Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angel Sostre. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
One of the biggest risk that I have ever taken (and choose to take daily) is to truly accept who I am. As a female in transition, becoming my true self is a day to day activity. From attires to allowing my mind to wonder, delegate and an enjoy its power as a female. This has been the most mesmerizing decision I’ve made thus far. Allowing myself to fully transform into my true self has been impactful not only in my life but also the life of those around me. Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, let’s go for more. Shall we?
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Angela Sostre, I am a stylist, salon manager, aspiring model and fashion designer. I am also transgender. With that being said, from a story longer than the article could hold, all I can share at the moment is how happiness, perseverance, and inner acceptance brings peace to the soul. Happiness that comes from your everyday life (work, school, family and friends). Being perseverant and over come every obstacle that life brings to the plate. And finally, however never least, how accepting your inner self (whomever that is) allows you to explore life in such a beautiful and tremendous way.
Allowing myself to be who I truly am is a decision that I choose to enjoyably make everyday. As a pastors kid in a hispanic household, we could all imagine how even a loving, caring, and otherwise supportive family can have ups and downs when it comes to sexuality. (Times and mentalities were different from what they are now, as love and acceptance are present daily.)
However, there is still a change in mentality. A change that (at least in my case) happened gradually. Once it happened? Let’s get the ball rolling. I remember like it was yesterday (and will never forget) the time that Jessica Write (from Melrose & McQueen) saw ME. That was the first time (I noticed) that in world who I had presented myself as someone else my true self was seen. At that instant the final straw was drawn. Suspicion, discomfort and wishes were present in my former self. However, at that moment the final decision was taken. I am transitioning. From that decision, every single one of my relationships have flourished into a beautiful connection. From old friends to new friends, from bosses to mentors, family and more… Now I get to life the life I always dreamed of. And that.. is tea!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Honestly? Being able to explore and utilize the power of the mind. Although to my friends and family may say that I (Angela *aka Angel* Sostre) have a lot on my plate… All I am doing is becoming my true self. A person who allows her creativity to flow through the artistry of hairstyling and lashing. A person, who just like her mother is determined, caring and carries a leadership mentality, therefore manages a salon. And finally, a person who is a lover of fashion, yet struggles to find proper attires to wear as a female in transition. Who wishes to create a couture fashion line, in which both transgender and cis gender individuals will be able to find beautiful attires. That is the power of the mind.
Being able to go through life (work, bills, errands etc), live life (friends, family, hobbies, Freddie, etc), and on top of all of that… being able to transition to my true self… She’s tired friend. However! I would not want it any other way. This is the happiest I have ever been. Waking up and seeing my true self in the mirror puts a constant smile on my face. A smile that radiates a beautiful and welcoming aura that my peers can see and appreciate. Seeing my true shadow attached to my feet it is still mesmerizing. In a previous interview, I mentioned how there was a time that I noticed when a female looking shadow was attached to my feet and how emotional that was.
As an artist I get to manage my day to day life in a creative form. From scavenger hunts with my employees to beautiful hair and lash work, from hours of online fashion school to modeling auditions and fashion shows attendance. It truly allows me to explore and put in action every aspect of my creative mind, and that is an enjoyable gift.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think my mission or goal at this point in my life is to prove and show my tenacity. Again, life does have hands, but thankfully so do I. Therefore, being able to sustain whatever life throws my way is my new life motto. With this, I am to influence others to cultivate the same mentality. We are stronger than we think and furthermore, we are capable of achieving everything that we want. Our own hands hold the power to write and create our future. Let us all be courageous enough to step out of our comfort zones and conquer the world one day a the time. Aiming to keep our happiness and our peace intact while we are at it. Life is too hard yet too beautiful to only dwell on negativity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: aphroditeskiss.inc