We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Wong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I spent the first decade of my adult life as an employee, and while the steady paycheck and benefits were nice, it always felt like I was trading time for something that wasn’t really mine. There’s a certain comfort in that security—but over time, that comfort turned into a kind of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

These days, as a business owner, I won’t pretend it’s easy. It’s not. But I love it. It’s not just the creative side—videography, photography—it’s also the business side. I’ve had to learn how to sell, how to manage my time, how to lead. I’ve grown in ways I never would have if I stayed in the employee lane.

Every now and then, when a tough month hits or something doesn’t go as planned, I’ll catch myself wondering what it would be like to have a “normal” job again. The last time that happened, I was reconciling a messy client situation late at night, realizing I was basically doing customer service, accounting, and creative direction all at once. I was tired. But even in that moment, I thought—this is mine. The wins and the messes both belong to me, and there’s something empowering in that.

And on the flip side, I get to work from home, surrounded by my dogs (and cat), and have full ownership of my time. I’m not a millionaire (yet), but I feel rich in ways that matter—freedom, growth, and the ability to build something that reflects who I am.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I run a video production/photography/social media business that helps both nonprofits and businesses tell their stories through high-quality, strategic content. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and clarity—I’m not just showing up with a camera; I’m helping clients communicate their message in a way that feels true to them and lands with their audience. A big part of that approach comes from a documentary-inspired style, where the focus is on authenticity and real moments. I love capturing things as they unfold naturally, giving the final product a sense of raw, genuine storytelling.

We are a woman-owned business, and we take pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We’re LGBTQ-friendly and passionate about reflecting diversity both on screen and behind the scenes. It’s important to us that the stories we tell represent the full spectrum of experiences, and we believe that diversity only enhances the power of storytelling.

I got into this work because I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling. Early on, it was about the craft—framing the perfect shot, editing a compelling sequence—but over time, I realized I was just as interested in the why behind the videos. What’s the purpose? Who’s it for? What change is it meant to create?

With nonprofits, it’s often their first time working with a videographer, so there’s some guidance involved—what to expect, how to prepare, how to feel confident on camera. I walk them through it, and in the end, they’re blown away by how professional the final product looks and how powerful it is for their mission.

With larger businesses, there’s usually a brand voice and aesthetic already in place, so we step in as the production experts—efficient, collaborative, and fun to work with. We keep the process smooth and make sure the end result is exactly what they asked for (and maybe a little better).

What sets me apart? I think it’s the balance of creativity, strategy, and people skills. I’m not here to overcomplicate things or push my own agenda—I’m here to make my clients look and sound their best. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the fact that so many clients come back again and again.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make meaningful, effective video content that helps my clients grow, connect, and stand out.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My first year going full-time on my own was a reality check. I went from a steady paycheck and someone else handling sales, marketing, and client acquisition—to suddenly wearing every hat in the business. It was nerve-wracking. I had to figure out how to bring in work, manage inconsistent income, and stay focused when there wasn’t anyone telling me what to do.

That first year really humbled me. It made me appreciate the structure I used to have—and the people who built it. But it also forced me to level up. I learned to manage money differently. One of the biggest lessons I took away was: Save when you don’t need it, so it’s there when you do. That mindset helped me stay afloat during slower months and gave me the runway to keep going when things felt uncertain.

Last year, I found myself constantly stressed—business was either dead slow or crazy busy, with no in-between. I felt like I was always playing catch-up or worrying about what was next. This year, I’m learning to embrace the slower seasons. They’re not dead time—they’re prep time. I’m using them to rest, reset, and be ready when things pick up again. That shift in mindset has been a game-changer.

Resilience, for me, isn’t about pretending I’ve got it all together. It’s about staying in it, adjusting when I need to, and building a business that actually supports the kind of life I want.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The world of politics can be a bit wild these days, but when it comes to business leadership, I try to focus on practical advice that transcends the noise. Two people who’ve had a big impact on my entrepreneurial thinking are Patrick Bet-David and Max Tornow. Their perspectives on leadership, growth, and building sustainable businesses are no-nonsense and grounded, which resonates with me a lot.

Beyond that, I’m constantly diving into resources on YouTube. There’s a wealth of content out there—from tactical business strategies to mindset shifts—and I find it’s a great place for continuous learning. It’s not always about finding the one “magic” piece of advice; it’s about staying engaged and picking up bits and pieces that help me grow as both a business owner and a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sfmediacompany.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfmediacompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFMediaCompany/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awongfilms/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@starttofinishmediaco.2520

Image Credits

All taken by me or my crew