Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Hejl.
Hi Angie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Austin with my husband (a born and raised Austinite) in 2014 and absolutely fell in love with this city. Originally from Orlando, Florida, with a professional background in corporate event planning, I started A Soiree by Angie to channel my personal style and passion for design and creativity.
A Soiree has grown from designing events to custom dried floral arrangements and consulting for local Austin businesses – ranging from brand development, graphic design, photography, PR, and social media management. I love communicating through design, and all of these roles allow me to do that.
I also have a strong passion for connecting people and building community. With that passion, I co-founded a local Women Empowerment group called Glam Soiree with my business partner, Jo Placencio. Glam Soiree is a flourishing and intentional community where women of all different backgrounds and professions come together to celebrate life, support and inspire each other, set intentions for the future – and be glam while doing it. Pre-covid, we hosted bi-monthly events at the top restaurants and venues throughout Austin. We’ve kept a strong online community highlighting the members and businesses throughout this last year and a half.
I am a mental health advocate who loves helping others. I believe that we all have the ability to use our voice, find ourselves, heal from past experiences, and live the life we want to live. I’m a strong supporter of women that are currently and have been involved in the criminal justice system who are working to rebuild their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let me tell you, this road has been BUMPY! This year is my ten-year anniversary from being released from prison. When I was 20 years old, I served 20 months in prison. To put it lightly, that was a life-changing moment for me. I learned a lot about myself, my strength, what I wanted out of life, and how I wanted to show up for others.
I’ve used that strength and drive everyday since. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to rebuild my life after, and I’ve had amazing people support me along the way. I also worked very hard and made sure I always show up for others. I believe integrity and leading with your heart for the greater good goes a long way.
These challenges have really led me to my life of service and helping others. Expressing myself through creativity has been incredibly healing. Also, my lived experience and my own healing work has provided me with the ability to help others. I am very grateful for that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my parties and decorating, I’m known for the intimate and special touches. The small pieces that are going to connect with your guests and make them feel special and seen. Glam Soiree gives women community and a space to come and feel special for an evening, connect with other like-minded & soulful women, and we set intentions about our future. It’s been amazing to see long-lasting relationships form and women support each other’s business and personal endeavors.
Something I’m most proud of is, I’ve recently started sharing my story with the hope of helping others. I am very passionate about people who have experienced incarceration having tools to heal and access to resources and communities to help them rebuild their lives. Oftentimes, it comes with shame and embarrassment of what society thinks. I want to bust the stigma of what incarceration looks like and for people to have the chance to learn and grow.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Most of my work is centered around being intentional, thoughtful, and creative. It really comes back to being a form of communication and self-expression. I see in the next decade that for a lot of people, what they do for their self-expression and what they do for a living is going to be the same thing.
Social media has given people so many tools and platforms to do this, and that’s not going away! People are creating the lives they love, learning new skills, and taking leaps that they are passionate about! Creating a life you love is contagious! I especially feel that this is happening after this past year of the pandemic. People are re-evaluating what is important and making the changes they need to create a life that they love.
It’s inspiring and I, for one and here for it. That’s what our Glam Soiree community is all about – setting intentions and having a space where you’re supported and can connect with people who can help you along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@asoireebyangie.com
- Website: www.asoireebyangie.com / www.glamsoiree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asoireebyangie/ & https://www.instagram.com/glam_soiree/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoireebyangie
Image Credits
Any Pink Hair photos are through @kara,marie.collective, the chair I’m sitting in making dried florals is @sleekform Photo of Jo & Angie is @paigeydahling Photo of Angie with balloons & fresh flowers is @paigeydahling. The group photo is of @glam_soiree
