Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Strickland-Hendricks.
Angelique, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started when a friend referred me to a life coach last year. Initially, I was hesitant in contacting her but eventually, I did. After a few sessions, she asked the million-dollar question, “When I was a little girl, what did I want to be?” I then realized that over the last 20 years, I had helped so many students and families achieve their dreams that I forgot my own. I always wanted to be an actress and then that morphed into wanting to be a broadcast journalist.
My love for television and movies came at an early age. My mom would take me to the movies every Saturday. A tradition passed down from my Grandfather and Grandmother to her. I grew up with three channels and one television set, the big kind that would sit on the floor in your living room. Thus, I had to watch what my mom liked or whatever was on at the time. My mother exposed me to great television classics, like Bonanza, I Love Lucy and Star Trek. I believe I was a Trekkie before the term came into existence. I created My Angelique Criselle based on my family’s tradition and passion for the arts.
Currently, My Angelique Criselle reviews movies and television shows by either blogging or vlogging, or both. I am a hardcore fan of The Walking Dead, Power and Game of Thrones, so you will find that when these shows air. I am blogging, vlogging, tweeting and immersing my reviews around those shows. Currently, there is a small social media following. Mostly, comprised of other reviewers, and movie and television enthusiasts, but I believe that all good things grow in their own time. There is a need for diversity in movie and television reviews. I am proud to be a black woman venturing into an environment that is ready for a change.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey has had its challenges. The biggest challenge I struggled with, even as I grow My Angelique Criselle, is finding my “niche.” Some reviewers focus on Black film and television, which I love and fully support. We should constantly put a spotlight on those achievements, which is why I created an “In the Spotlight” on my website. However, I feel more comfortable reviewing films and television from a diverse, women of color perspective. Viola Davis said it best and I am paraphrasing. She said the only difference between her and Meryl Streep is an opportunity. My Angelique Criselle is a self-created opportunity but one that I would like to share with other women of color in the future.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have worked in financial aid for postsecondary education over the last 20 years. I have been in a capacity of customer service, management, training, and transition four years ago, to the marketing and communications aspect of the field.
I believe what sets me apart now is that My Angelique Criselle has given me the opportunity to do what I have dreamed about doing since I was a little girl, just like the students and families I help every day.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
The resources that inspire me is Black Girl Nerds, Book Girl Magic, Ashley Miller, and Rebecca Lynn Pope. Black Girl Nerds gave me my first glimpse of what blogging could be like from a black woman’s perspective. I continue to read articles and comment when I can. Especially, during Comic-Con and other high profile events that they may be covering.
Book Girl Magic hits close to home, because I actually know the creator of the group, Renee Hicks. I was there to see her begin the process and we could bounce ideas off each other. She inspires me to read more every day.
Ashley Miller is a vlogger on YouTube and she is everything! She is someone who is transparent in her reviews. I laugh and agree with her 100 percent of the time. Her cussing could turn some people off but that is her personality; take it or leave it. She inspires me to be my authentic self when I do videos.
Rebecca Lynn Pope does it all. She is an author, vlogger, life coach, matchmaker and so much more. She helped me recognize what was missing in my life. She challenged and inspired me to push forward in pursuing my passions. Her transparency and candidness are what I love about her.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://myangeliquecriselle.com/
- Email: my_angeliquecriselle@aol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_angeliquecriselle/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyAngeliqueCriselle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/My_AngelCriss
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0OIScSRiKyPEu4uiKIjb4Q?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Angelique Strickland-Hendricks, Yvette Nicole Brown, David Thomas Inge
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
