Conversations with the Inspiring Angie Lotfi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Lotfi.

Angie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was raised by a single mother and I was the first person in my family to go to continue my education. At the time, it was a foreign concept considering it was an accomplishment to receive a high school diploma. I have had many jobs. For the longest time, all I wanted was to move up as a manager in the hotel industry. I’ve worked with airport volunteers, in social media technology and even as a debt collector. I’ve tried everything.

I knew I needed a change of scenery, so I relocated to Arizona over 7 years ago from Indiana. I love the warmer weather. I’ve always been attracted to bodies of water and I find solace in nature. That’s where I’m my best self – where I’m able to recenter and do my best thinking. I make it a point to go up north or to the west coast for the weekend as often as I can.

Whenever I’m exploring, I’m searching for the best food. Little holes in the wall or sometimes elegant, unique dining. Sharing a good meal is one of the best experiences in life. I can’t wait to tell others about the great food I’ve discovered or created. And it would make sense that in my career today, I’ve incorporated an aspect of food as well. I work for a food bank that feeds the hungry and I love being part of making a difference in my community.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve gone through many obstacles in my life. I started working at the age of 15 to help out at home. When I went to college, I had to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and loans. I’ve changed my life’s course several times and that’s okay.

My advice would be to let yourself feel whatever you’re going through. There will be setbacks and you’ll make mistakes. Take the time you need, then get back up and try for the 100th time. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for taking as long as you need to either. The fear of failure can be overwhelming. You have to believe you are good enough. It’s easy to focus on what you don’t have instead of practicing gratitude for the things you do have.

In my teens and twenties, I struggled with self-confidence. I cared more about what people thought. Today, I just make sure I’m pushing forward and trying to be good to others. I stopped comparing myself to others. I offer words of kindness when a fellow female is putting herself down. I admit to myself my weaknesses, but I love and accept myself anyway. One of my favorite quotes is, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself.”

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Angie Eats It All story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a Development Associate for St. Mary’s Food Bank. I specialize in areas of fundraising and development which include planned giving, marketing/social media, and budget/inventories. St. Mary’s is the world’s first food bank. Through our relationships with partner agencies, we provide 250,000 meals a day. I’m proud to be part of a wonderful organization that makes such a huge impact in Arizona.

When I’m not working, I’m delving into my passion for food with my Instagram brand – @angieeatsitall. I love attending events with other foodies in the greater Phoenix area. I’ve met a lot of really interesting people who enjoy photography, food, and fun as much as I do. I’m known for singing, dancing and doing silly things to get people to laugh.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Yes, there are always opportunities women can succeed. They just have to find the right fit. If you take whatever you can get and settle, you’ll be stuck at the bottom. I learned this the hard way.

If you know your worth and push through the barriers, you will get where you want to go. I feel like the non-profit industry has many opportunities women are well positioned for. Most women have the drive to help others and that goes hand in hand with the territory. They also have a knack for business and entrepreneurship. Women know how to sell to women and there’s a huge buying force out there for them to discover! I think they’ve become very good at taking a piece of the market and making it theirs.

Contact Info:

• Email: lotfam01@hotmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieeatsitall
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angieeatsitall

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