and empowerment.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been pivotal: resilience, a genuine focus on relationships, and an openness to lifelong learning. Each of these has shaped my career and life in unique ways.
1. Resilience: Resilience is, in many ways, my middle name. Life has tested me deeply—through personal loss, unexpected challenges, and difficult relationships. I became a mom later in life, faced the struggles of a marriage almost ending, and experienced the profound grief of losing both of my parents in heartbreaking ways. These moments shaped me, teaching me to find strength and purpose even in the hardest times. Professionally, resilience showed up in my ability to adapt, lead, and grow despite pressures and setbacks. For anyone starting out, I’d say embrace each challenge as a part of your journey. Stay grounded in your “why,” and trust that every step, even the hard ones, builds a strength and perspective that are invaluable.
2. Building Meaningful Relationships: Relationships have been one of the most impactful aspects of my journey, both personally and professionally. Motherhood taught me the value of deep connections, from the bond with my children to the support of other moms and a wider network that helped me through challenging times. Nurturing these relationships, whether with family or friends, is essential—it’s our personal connections that ground us, bring joy, and help us grow. In my professional life, I’ve found that collaborating with like-minded people can open doors and inspire new perspectives. My advice? Invest in your relationships and build a community around you. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you—those bonds are the foundation that carries you through every stage of life.
3. Embracing Lifelong Learning: Staying curious and open to learning has been essential in both my personal and professional life. Leaving a long-standing career to start anew required a mindset of growth, adaptability, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve learned so much from my kids, who remind me to see the world with fresh eyes, and from the challenges life has brought my way, which have taught me to keep evolving and finding strength in the unknown. In my professional journey, continuous learning has been key to staying relevant and adding real value to the people I work with. My advice? Don’t be afraid to embrace change or admit when you don’t have all the answers. Keep seeking new experiences, invest in your growth, and stay open to all life has to teach you. That’s how we keep moving forward and thriving.
In sum, resilience, real relationships, and lifelong learning have been the cornerstones of my journey, and I believe they’re valuable for anyone, at any stage. These qualities have kept my work meaningful, my relationships genuine, and my sense of purpose alive.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a few key strategies that ground and recharge me. First, I try to pause and take a few moments for deep breathing or a short walk outside to clear my head. This gives me a chance to reset and check in with myself. Regular practices like Pilates help too, as they keep me feeling balanced and connected to my body, which is essential when life gets chaotic. I also rely on a strong support system, reaching out to my close friends, family, or even trusted mentors when I need advice or just someone to listen.
My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to give yourself permission to take breaks and prioritize self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes of stillness. Find a few practices that bring you peace—whether it’s movement, journaling, or meditation—and make them a regular part of your routine. Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on others. We don’t have to handle everything alone.
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