Angela West-Brown is an Individualized Education Program Coach, Consultant, Author, Special needs sibling, wife, mother of four, and an Educational Empowerment Speaker. Her passion for America’s intellectually disabled youth is driven by the first-hand experience covered in her book, “Lost and Found” of what happens when effective adult transition planning before high school graduation is not set in place. Lost and Found was written to provide resources, tools, and support to advocate for their loved ones while supporting the entire family in the process.
Angela West-Brown is driven to provide strategic solutions to parents seeking clarity, less stress, and successful completion of IEP Transition goals. Angela West-Brown has worked in University Financial Aid and Admissions Services, Department of Family and Children’s Services and (ABD ) Aged, blind, disabled unit collectively for over 6+ years. She has a Bachelor’s in Sociology, a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies/English, and a Graduate Certification in Adult Learning. Angela has completed (ICF) International Coach Federation Certification. Angela works by day as a Corporate Certified Life Coach, while birthing the dream God gave her to support the special needs community and spread awareness of the importance of a strong transition plan for special needs teens.
What inspired you to become an IEP coach alongside everything you already did?
After I wrote my book, “Lost and Found” I realized the key to a successful transition into adulthood for many special need’s children begins with a strong adult transition plan found within the IEP. I started attending adult transition planning workshops, conferences, webinars and IEP parent support groups. While partnering with Jeniece Stewart, founder of Special Needs Sibling, a local Nonprofit organization, I stumbled across a very unique and one of a kind Master IEP Coach Mentorship & training program. Catherine’s Master IEP Coach Mentorship program was the missing piece to the puzzle. I am so thankful for her expertise and guidance.
What type of certification did you get?
In order to become an effective corporate life coach for my 9-5 career. I was blessed to receive ICF Life Coach training and certification. I completed the Core Essentials training Program through CoachU. It is an International Coach Federation’s (“ICF”) approved Accredited Coach Training Program. love the fact that my employer invests in its employees and encourages ongoing professional development and training.
What initially got you interested in becoming a coach and what were some of the motivating factors behind that decision for you?
Throughout the years, people have always come to me for advice, guidance and encouragement. I never knew there was an actual name for what I was doing until someone asked me during a sisterhood workshop, “have you ever thought about being a life coach? You would be really good at it.” I went home and started doing research on it. Everything screamed “This is what you are!!! This is “who” you are. I said, lord I don’t have $2,000 right now, but I will pay for this introductory course, attend free webinars, and began moving in the direction of my dream job. My dream job ended up paying for my training and now I am a firm believer that your gifts will make room/provisions for you.
One of the most common challenges new coaches face is self-doubt. Some coaches call it Imposter Syndrome, where early on they feel somehow inadequate to take on the role of coach. What is one piece of advice that you would give to somebody who is in the beginning stage of their coaching career and dealing with these doubts in their mind?
Yes, along this journey, no matter how far you’ve come you will always feel feelings of self-doubt. I’ve learned a very valuable lesson along the way. When you feel these feelings of self-doubt just look around you and notice who’s next to you. You are around individuals that make you feel like an imposter because you feel you don’t deserve a seat at the table. Here’s the thing, they may look at you and all your magnificence and wonder the same thing. You’ve earned this seat; you deserve this seat and so much more. Your experiences matter, your voice matter, you matter.
Can you tell us how you keep up with your work as a mother of four? How do you balance work life?
I get up at 5am every morning to pray, meditate and journal. I then plan out what needs to be done today and only today for each family member and put reminders in my phone. I then get in at least 30 minutes of exercise and take my vitamins. Self-care and planning are key to balancing it all for me.
What is the story behind “Lost and Found”?
Almost 15 years ago, my sister graduated from high school and started running away after the program she was designated to attend was no longer available. My grandmother did the best she could with the knowledge she had, but she was not aware of the valuable preparation that was supposed to take place early on. I talk about my experiences as a special need’s sibling, Aged, Blind, Disability Services Medicaid Eligibility Specialist and University Financial Aid Representative and how it all came together for my work and mission today.
Where do you get your inspiration from daily?
My children. I am determined to create a path to success for my babies. My husband. He can tell when I feel discouraged or overwhelmed. He walks up behind me and whispers in my ear to, Stay the course. He then turns me around and hold my hand tight. Its something about those two little words. It helps me tune out all the chatter, self-doubt and distractions. It helps me to focus on the big picture, MY ULTIMATE goal.
How do you stay motivated?
When my presence, services, and resources support others’ to live easy and stress free when it comes to adult transition planning for their child with special needs, I feel motivated to keep pushing.
How do you turn storms into accomplishments?
I do my best to get the lesson. There is a lesson in the midst of every storm. Some times we find ourselves on a merry go round, storm after storm and we want to get off. Some are not ready to get off. If you are tired of being in the same situation, then you will get the lesson and grow through it. So, I grow through my storms when I go through the storm. These are my greatest accomplishments.
See more of Angela on https://angelawestbrown.com
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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