EPISODE 96
Balancing Business and Creative Passion: Lessons from Angela Harris
How can you intentionally design your surroundings to support your mental well-being and unlock your creative potential?
This week’s conversation with Angela Harris is a treasure trove of insights about creativity, innovation, and leadership—and I know you’ll love it as much as I did.
Angela is an interior designer and entrepreneur with a passion for blending creativity with strategy. In our chat, she takes us on her journey of becoming a designer, building her business, and championing the importance of creativity in all aspects of life. Her story is proof that creativity isn’t just for artists or designers; it’s a tool we all have access to, and it can be nurtured and expanded over time.
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was diving into neuroaesthetics—the science of how design impacts our mental state. Angela shared how intentional design can create environments that uplift our mood, boost productivity, and even support mental health. Think about your favorite spaces—what makes them feel so special? Chances are, there’s an intentional design behind them that’s creating that emotional response. It’s a powerful reminder of the role our surroundings play in shaping our experiences and well-being.
We also tackled some of the unique challenges women face when it comes to embracing their creative potential. So many of us have been conditioned to doubt our abilities or prioritize perfection over progress. Angela and I discussed how limiting beliefs can hold us back and the importance of giving ourselves permission to experiment and even fail. Creativity is a process. It’s messy, iterative, and often born from failure. In fact, failure can be one of our greatest teachers on the path to innovation. When we reframe failure as feedback, it becomes an essential part of growth.
“ We are human beings. We are not meant to not do hard things.” - Angela Harris
Leadership was another big theme in this episode. Angela emphasized the importance of teamwork and investing in people. She’s a firm believer that strong team dynamics and a culture of support can strengthen the integrity of any brand. As a leader, she’s found that balancing emotional intelligence with strategic decision-making creates a foundation for success. Empathy and accountability can coexist beautifully in leadership, and Angela’s approach shows us how these qualities can transform not just teams but entire organizations.
Throughout the episode, Angela’s passion for what she does truly shines. She reminded me that passion is what drives the creative process and unlocks our full potential. When we’re passionate about our work, it shows—in our designs, our relationships, and even our leadership styles. Passion fuels resilience and inspires those around us to reach for their own potential.
Another key takeaway from our conversation was the intersection of business and creativity. Angela’s story illustrates how combining these two elements can lead to innovative solutions and meaningful work. Whether it’s designing a space that brings joy or creating a brand that resonates with people, the intersection of business and artistry is where magic happens. It’s where we can push boundaries, challenge norms, and create something truly impactful.
And let’s not forget the importance of investing in people. Angela’s leadership philosophy centers on building strong, cohesive teams where everyone feels valued and empowered. She’s seen firsthand how investing in the growth and well-being of her team members strengthens the overall brand. This approach not only fosters loyalty but also drives innovation—because when people feel supported, they’re more likely to bring their best ideas to the table.
Finally, Angela and I discussed the role of intention in creativity and leadership. Whether it’s designing a space, leading a team, or navigating life’s challenges, approaching everything with intention ensures that our actions align with our values. Intention helps us stay focused on what truly matters and allows us to create with purpose.
So, if you’re ready to reconnect with your creative side, explore the intersection of business and artistry, or gain fresh insights into leadership, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and let Angela’s story inspire you to embrace your creativity and lead with intention. Her journey is a powerful reminder that creativity, when nurtured and combined with strategy, has the potential to transform our lives and the world around us.
I’d love to hear your thoughts after you’ve listened. What resonated most with you? Let me know in the comments or on social media—let’s keep this conversation going!
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Connect with Angela!
Website: https://triodesign.com
Instagram: @byangelaharris
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byangelaharris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignByTRIO/
Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!
XO, Brooke Jean
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We welcome Angela Harris to the show!
Tapping into one's innate gifts.
The audacity to hold a big vision.
Maintaining a balance between the masculine and feminine energies.
Angela's gratitude practices and constant learning as keys to her success.
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How Angela discovered her passion for interior design and entrepreneurship.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs.
The joy in hard work and the importance of creativity.
Her love for designing spaces and building relationships.
Talking about the influence, joy, and curiosity that drive them to continually innovate in the design industry.
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The importance of being a lifelong learner with a guest who's working towards a PhD in neuroaesthetics.
Understanding why we react positively or negatively to different environments.
Intentional design can contribute to mental well-being.
Overcoming limiting beliefs, especially for women, to unleash creativity.
The value of failure as a learning tool.
The significance of having a supportive team, making calculated risks, and maintaining gratitude in leadership roles.
Angela’s visionary plans for company growth, including:
Potential mergers
Acquisitions
Investing in people even during challenging times.
Angela’s strong belief that heart-led female leadership can change the world.
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The critical balance a CEO must maintain between emotional intelligence and strategic acumen.
The importance of leading with empathy.
How humanitarian values and business excellence can coexist.
The necessity of holding individuals to their potential.
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Embracing change as a path to opportunities in the creative world.
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Angela’s mission for the year.
Creativity permeates all aspects of work, which includes:
Budgeting
Procurement
Installation
The importance of a strong vision and mission statement to guide efforts until 2025.
Advocating for audacity, courage, and passion to achieve remarkable results.
Conclusion.
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
I hope that you’ll join me in this movement, and that you can authentically reconnect with who you really are. That’s where your essence and your gems really lie.
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Thanks so much for listening!