Are you showing up? In today’s episode, I have the honor of introducing you to business and marketing coach Angelica Pompy. Angelica is sharing the power of getting in the room, boosting your confidence, and making genuine connections across your industry and interests. 

On Quianna Marie Weekly, we’re chatting about business growing pains, finding genuine connections, and celebrating wins of all sizes through the lens of a photographer at heart. Sprinkled throughout stories and interviews with past clients, photographers and other business owners this podcast is designed to help you step into your purpose and to truly create a life you’re proud of, a life worth photographing and sharing.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by The Green House, my resource garden for photographers! Let me help you AMPLIFY your heart online and in real life to turn bridesmaids into future brides through templates, workshops, and freebies!

Review The Show Notes: 

Prioritizing In-Person Events In 2025 (3:35)

Where To Get Started With Finding Events (4:47)

Self-Esteem Strategies (7:35)

Maximizing Your Genuine Friendships (10:56)

The Power Of Collaborations (15:34)

We Rise Conference (17:05)

Key Tip From Angelica (20:12)

Connect With Angelica:

Instagram: instagram.com/angelicapompy

Website: angelicapompy.com

Business Church: angelicapompy.com/business-church

Review the Transcript:

Quianna: Have you ever walked into a room full of pretty strangers and spotted a vibrant, full of energy, and friendly face and thought, I wish I walked in with her because she looks like she knows so many people and would probably talk to me. This, my love, would be known as the YES QUEEN, the beautiful, bold, uppercase magnetic soul in my new forever bestie, Angelica Pompey.

As the owner and lead photographer at Pompey Portraits in Jacksonville, Florida, Angelica specializes in boudoir photography, capturing the strength and beauty of women during the most beautiful milestones of their life. Beyond her photography, Angelica is a passionate business and marketing coach, supporting female entrepreneurs to create impactful marketing strategies and create even more transformations in their business.

Through her audits, memberships, coaching, VIP days, and masterminds, she helps passionate business owners gain confidence by showcasing their expertise, implementing efficient workflows, and achieving their goals. Known for her vibrant personality and commitment to community over competition, Angelica has become an intentional speaker, delivering engaging keynotes that inspire deeper connections and business growth.

Her mission is to empower women to pursue their passions and show up as their authentic selves in both personal and professional vibes. Today, we have the honor of chatting all about the power of showing up and getting in the room, how to search for these events, how to find them and how to know when they’re popping up strategies to help boost your confidence.

So you walk into events and conferences, feeling empowered like you belong there and you deserve to take up space. Angelica dives deeper into making genuine friendships that radiate referrals even years after those sparked connections. Grab your iced coffee or sip something spicy, babe, because Angelica is taking us to church.

Business church. This legit will feel like a coaching call, but with two besties ready to spill all the secrets and encouragement you need to shine both online and in real life. Without further ado with a big squeeze from Scottsdale, Arizona to Jacksonville, Florida, please welcome Angelica Pompey.

Welcome to Kiana Marie Weekly, a podcast for creatives who love to celebrate wins big or small by dancing in the kitchen. Photographers who are excited to serve their clients and friends who are ready to chase really, really big dreams. You can find all of the resources mentioned in this episode at KeanuMarie.

com slash podcast. Join me as I share weekly motivation, chat about growing pains, finding genuine connections and celebrating your wins through the lens of a photographer at heart. Come join me for a dance party. Ready? Let’s go.

Hey, hey, hey, welcome to the

Angelica: party, Angelica. It’s so good to see you. Yes, I’m so excited for us to connect here. Like we just met and I told you, I was like, we’re friends. And you’re like, yeah, come on my podcast. I’m like, heck yeah.

Quianna: Yes, let’s do it. And you look so stylish. You have these glasses on. Where are you girlfriend?

Angelica: I’m South Florida. So in Fort Lauderdale, specifically living my best life. My husband’s here for a conference with the videographer. And so I said, Hey, I’ll tag along because most of my work is remote these days. So yeah, here I am. I, we’re outside. You see some beautiful palm trees is 80 degrees. I love it here.

Quianna: And I love this because this is the beauty of what we do is we can take it anywhere. And I love the fact that you’re showing up. So this is the first like the best segue into the first question. I want to get right into this Angelica. So Why should we all be prioritizing in person events for 2025?

Angelica: You know, after the pandemic, I feel like a lot of that in person connection just kind of dwindled away.

And naturally so, like, because of the circumstance, we may do what we needed to. A lot of things came to fruition online, which I’m very grateful for. But there’s something about just meeting somebody in person, feeling their energy, seeing people that is your vibe, um, and getting in the room. That’s like my slogan is like, just get in the room.

You don’t know what opportunity is waiting for you there, and you never know who you’ll meet. And so 2025, I feel like is definitely the year of getting in the room. There’s so many new things happening in the Korean space, opportunities for people to show up and maybe pivot in their business that they don’t even think that’s a capacity for them to do.

