Meet Angel Riveros | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angel Riveros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had two goals in mind since I discovered my drive and passion for design. One I wanted to create financial stability not just for my self, but for many friends and family that just like me, struggle going through life working as hard as possible but no getting any further in life. My second goal was more personal. By running my own bossiness, I had the possibility and freedom to create and share with the world, my very own interpretation of creativity, style and well living. By creating spaces with a soul, not just a price tag.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grow up on denial no just about my sexual orientation, but about my artistic skills and talent. Born and raised in Latin America, Art and Design careers are far away from being considered a path to a successful and stable life, and at the time, that’s all I dream of. I was very blessed that at the very young age of 19 after being obsesed for years with decoration and had perform countless “DIY” decor projects, (when that wasn’t even a thing). I had the realization thanks a mentor friend, that art and design were what I was made for. And it would be dumb from me, if I keep ignoring the skills I was born with and that I could train and improve on. And perhaps if I was “lucky” enough, I could make a living from it.

My journey (as many of you) it wasn’t easy. Finding resources to persuade any career for many Colombians is often a very difficult task. Now for me, in my condition, finding resources for Private Design education was just 100% unfeasible. Well, then it was time for me to prove my mom right, who constantly argued with me for no taking an unjustified “No you can’t” for an answer.
I made my mission from that moment, that I was going to perused that “unfeasible” dream as long as I had a beat in my heart and air in my lungs. In my mind, this could go either two ways: achieve my dreams, or failing while trying. I wouldn’t forgive myself, if I didn’t at least try.

It wasn’t easy to overcome the challenges that come my way, however is widely known that necessity is the mother of creativity and creativity is a must for a designer, following that thought I found that keeping this three things in mind, contribute to me overcoming even the most difficult challenges:
First, Stubbornness (disguise as Confidence) . From my perspective, I had a humble and honest dream, so If I worked hard, against pessimism and actively look for solutions to my problems the universe or God (if you believe in one), would reward my effort and show me the way to keep going.
Second, do not fear failure. This is an important part of growth. For disclaimer, I had my advantages, coming from a family with nothing, I lose my fear to failure, because I grow up surrounded by it. So I root my confidence even in the smallest victories and achievements, and use this as fuel for greater and bolder dreams.
Lastly but not less important, being kind and humble. I was able to learn, growth, mature and open the doors of opportunities by respecting, listening and appreciating everyone’s feedback, specially negative or constructive criticism. Believing in yourself is a given, acknowledging you are not perfect, and always can learn something new to be better is a real path for grater achievements.

The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout the years is that the moment I discovered design, it was like a quite voice that always live within me was finally free to speak up. Once I allowed that voice to be refined and heard, it gave me a special power, it gave me a purpose and it made me confident to have dreams and dare to achieve them. I realized that I wasn’t alone, that the limitations and necessities of many of my peers are not just related with their surroundings and conditions. Furthermore they are related with the lack of finding or responding to their call. I made my purpose along side doing what I love, creating spaces with soul and unconventional beauty, to motivate others to follow their dreams by sharing every piece of advice, experience and wisdom I’ve collected so far, and hopefully serve as an example that we all are capable of shaping our future. Limitations are just lessons along the way, and that we all can achieve a good, happy life powered by doing what we love and enjoy the most.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an optimistic, I often find beauty and happiness in the most common places. However if I want to impress my friends I would start the day by having my wonderful husband make a breakfast for us. Even thought I design gorgeous kitchens, I am not so great at cooking. My husband in the other hand love hosting and always makes a great impression with guest, he makes them feel welcome, care about and loved. With the fortunate side effect of making me look good by association.

Later we will drive to a lesser known, yet great view point of the Hollywood sign, at Lake Hollywood. They will have a chance to take some photos and officially began their visit to the City of Angels. The perfect weather would be great while we drive through the exotic and diverse city of WEHO to the historical and magnificent city of Beverly Hills. By the time we are done window shopping Rodeo Drive, we will be ready to enjoy an amazing feast at Urth Caffe. Luch, coffee and desert, will give us enough time to catch up, tell stories and catch up. Before it gets too late. We will pick up a few snacks and fresh drinks at Trader Joes, to later enjoy at Malibu and close the day with one of the most beautiful sunsets even seen.

Next Day would be a little more cultural, so we will charge batteries with an amazing breakfast at Porto’s Bakery, we will get there as early as possible to avoid lines of Porto’s Breakfast fans. I would recommend anything with Lechon and will pick a few Cheese Rolls to because (Why not) We will head to The Iconic Getty Center, to witness one of the most beautiful architectural / cultural treasures of Los Angeles, with one of the top rated views of the the city. We will have plenty of time to walk some of the exhibitions with famous art pieces. Than most had only seen in TV or magazines. We will have a chance to chill on the picking areas and enjoy a coffee and a light sandwich from their cafeteria. After such a cultural journey we must be tired so we will drive to one of my favorite restaurants for one of the best Mediterranean fusion food and drinks in town Santuari. This will be the perfect way to end the day at a fabulous place with a cozy romantic atmosphere

No doubt we will have opportunity to have some fun and party at the open minded city if WEHO. Also visit some of my other favorite places like: Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, LACMA, Downtown LA, China Town, The Korean Bell, Palos Verdes, Down Town Pasadena etc. and get chance while visiting this places of trying near by amazing restaurants like: Grand Central Market for food around the world, Chamo for the best Venezuelan Arepas, Ceviche Stop for the best Peruvian Ceviche, Urban Ramen best Ramen, The Olive, amazing Mediterranean food. , Cafe N Te for the best boba and Indonesian Food, El Paisa for the best Colombian Food, and so many more I am so hungry listing them all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe every piece of who I am today to the love and support of all my family. Some special friends went beyond effort to see me succeed and felt every fall and joy, like their own. Diego, Fer and Gloria. They’ve being my guidance and laughter, and I am truly grateful to have them in my life. Some professional path was learned from good mentors, Jose and Jhoiey, they encourage me to be a better designer. And Finally, I can’t thank enough the immense love, support, patience and encouragement of my lovely husband Ronald, along side many wonderful intangible gifts, he is my true meaning of love and home.

Website: www.angelriveros.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/air_studio_dsgn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-riveros2112/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/air-studio-downey

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmrvoQ6II1PM0NhBHQOOBA