Life & Work with Angela Pena of Waterford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Pena

Hi Angela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Hi there, my name is Angela. By night and on weekends, I’m a content creator and fashion influencer, and by day, I’m a Director for a Vocational Rehabilitation agency. My story is long and has many layers, but the core of it is this: I struggled with body image and insecurities for over two decades. I attached my worth to my size, and more times than I can count, I felt like I didn’t belong at the table—sometimes for reasons that, in hindsight, were all lies. I’m very outgoing and extroverted, but on the inside, I was breaking.

Over a fifteen-year span, I fluctuated through ten dress sizes and tried every diet on the market—until I didn’t. I started following women of similar size on social media to get outfit ideas. I stopped worrying about whether I was “supposed to” wear something or if it was flattering because, frankly, I don’t owe anyone flattering—and neither does anyone else. Fashion became a form of self-expression for me (I’ve always loved a good outfit), and I started enjoying it again.

At some point, I realized I should showcase mid and plus-size fashion. I wanted to do this for other women in my circle, in my community, and, honestly, for my own confidence. So, I started. In April of 2022, I launched my account with zero followers, simply putting myself out there and sharing outfit ideas. To my surprise, I quickly gained a decent following. Within five months, I had brands reaching out to me—though I had no idea how to respond! But I jumped in, figuring things out as I went.

What I loved most wasn’t just styling outfits—it was the private messages from women of similar size telling me they related to my content and were grateful for my inspiration. However, only five months in and with almost 10,000 followers, my account was hacked. I hadn’t set up any security measures, and I lost everything. It was devastating, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to start over. I was discouraged, battling imposter syndrome.

But then, a month later, something shifted. I had bought my three-year-old daughter a bikini from a local boutique. She came out in it, looked at herself in the mirror (the same one I look in every day), and said, “Mom, I can’t wear this. My belly’s too big,” before turning to change. She’s petite, with zero weight on her stomach, but she was already internalizing the same body shame I’d been modeling for her. That was the turning point for me. That night, I created a new account (hence, Angela_stylescurves2) and dove back in.

Since then, I’ve built a community of over 30,000 followers and work with a variety of brands, focusing on mid and plus-size fashion. I create trending reels, share self-love messages, and talk about everything from moving my body for joy to embracing my confidence. I walk and jog 2-4 times a week, not for weight loss, but for my mental health and the pride it brings me. Recently, I launched my own curvy collection with Clothed Boutique, a local shop, and in less than two months, I’ve enjoyed curating pieces with curvy women in mind.

I take great pride in making women feel included, confident, and happy in their “now” bodies.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. From dealing with internet creeps to facing trolls who seem to think I’m doing something wrong, it’s never smooth. I’ve been called out for not being “large” or “fat” enough to use the hashtag #plussize, among other comments. It definitely requires thick skin and the ability to brush off negativity, sometimes on a daily basis.

The hacking of my account was another huge challenge, along with starting over, navigating fake collaboration proposals, and learning how to protect myself online. But all of it is part of the learning process.

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?

I create styling videos that help other women feel confident in their own skin. I also stay active in my local community, attending women-centered events to empower others while also being empowered by like-minded individuals.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

One of the biggest takeaways is that people need people. Connection is key, and feelings of inclusion truly nourish the soul. We’ve all been through a lot, but it’s the connections we make with others that help us get through it.

Pricing:

• Individual pricing for collab dependent on the deliverables

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopclothedboutique.com/collections/curvy
• Instagram: angela_stylescurves2