Angie Ravenel
Q: How did you become interested in styling hair?
A: Well, my mom is a hair stylist. So I decided to study cosmetology while in high school.
Q: How did you become interested in photography?
A: There was a time when I modeled for various stylists and salons. After a while, I started to get behind the scenes and start applying makeup to models. After that, my interest for photography grew when I had great models with great hair and makeup, but I didn't have a photographer to capture it. So I started taking shots of my models, and it grew and got bigger.
Q: You are the style editor of Native. Tell us a little about the magazine and what your job entails.
A: Native magazine is a great publication that showcases African-Americans in a positive light. The style section of Native gives great tips on hair, makeup or great beauty finds. Our February/March issue showcased a fashion model on the streets of Charleston. It was a blast. I look forward to featuring more great fashion and beauty articles.
Q: What trends in hair and makeup do you predict for this summer?
A: I think the makeup should be light and fresh. Using a tinted moisturizer would give you this look. Try to find one with SPF built in. Finish the look with a light bronzer and some lip stain and call it a day. This is great for those who have little time to get ready in the morning.
You should get a great haircut for the summer. It doesn't have to be short, just shaped. A great haircut will allow for quick styling. You shouldn't have to fight with your hair. A great cut should make your styling easier. You cannot go wrong with blended highlights for the summer. Not only will this look last the entire summer, it will brighten your complexion.
Q: What's the No. 1 piece of advice you would give other women considering opening their own businesses?
A: Research, research, research! Make sure there is a need for the business you would like to open. Also, great location, advertising and signage are important.
Q: Your work has been featured in local and national magazines. What press have you been most excited about?
A: I am always excited when I see my work on newsstands. I still scream with excitement as if it were my first time being published. I don't think I would ever get used to that. I have been published in Essence, Passion Beauty, Jewel and Upscale magazines, just to name a few.
Q: What are your goals, personally and professionally, for the coming year?
A: Wow, I have so many. I have a foundation called Project Warm Hands. I gather winter gear for people who are in need. I would love for that to grow. Also, I just completed writing my book, "Makeup 101 With Angie Ravenel." It is a makeup tutorial and step-by-step guide to help the everyday woman apply makeup with confidence. It is full of beautiful ladies who I photographed. This is a project that I have been working on for about two years now. This project has been so hands-on. It should be available real soon on Amazon.
Also, I have been asked to be a part of a couple of reality shows that will showcase my businesses this year, so that should be interesting.
Personally, I would love to go on a long vacation with my family.
Q: Who do you consider to be the most beautiful woman in the world?
A: I can't decide on one person. Anytime I am working with a woman, I tend to check out her personality first. I think all women are beautiful in their own way.
Q: Describe to us your ideal day.
A: I start with a cup of coffee. Check my emails. Look at my to-do list. Check my events calendar on my iPhone. Get dressed and go over to the studio. Work with my morning clients. I break for lunch. When I return, I become a secretary and return calls and make appointments or talk business. I start again with my clients. At the end of my workday, I clean and become a secretary again. Go home to my family and cook dinner (if I didn't pick up something on the way). Eat dinner with my family and talk about each others' day. Afterward, I go on my computer to return emails or edit images for hours while I sit on my exercise ball!
Q: You're a workaholic, and you also mentioned that your family is priority No. 1. Have you achieved balance between work and family?
A: Yes, I try my best to achieve balance. I prioritize the best I can. I try to stop and converse with my boys about school and college as much as possible. On Thursday or Friday nights, my husband and I like to go out and get a bite to eat. That way we go over our schedules or just talk about nonimportant stuff.
