Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Cross.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After going through the depression from a divorce and having to start life over as a single mother. I was really down on myself and had many issues to overcome, including rejection, abandonment, financial struggles, and some hopelessness. After some counseling and taking time heal, I realized that I didn’t have to be ashamed because my marriage fell apart. I didn’t have to feel like a statistic because I was a single mom. I didn’t have to feel powerless. I changed my perspective that this was a new beginning in life and with my faith and having two little girls looking up at me, I could regain the strength to begin again. Leaving the marriage, yes there was ambiguity and other issues like finding a place to live, a new place to work, etc. I stayed hopeful that all would fall into place and it did. Those that loved me began to show their love and support with a listening ear, help with finances and loving on my little girls. I started to see light at the end of the tunnel.
A couple of years after getting back on my feet, friends, and family would ask me to share encouragement with women they knew who were experiencing the same things. Over time, others began to tell me I should write a book. So, I started a blog called Fierce & Fearless Living. It was an affirmation that I had written on my bathroom mirror and in my journal. I would write, “You are worthy whether you live in a mansion or on the street, your worth does not change. Whether the penny is on the ground or in a purse it still has value and so do you! You will live fierce and fearlessly for yourself and your children.” I had many other affirmations and scriptures that I would share with those I encouraged along the way.
As time went on, I noticed women sharing with me that they wished they were part of a group where they could share their dreams, hopes, and aspirations for a better life. I decided to bring those women together in February 2017 under a business called the Fierce & Fearless Living Accountability Group (FFLAG). It started with ten women. We came together for a year, sharing goals and networking, praying and supporting one another in business and personal life. As we reached a year, members of the group began to share what they knew of other women that wanted to be apart and in this second year it is doubling and I know will continue to grow.
Another part of Fierce & Fearless Living I didn’t expect to happen was to be asked to speak and share my story. I didn’t mind sharing my story in intimate spaces or small groups but I didn’t imagine that it would touch so many. I now speak at women empowerment events and conferences and have been interviewed on podcasts. This dream that grew out of a difficult time in life has really evolved. I hope to grow it into Fierce & Fearless Living Conference and keep sharing my story to let women know that they are not victims but are victorious. Everything they need is inside of them, they just have to tap into it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. When I started it, I did not know much about what I needed for a website, social media, how to network, and all the various business aspects. Not to mention, there were personal issues that I was still dealing with like financial struggles of raising two girls and court battles. However, I persevered through them and came out victorious. You just find a way through prayer and your own belief in yourself that it will all come together. You have to realize that you are always growing, learning and that is part of the process.
Please tell us about Fierce & Fearless Living.
My business Fierce & Fearless Living specializes in empowering women to get out of their own way and create the life they want. I am known for my speaking and teaching at different venues. I have a niche for business planning and coaching. I am most proud that not only I but others see value in what I do and the gifts and talents I have to give. The women in my business accountability group both in the Dallas and Austin area come to me for networking, resources, support and leave with so much more. Many have shared that it has given them strength to walk away from toxic relationships or dust off that old dream that they put on the shelf years ago. I am very proud and grateful for that.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My most favorite childhood memories are from playing pretend with my siblings. I am the 2nd oldest of 8 children. There were so many of us that whatever we wanted to pretend or act out, we had enough people to play most if not all of the parts. I come from a family of dreamers and we would dream our days away with what we were going to do and be when we grew up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fierceandfearlessliving.com
- Email: fierceandfearlessliving@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fierceandfearlessliving
Image Credit:
Lamb Photography, Vanessa O. Photography
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