Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Ray
Hi Angel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN by a driven family of entrepreneurs. My brand, Angel Ray, centers around the importance of writing and/or journaling to help cope with anxiety and depression – particularly postpartum depression. At age 16, I wrote and self-published my first book entitled Some Parents Just Don’t Understand, Book 1 under the pin name Angel Ray – short for Angelica Renee’ (my middle name) – which contains four short stories about teens and traumatizing childhood events unconsciously caused by their parents/guardians. At age 18, I wrote and published book two which contained eight stories centered around the same issues. At age 20, my partner at the time and I welcomed my son into the world. We were unmarried college students, still living with our parents in Memphis, TN and had no real strategy for parenthood. After splitting from said partner and experiencing postpartum depression for two years, I went back to my old habit of journaling which turned into a transparent blog series: A is for Anxiety. The series dives deep into the thoughts and feelings of a young, black, single mother raising her son while simultaneously raising herself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course my journey has not been easy, but what I’ve learned is that even though my path isn’t straight, the journey is always beautiful. I’m still growing and learning to navigate this life thing so I’m expecting more challenges along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My vivid imagination and eye for detail was noticed as young as kindergarten. My creativity and passion for storytelling grew over the years and has created many opportunities in the field of writing and marketing. My writing style can be described as bold and enthusiastic. Not only am I unafraid to address controversial and pressing issues, but I believe I do it with style.
I produced three benefit fashion shows in Memphis, TN from 2012 to 2014 entitled Lights, Camera, STRUT! Each year, a portion of the proceeds were donated to a non-profit youth organization in Memphis.
2012 – Memphis Family Shelter for battered women & children
2013 – MetamorPHASES, Inc., a mentoring program for at-risk young men in Memphis, TN
2014 – Arrow Academy of Excellence
I produced my 4th show, the Glow Getter Fashion & Awards Show, in 2022 in Holly Springs, MS to honor the 2-year anniversary of my self-care online boutique, Ray’s Glow Sugar, and to thank my brand ambassadors for their assistance in reaching the 2-year milestone. The models in the show wore clothing designed by local, black business owners. Most recently, I produced my 5th show, Glow Getter Fashion Show, in Holly Springs as well to celebrate 4-years of business for Ray’s Glow Sugar.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
All my life people have told me that “I do too much” or that I’m “too loud.” It used to make me want to dim my light, but once I realized the opportunities that I not only created for myself, but the opportunities that came my way from “doing too much” and being “too loud,” I vowed to always be true to myself. Through many leadership roles that I’ve held, I’ve been seen as a mentor and a role model to not only those younger than me, but my peers as well. I’m humble about the glow that beams from my aura because I work hard for everything I have and I want GOD to continue blessing me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theangelray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorangelray
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelray16/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raysglowsugar
- Other: https://raysglow.com
