We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Angulo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sabrina, why did you pursue a creative career?
In pursuing an artistic career, I gave myself the freedom to truly chase my dreams. I’m still, to this day, chasing that dream, and going after all the things that I would obsess over as a little kid, like singing to a crowd and creating music and directing/producing/marketing with all kinds of creatives, who in turn teach me and guide me as I grow and network. Finding a community in the artistic space is so beautiful and not talked about as often as the process of making art, but when you do find that community – that space – where like-minded people gather and mesh their ideas together, it’s a driving force to keep doing what you’re doing, no matter how hard it can get and no matter how often you want to give up. I’ve pictured my life passing me by if I don’t push myself out of my comfort zone now and pursue my passions full-force, and I don’t want to regret wasting a blessing of a talent that I feel is so necessary to share with the world; it builds a connection like nothing I’ve ever seen, and I truly wish to experience that for the rest of my life.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am not yet where I want to be, but I am presently proud of how far I’ve come and the actions I’ve taken to push myself out of my comfort zone and back on track. I feel like that’s what sets me apart from others, however I acknowledge that there are so many talented artists doing the same thing I am, for all the right reasons, and in turn we are all truly setting ourselves apart in our own lanes. Nothing about pursuing your artistic career is easy, but it teaches a lot of discipline in place of motivation, and it teaches humility in place of pride, and these two things, I believe, are evident in the way some artists move through their career today, so I hope to only do the same as I keep working on making this dream come true. As a musician – a vocalist – I’ve realized one of my biggest dreams is just sharing my inner most thoughts and feelings with the world, dancing around on a big stage, telling and creating stories to share, in hopes I can find my people along the way (those some may call fans, I don’t know if I could lol) and create a beautiful community, full of those who feel seen and heard. This journey has still taken longer than I could’ve imagined, and only now at 25 years old, I have a much clearer understanding of what it takes to independently make things happen for yourself. Doing it later than most, I’m very excited to see how it actually blossoms and comes to fruition, because although I may not have had the resources at 15 or 16 years old, having had a pretty normal childhood, I know this is the best possible way to do what I love on my own terms, and I feel that is the most important part.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Miami my whole life, there’s SO many beautiful and delicious places to try, but being Peruvian gives me a peak into food and culture that is beyond burgers and fries (no shade, of course, I could always go for a burger and fries combo), so if it were up to me I’d take my bestie to a Peruvian restaurant for brunch, maybe somewhere like CVI.CHE 105 or Pollos y Jarras, or even Divino, all by the water, so after we could drive out to South Beach and walk Lincoln Rd. We’d take the car out at the end of the day to Rooftop Cinema on South Beach and enjoy a good movie before driving back into the city and stopping at Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, or even Merrick Park, to have some drinks and dance into the night!
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?
My family, who, being Cuban and Peruvian, are so many in number, but as a whole deserve all the shoutouts possible:
My mom and dad, who have encouraged me to sing since I could talk, and stood behind me in every scary, stage frightening moment, and helped me chase my passion nonetheless. My younger brother and sister, who have been my backbone throughout life. Who taught me to be fierce and strong, in all aspects, and in turn helped me find that strength and fire in my pursuit of happiness. My found family – A.K.A. my boyfriend’s family – who have always loved me unconditionally, lifting me up every chance they can, and supporting my dreams, regardless of my own doubts. Specifically my in-laws, who have spent so much time and energy giving my boyfriend and I an immeasurable amount of support, and who have created a space for me to pour my heart into my passions and see them constantly in my corner, cheering me on. My best friends, who have been by my side since elementary school and have always supported and encouraged my dreams. They’ve stood by my side and have held my hand when trekking alone got hard, and have never faltered. A specific shoutout to Rachel Banos, with whom I’ve shared every good and bad, scary and exciting, easy and hard thing/obstacle/challenge, and who has always been the most comforting and balanced voice of both reason and risk. The definition of found family and platonic soulmate, she has truly stood by my side through this heavier chunk of life and has constantly reminded me that in pursuing my passions I’m living the life I was intended to; I couldn’t imagine sharing a heart with anyone else. Truly the best of friends.
Lastly, a solo shoutout to my boyfriend, who I’ve found home in. The man who has put up with all the scary parts of chasing your dreams, and has still not allowed me to give up or slow down. A man who has single-handedly taken my mess of a brain and walked through it with me so that I may work past all the personal blocks that come with pursuing an artistic career so “late” in age (I’m only 25, but if you know, you know), and has always reminded me to be present in my blessings. A man that is all the green flags and is full of an insane amount of love and knowledge and understanding; with whom I can’t imagine not sharing this kind of journey with. Thank you my love. Like we always say, this will always be worth it.
Instagram: https://www.intsagram.com/sabrinacangulo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ninaangulo
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/sabrinacangulo
Image Credits
Andres Dominguez