Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Rivas.
Angelina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I feel like my story begins where many others do too-with bullying. I know its’ cliche but its the truth. All throughout elementary school, I was made fun of for my skin tone and the unevenly colored patches on my skin. My two front teeth were always a highlight of the mockery as well. This continued into middle school where I was bullied for being myself or not being friends with “the right people.”
I began to gain momentum and confidence when I started sticking up for myself and others. I had felt so alone for a long time, and one day I decided it was time for me to stop sulking and put myself out there. How did I do this? By talking to the other “outcasts” of the school and defending those who were in my same situation which subconsciously protected me from the harassment and made me quite popular.
I had newfound self-assurance and joined the dance, choir, and several sports teams. To put it simply, helping others helped me feel better about myself. It wasn’t until I turned 18 and moved out on my own that I actually considered/started modeling. I needed the extra cash and had been told throughout high school that I should give it a try.
I am now 22 and have decided it is once again time for me to help others feel better about themselves- focusing on those with disabilities. I am in the middle of planning non-profit events in both San Diego and Los Angeles which will be a full studio photo shoot/runway experience for those who signup. I’m thinking about calling it Designer Disabilities, but I’m not 100% on the name yet.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth at all. Trying to find a balance between school, work, gigs, and social life… it’s been hard. And now that I’m planning these events, I just added one more thing to my list to stress out about.
The hardest part about planning this event is finding locations and make-up artists willing to work for a non-profit event such as this. So if anyone reading this is interested and would like to take part, hit me up on Instagram (wsupimang) or bookwithangelina@gmail.com.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with WSUPIMANG (wuh-sup-im-anj) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I wouldn’t call what I’m doing a company per, BUT I would call it a project. This is all about helping those who feel left out from what is normally seen as beauty, feel beautiful.
I hope that those who participate in the event are able to leave feeling confident and happy about who they are and the walk of life they come from. What I would say sets this apart from anything else is the work that is going to be put in. There will be photographers, cinematographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, social-media influencers (to take part in photos with our guests) and if possible I would like to include a runway.
Of course, there will also be food and drink available. I would like to incorporate music but I want to see how sensitive the guests will be to loud noise and I also welcome anyone with a clothing brand or shop to come on down and let us shoot in their products.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
What I love best about San Diego are the beaches and nature. I’m a big outdoors(wo)man. I love to hike and swim in the ocean. Summer really is my favorite here. I also love all the content creators out here! There is such great stuff that comes from this city.
What I would say I like the least about this city is that I’ve met quite a few people who carry themselves as if they’re “too good” for others. Like there’s’ this hierarchy that needs to be followed, and I’m just not down with that vibe at all.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookwithangelina@gmail.com
- Instagram: wsupimang
Image Credit:
Ikaia Pal, Noble Ambiance Photography, Andrew Gutierrez, JP Casiano and Germaine David
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
