We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelyn Horrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelyn, how do you think about risk?
It’s funny, because there is no one in my life who would say, Angelyn is bold, brave, or adventurous. In fact, I would even have to call myself “risk adverse” in most areas of my life.
Risk involves uncertainty which brings up all our insecurities of safety – financially and emotionally. Risk requires you to rely on yourself to be a safe space no matter the outcome. It involves unshakeable faith that you can handle anything. Plan B? heck Plan Z. You need to be willing to try them all.
As the story goes, it takes pressure to reveal the diamond. What I’ve learned in life and business is that discomfort grows until it can no longer be tolerated (the pressure) and the hope of something better grows too big to fit in your current space (also pressure), then something new must come forth. When this happens, the “risk” becomes the path of least resistance because you staying where you were becomes unbearable. The new path doesn’t feel risky, it feels like the only option.
As a new mom in my early 30’s, I had a very secure career with the Four Seasons Hotels and I became an expert in my specific field within this industry. But I left that stable career to be a consultant in this same field. It was my Big Risk #1.
My business grew so much so fast that I was traveling all over the world and away from home more than I liked. My daughter was now entering kindergarten and I clearly began to feel the pressure of being away. I had one child and I didn’t want to be in Costa Rica, or Canada, or Pennsylvania, when my daughter had a field trip to the Dallas Arboretum. I wanted to be with her more than I wanted my career.
Big Risk #2 came when I stepped away from my consulting business so that I could be home more. During this time, I started selling jewelry with a direct sales brand that I was so intrigued by. I thought it would just be for fun but it has evolved into so much more.
Fast forward 10 years and that’s when I took Big Risk #3. I went through a divorce and reentered the workforce. While I kept my jewelry business on autopilot, I plunged into the world of publishing, working for two different magazines for a few years in the sales and marketing roles and learned everything I could. It was actually the most challenging learning curve of my career by far but one that taught me so much and I am forever grateful.
Big risk #4. Covid changed the world and so many businesses and industries too. And In spring of 2021, like many others, I was laid off as my company scaled back to survive. Sometimes taking a risk isn’t a choice, it’s forced upon us. At this point, I knew in my gut that my corporate days were over, and I would build my own business yet again. I named my new company Courage & Grit Creative. Why? Because I felt those words to our core. This new venture was going to require both courage and grit.
Entrepreneurship fuels me. Courage & Grit Creative has found its place in the world of marketing, copywriting and content creation, and social media management. I’ve had the pleasure of working with local small business owners, big national brands, and even a household-name celebrity. I love them all equally. And my 14-year history with direct sales has stayed a constant for me. I’ve grown to an executive leader, through the highs and lows of my life and I’ve loved the camaraderie and success.
Someone said to me recently, “You can’t grow two things at the same time.” And I don’t think I agree. There has to be a give & take every day but I believe that people can handle about 3 or 4 “buckets” of priorities. For me, it’s been motherhood, Courage & Grit, my jewelry business, and my physical and mental health. As my daughter goes to college this year, my priorities will shift a bit. Who knows, my next big risk may be trying love again. But what I know for sure is that betting on myself every single time feels like the least risky venture of all.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company, Courage & Grit Creative, was a product of The Great Resignation that is such the story of our time. The company I worked for during the pandemic downsized and I was laid off. I had my part-time jewelry business to rely on financially so I chose the path of entrepreneurship rather than job-hunting. I knew that all the skills I had learned could serve a lot of business owners who struggled with their marketing.
It was a quick launch, working with some amazing clients right away, and I am so grateful. Through a partnership with Bridgehead Collective, I had the opportunity to work on the GXVE Beauty launch (Gwen Stefani’s makeup line) and a large Rodan & Fields rebranding campaign. But I also connected with a few local small business owners who trusted me with their marketing.
As any entrepreneur will tell you, no story is without bumps and of course, I’ve had a few. I originally started this business with a partner who decided after a few months, that she preferred the security of a corporate position. This caused me to make a decision about moving forward solo with the business. I took some time to really listen to my gut, tapped in to my “Courage & Grit”, and rebranded the business to focus on my best skills – social media management, digital advertising, and copywriting. At times, I miss working with a partner but I am actually happier on my own.
What sets me apart is that I understand what it’s like to be a woman over 40 starting a new business, a second chapter (or third), and navigating a lot of new territory. Social media is a necessary part of business and an excellent way to grow but it’s intimidating for many. I am a social media professional who is older and combines years of marketing experience with the new social landscape. My favorite opportunities are working to support women as they grow a new business themselves.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in Fort Worth but moved to the Dallas area after college and that’s where I’ve raised my own family. I love both cities and feel like the whole metroplex is my home. But no trip to the area is complete without a visit to the Stockyards for true Texas flavor. I would love to start the afternoon with a visit to the Stockyards for some shopping and site-seeing. I worked in the Stockyards area when I was in high school so I have a few history stories of my own! Cocktails at the Drover Hotel, dinner at Reata, and finish the day with a Stockyards ghost tour.
I have a girlfriend from North Carolina that says no trip to Dallas is complete without Torchy’s queso so that’s surely on the lunch menu for any visitors. My favorite new “one to watch” spot in the city is Grandscape. The live music on the weekends, movie theater, restaurants, and shopping makes it a go-to for me, especially since it’s so close to my home. When meeting with clients or friends, we so often chose a spot along the Boardwalk at Granite Park because it’s so convenient at the Tollway & 121. Edith’s, Union Bear, Suburban Yacht Club, Golden Boy Coffee – love them all.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to let direct sales be a part of my career story. This industry is truly like a personal development journey with a compensation plan attached! Shout out to my leaders, Christy Goodman and Tysh Mefferd who have grown alongside me and are 100% committed to sharing everything they learn along the way.
There have been many mentors along the path who I’ve never met personally but have so willingly shared their knowledge to help others and have certainly impacted my life. Marie Forleo, Brene Brown, Mel Robbins – and I am so grateful for each one and what I’ve learned from their teachings.
Website: www.courageandgritcreative.com
Instagram: @couragegritcreative.com @angelynstyle
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/courage-and-grit-creative
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courageandgritcreative
Image Credits
Jenny Martell – photographer for the pics of me in the peach blazer