We recently had the chance to connect with Angelic Pinera Toledo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelic, 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 something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What is something outside of work that brings me the greatest joy is experiencing “first-time” moments with my mom and my 3-year-old niece. On one hand, I have a mother who, as a teen mom with limited resources, didn’t get to experience many of life’s fun or special moments. On the other, I get to watch my niece; my sister’s daughter, be a little version of us all over again.
Coming from a home full of girls, I feel completely fulfilled and in love with every moment we share together-my mom, my sisters, and my niece our bond is something truly special. Watching my mom become a grandmother for the first time is truly heartwarming. The way she adores her “mini her” fills me with so much pride and happiness.
Growing up, my mom was a workaholic who sacrificed so much to provide for her daughters. Now, seeing her enjoy a life that’s full, carefree, and joyful feels like the greatest gift. I feel rich in love and gratitude to be part of such a beautiful, kind, and warm family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Angelic, and I’m a professional hair and makeup artist based in Florida and beyond. I’m a proud graduate of the renowned AVEDA Institute in Winter Park, FL, class of 2013. Long before becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I dedicated my youth — starting at just 12 years old; to making others feel like the best version of themselves. Whether through words of affirmation, enhancing natural beauty, or simply passing on a little confidence from my energy to theirs, I’ve always known exactly where my passion comes from.
My story is a one-of-a-kind journey that began with a deep desire to show my community how beautiful they truly are — inside and out. Growing up in one of the rougher parts of Orlando, I noticed that what many people around me were missing wasn’t talent or potential, but confidence. The one thing I’ve always believed no one can take away from you. Seeing that inspired my mission: to ensure that anyone who sits in my chair leaves feeling empowered, confident, and free from insecurities; truly seeing their own beauty for what it is.
My brand is rooted in self-love, honor, dignity, respect, and kindness — values that stand tall in a world often filled with criticism, comparison, and unrealistic standards. I’ve spent what feels like a lifetime pouring into my community, not just through beauty, but through my kind heart, energy, and purpose.
For me, hair and makeup go far beyond the surface. It’s about helping someone see themselves differently, lifting one another up, and creating an experience they’ll carry and talk about for years to come. I’m forever grateful for every client who’s trusted me on their journey, their support has fueled my dream, and each one holds a special place in my heart.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory I have of truly feeling powerful was when I booked one of my very first professional events; one that wasn’t with friends or family. My client was a young woman who had been in a serious car accident that left her face scarred. Our consultation took place over the phone, and I never asked for photos beforehand. She later explained that she hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt and that part of her face had been pressed against the windshield.
When she arrived, I didn’t focus on her scars for a single moment. Instead, I wanted to know her, her personality, dreams, her interests. I complimented her along the way, pointing out how truly beautiful she was. She really was stunning. Midway through the session, she began to cry. She didn’t need to say a word; I could feel what she was thinking, that she no longer felt worthy of beauty. I gently hugged her and said, “This doesn’t define you. God made you perfect, and you hold the key to finding yourself again.,your super power is that no one is you!”
She later told me she hadn’t felt beautiful since the day she woke up after the accident, and that people often avoided eye contact or pointed out the worst parts of her healing journey. But when I revealed her final look, her hair and makeup complete ;she began to cry tears of joy. She said, “You’ve given me back a glimpse of who I used to be, and that doesn’t have a price. Your energy and your work today uplifted me in a way you can’t even imagine.”
We both cried together in that moment. She’s since undergone treatments that have helped transform her skin back to what it once was, and to this day, she proudly refers clients to me. I’ll never forget her- it’s impossible.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could; that your greatest enemy, obstacle, and source of strength can all exist within you.
I learned that the mind controls everything: your thoughts, your dreams, and the actions that shape your reality. “Mind over matter” became more than a saying-it became my way of life.
No words or actions from others can define who you are when you remain disciplined, determined, loyal, honest, humble, and respectful. The energy you put into your thoughts, words, and feelings is powerful; it can either build you or break you.
So choose alignment. Choose love. Be true to yourself in every season, and never allow negativity to consume your beautiful soul. Trust in you, bet in you, show up for you and watch the magic happen!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My two closest best friends from middle school and my other beautiful amigas; -would say that what truly matters to me is love, compassion, authenticity, faith in God, humility, courage and loyalty.
We met in the 6th grade when we were just 12 years old, and they’ve seen my entire journey up close: from a silly, courageous, and artistic teen to a young woman finding her way in her twenties, and now, growing together through our early thirties.
They’ve witnessed the highs, the struggles, and the transformation of who I am today, so much so that they could probably write a mini book about my life. I hold them both so dearly to my heart because, besides my family, they’ve been the duo that believed in me the most. My cheerleaders for nearly 20 years, they’ve trusted me not only with all their beauty needs long before I was even licensed but have also been my greatest support system, the kind every girl dreams of having. Truly blessed with the warmest genuine family, friends and clients.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions-what would remain?
A genuine woman with a warm, loving, and nurturing spirit; a presence that makes others feel safe, seen, loved, and cared for. My essence & soul would remain in the way I embrace, the way I love, and the way my energy fills a room with light.
Even if I lost it all, my laughter would still echo, my words would still carry power, and my songs would still bring peace and harmony. My heart would live on ;courageous, compassionate, and endlessly kind. Always choosing love over bitterness, and faith over fear.
What would remain is a soul that gives without measure, an intentional love that never fades, and an energy that lingers, strong, gentle, and eternal long after I am gone.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Brand photography by : @bennyreneecreates @bennyreneestudios + @joinbetter.space
@carolinairaisphoto
@aliciaifillsphoto
@terrieimages
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
