We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Watts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To be an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to take risks. If you do not embrace risk-taking, you should rethink business ownership. For me personally, I began taking risks immediately when I made the decision to pivot from my role in corporate America to launching a communications agency specializing in entertainment and lifestyle. I knew at that moment, I was responsible for my income and my responsibilities immediately increased 300%. No longer did I have a manager to answer to or a team to collaborate with. That one, yet life-changing decision has prepared me to carefully plan “strategic” moves that are intentionally aligned with my goals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am an entrepreneur who is the founder of two businesses; 10 Squared and RAGTRADE ATLANTA. 10 Squared is a creative agency that specializes in connecting brands with today’s creative culture through curated digital and #IRL brand experiences in fashion and entertainment. RAGTRADE ATLANTA is a community platform committed to promoting Atlanta’s fashion community. We aim to further the growth and interests of fashion and accessory designers in three key areas: Events, Content, and Strategic Partnerships. I was very intentional about creating businesses that tapped into my passions for the fashion and art communities. For me, I saw an opportunity to grow an industry that is considered “underground” in a major market. You know, Atlanta’s creative capital is unmatched. Simply put, we drive culture. It is time that our creatives are recognized for their contributions…and we plan to do this by providing platforms that not only bring brand awareness and publicity (10 Squared) but give them an opportunity to grow and scale (RAGTRADE ATLANTA). It has not been easy…there are always challenges when you are trying to garner support for communities that are not directly driving commerce for a city and/or state. Proving the indirect contributions take time, patience, a lot of conversations and strategic programming that positively showcase our talent. After many years, we are beginning to see positive movement. I am very excited about the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so many places to eat, drink and just let your hair down. We are the entertainment capital of the South. Some of my favorite gems would be: Sunday – Apt. 4b which is a savvy, eclectic, intimate and funky restaurant in the heart of Buckhead Atlanta. The restaurant itself is modern with a classic feel…but what makes this restaurant so dope is the atmosphere. The decor consists of vinyls…you literally can select a vinyl and have the DJ play a song from that record. Apt. 4b has a really cool night on Sundays. Monday – Le Colonial is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Shops of Buckhead with great service and food. I must have the Tuna Tartare when I visit this restaurant. Wednesday Weekday brunch at Toast on Lenox. This is one of the newest breakfast restaurants that have emerged in Atlanta…and it is great. The service and the food is one of the best in Atlanta. Thursday Lunch/Dinner at Houston’s is always a great choice. The service, food, and cocktails are always consistent. My favorite is the spinach and artichoke dip… Friday Friday’s are perfect for a night out with your girlfriends and the best place to hear great music and cocktails is The Garden Room at St. Regis. The decor is very stylish! They are best known for their craft cocktails which are very well made. Saturday Brunch at “Breakfast at Barneys” is a must. Again, great service, atmosphere and food. You are sure to see a celebrity or two stop by to grab a bite.

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?
There are so many people at different stages of my life who have supported me in various ways on my journey to entrepreneurship. We are each other’s tribe. We provide advice in business, relationships and more. Our conversations are some of the most colorful, yet productive anyone could wish for. So I would like thank Kimberly, Christal, Robyn, Saptosa and Katie for always being supportive and willingness to lend an ear. I would like to also like to shoutout the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment for their full support of Atlanta Fashion Week.

Website: www.10squaredagency.com / www.ragtradeatlanta.com

Instagram: @10squaredagency / @ragtradeatlanta

Twitter: @10squaredagency / @ragtradeatlanta

Facebook: @10squaredagency / @ragtradeatlanta

Image Credits
Images of myself: Glen Moodie @geenomizelli Image of young lady in black blazer: Global Runway for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Image of group: Prince, ATLPics.net

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