More than me

Aside from currently being an on-air contributor for various networks, Zatopek just launched a new fashion jewelry line called Eleváre, which translates ‘to elevate or lift up’. Her desire is to unite people of faith through fashion, creating designs inspired from historic symbols and verses from The Bible.

Eleváre was founded by Angela after visiting Mashah Children’s Village near Jinja, Uganda.The village currently serves as a safe haven for widows and orphaned children rescued from sex trafficking and terrorist influence. Mashah Village is currently operated by Christian missionaries as a complete family community, where these children live, eat and receive education at ‘Eleváre School’ within the village walls.

She was so inspired by the work being done there to elevate these young children, she chose to use the name for her jewelry line with the spirit of “elevating” others through fashion. Today, proceeds are donated back to the village to continue funding daily operations and childcare. Through every purchase, this is making a difference in their lives and our world by helping break the cycle.

about angela

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Houston, Texas

WHAT LED YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU CURRENTLY DO?

I love the idea of being able to encourage and connect with others, which I feel can be done both through broadcasting and running a fashion jewelry line for women.    

IF YOU HAD ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR WOMEN, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Don’t take no for an answer. If one door closes, that doesn’t mean it isn’t your destiny. Just not at that particular time or opportunity. Keep pursuing your passions!

WHAT IS THE GREATEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?

Do everything you do with excellence and for the Lord.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND AS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A WOMAN NAVIGATING ALL THE ROLES WE PLAY?

The pressure to “have all the answers” at times has been a challenge. Are you married? When? Why not? What’s going on with your career? Do you want kids? I think women today can have conflicting traditional and modern standards they are held to, which is a journey navigating through different seasons of life.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE SUPERSTAR?

Carrie Underwood. I love her style, class and faith through all of her success.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM/VISION FOR WOMEN IN THE FUTURE?

I dream of a world where women and girls have the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential, live free from violence, and of course, live their dreams. That their purpose or sense of worth doesn’t come from a man, but from what Jesus says.

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST WOULD NOT KNOW?

I relieve my stress by going to hip hop dance classes weekly and love it!! It’s like hitting the club + cardio to bring out my inner DIVA to look at that week’s problems and say, “Not today!”

WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DOWN OR LOW ON MOTIVATION, WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND THAT HELPS YOU GET BACK UP AND KEEP RUNNING THE RACE?

When I am feeling down, I seriously just shut out the outside world and turn the cell phone off and go to God’s word. It is incredible how His words can jump off the page and into our lives when we let it.

WHAT GIVES YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE?

Understanding that God created all of us for a purpose, so continuing to pursue my passions and discover the purpose behind it all to glorify Him. He has a purpose for you too– so keep striving to unveil that and pursue your dreams!

HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED TO SCALE UP IN LIFE AND BUSINESS?

Make decisions wisely, but also do not wait too long to make them. It is so easy to get frozen in trying to discern “the right decision”. I believe in journaling and praying for your heart’s desires, listening to your gut, and running with decision with confidence!

SHARE WITH US YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT, ACHIEVEMENT OR SOMETHING THAT YOU DO WELL.

Launching my jewelry line was a big achievement after 2 years of behind the scenes planning! When my first design prototype came in from my manufacturer, I remember thinking to myself “Your dreams really can be your reality.” Cliché moment, but I think can be a good reminder to us all that anything is attainable if you just go for it.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH YOUR WORST CRITIC, YOURSELF?

Self-talk is huge. I think what we expose our eyes and minds to can drastically affect that. I am really intentional about safeguarding who I “follow” on social media, things I watch and who I spend time with. If I notice something isn’t feeding my soul and making me critical of myself, I try to change it asap.

HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE?

If it’s been a busy week and time to celebrate, I love to do spa days or girls nights!