We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angelina Harper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angelina below.

Angelina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Moving to Los Angeles at 18! At the time I just graduated from high school in Texas and had my sights SET on Los Angeles to pursue dance. Since I was about 10 and understood I could really make a living off doing what I loved most. I came up with a plan to apply to only California colleges so I could live on campus, go to school like my parents want, and can do entertainment all at the same time without doing any prior research about out of state fees and what the price of living would be in a big city like LA. I got accepted into Cal State LA and I packed up my car and drove to Los Angeles. Day 2 in Cal State I was told I owed $5000 to the school which I didn’t have! I essentially got evicted from the dorms because I couldn’t come up with the money in 3 days. Anyone else would’ve went home but at the time since this is something I’ve BEEN wanted to do I decided to stay and basically go homeless for this! I was in a head space of feeling like a failure if I went home and I just got out of a very dark and serve depression that almost took my life and I was craving a new life and escape my previous world. At first staying was a terrible idea! I was homeless, not going to school, and trying to figure my life and entertainment out. But after a few years of small wins like finding friends, making connections, and having my own spot to live. It turned out okay! I just refused to give up and learned so much about myself. Looking back at it as an adult now and everything that I learned, I sometimes wish I would’ve went back home to TX, came up with an achievable plan to go back to LA, got my degree, then moved when things were better. But I wouldn’t have learned very important lessons I needed in order to not only grow as a person but an artist. You really can’t know LA without truly being there full time!

Angelina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey began long before I moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I’ve been dancing for over 15 years, and that foundation gave me the discipline, creativity, and drive I carry into everything I do today. Moving to LA wasn’t easy—I faced homelessness and had to overcome real struggles just to survive. But those challenges shaped my resilience and deepened my passion for the arts.

Today, I’m a multidisciplinary creative: a professional dancer, model, actress, photographer, editor, and videographer. I create visual stories that capture energy, emotion, and real moments—through event photography, photobooks, brand modeling, video editing, and more. Whether I’m behind or in front of the camera, I approach every project with intention and heart.

What sets me apart is my versatility and the authenticity I bring to each piece of work. I don’t just “do it all”—I care deeply about every aspect of the creative process. My work is a reflection of who I am and what I’ve overcome. I’m incredibly proud of my journey, my growth, and my relentless work ethic.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or collaborators to know—it’s that my passion is real. When you experience my work, you’re experiencing my story, my soul, and everything I’ve fought to become.

My dance brand is “SUNDAAY GROOVES” and my photography brand is “THEPHOTOGAALLERY”

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Two books that have had a major impact on my entrepreneurial mindset are You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Those books helped shape my belief that mindset is everything especially in creative industries where there’s no clear roadmap and self-doubt can easily creep in. You Are a Badass taught me the importance of owning my power, showing up confidently, and understanding that abundance begins within. The Power of Positive Thinking gave me spiritual grounding and reminded me to stay centered, no matter how chaotic the world around me feels.

As a multidisciplinary creative, dancer, photographer, videographer, model, and editor. I’ve faced both internal and external challenges, and those resources helped me develop a strong mental foundation. They taught me how to approach setbacks as lessons, keep my energy aligned with my goals, and believe that my vision is worth pursuing. That philosophy has guided everything from how I run my brand to how I show up for clients. I truly believe that when your mindset is aligned, your work becomes magnetic and those books were pivotal in helping me get there.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my work come to life, whether it’s performing in front of an audience, capturing a moment through my lens, or bringing an idea to reality through movement, visuals, or storytelling. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing something that once lived only in your imagination take shape and impact others.
I also love the process of creating, but it’s that moment when the hard work, late nights, and passion all come together and you see the finished product. It’s a kind of fulfillment that’s hard to explain, but it reminds me why I do what I do. Art has the power to connect, inspire, and move people and being able to contribute to that is the biggest reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thephotogaallery.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aangelinaharper/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aangelinaharper?si=7xAunxc08gAp8oGu
• Other: Photography Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/thephotogaallery/

Image Credits

THEPHOTOGAALLERY