So just meeting new people and getting different perspective. It’s super, super

Quianna: candid then. Yes, I 1000 percent agree. And this is even more validation because you and I both met because we showed up. We met at the Conquer Live Retreat. And we’re so grateful for Heather and Jamie for introducing us. And I mean, That’s the thing.

And we’ve been following each other for a while. So now it’s just so awesome to actually make that connection in person. So how Angelica would we find these events? Like, how do we show up? Like, where do we even learn about all of these fun in person opportunities?

Angelica: Yeah, absolutely. I would say I recommend people to start within their industry.

And I’m going to use my husband as an example. There isn’t a big like videographer conference in the United States. And so he went down the rabbit hole of finding like, you know, intimate workshops. And then smaller like networking events for videographers and it’s requiring him to travel where we live in Jacksonville, Florida.

There’s not a lot of community for videographers. So here we are five hours south from our hometown to get in the room. And he literally messaged me yesterday, the first day. And he’s like, there’s someone here from Ukraine. There’s someone here from Italy. There’s someone here from New York. I’m like, what?

And like just the possibility of now his network reaching that far out, he would never had that opportunity had he not showed up this weekend. And I just tell people start within your niche because that’s an easy common denominator thing to talk about. For example, I’m a photographer, I do boudoir photography, but I also love women empowerment events and like all things women business.

So like, I see anything labeled female entrepreneurs, I’m there. So like, I try to find something that’s like a common denominator for me to talk about. And the easiest place, I always tell people, Instagram, Facebook. An eventbrite. Eventbrite is still a thing and I don’t know what a lot of newer like younger know about it, but it is still very popular and I find a lot of my really valuable events on there.

Quianna: Yes, I love that and I love that advice for starting in your niche, starting in your industry. And I love asking people and I feel like this is like the snowball effect that happens is once you get in the room when you just show up to one event, whether it’s a Galentine’s event with girlfriends, whether it’s a network marketing group or a vendor day with other photographers, whatever that is.

Get your feelers out there and then ask the queen bee. Like there’s always a someone in the room that you can talk to and say, Hey, where are you going next? Right? Like, and it could just be anybody in the room because you’re going to get so many different answers based on what you’re looking for. And really it just takes that one, one step in the door.

Angelica: Yeah, absolutely. And I always, people would see me and they’re like, Angelica, you’re so fun. You’re so extrovert. Where are you going to next? Like to your point. And I tell people right there on the spot, join my email list. I share these things with my audience because I want them to show up for themselves.

So I love to be that avenue, a resource for my, my audience. And so, yeah, I’m always sharing people where, where they can go and how they can show up for themselves.

Quianna: Yes. I love this so much. So let’s say we have a couple of opportunities coming up on our calendar and we’re thinking, all right, this may feel a little bit scary, but I’m doing it anyway.

I’m showing up with confidence anyway. Do you have any strategies or any self esteem boosters that we can kind of put in our back pocket for our next event?

Angelica: Yeah, absolutely. I always tell people, first thing is ask yourself, why are you showing up to this event? Is it to meet someone specifically in person?

Is it to gain new clientele? Is it just to bring brand visibility to your business? Like, what is your intention and why? And having that in the back of your mind, you can be very intentional with your conversation. Another strategy I always tell people is ask open ended questions, which sounds probably very simple, but you want to ask those type of questions because it keeps the conversation going.

It’s easy to be like, Hey, are you from Jacksonville, Florida? And the answer is no. And then there’s a conversation. It’s like, okay, the better question is, you know, where were you raised? And are you from that area with your family from this area? And why, you know, and if they moved from the military, like it really just kind of gives their story.

And so, yeah, allowing people, and I always love to follow up questions Tell me more explain further like as a person asking the questions your peers probably doing 70 percent of the talking

Quianna: Yes, I love that so much and I love that you mentioned having a game plan whether it is Getting the introduction with someone like you’re kind of like, okay cool I know she’s gonna be there and she’s gonna be a great asset to know or a great connection or visibility for your brand one thing that I’ve been doing lately and it’s completely changed the game for me is when I walk into events.

Now, I look to make new friends. I don’t walk in there with those like goggles or those glasses thinking who’s going to be my next client. Are these, are these a luxury clients? Are they going to pay my high prices? Right? It almost kind of reminds me of back in the day when we were dating, right? Like, so for me, for example, when I was super single, I would put on these glasses and I’d be like, where’s my husband at?

I’m hunting him down. Right? Like I’m looking and right. Sometimes we can do that with our clients where we’re like, I’m on the hunt to find these dream, ideal clients. When in reality, I suggest showing up as your best self, going in, having this magnetic energy that you’re just going to have so much fun and meet new contacts because here’s the thing.

The people you meet may not work with you, right? Like they may not actually sign and work with you at that time, but they know people that do need you. So that’s how those connections spark. Yes,

Angelica: absolutely. And I always tell people networking, the ROI isn’t right away. It might not be maybe a month or two after it might be six months down the line.

I’ve met people that are like, Angelica, I’ve been following you since we met. And it’s a year and a half later, and now they’re coming around to become a client. So like, to your point. Having those intentions, but also don’t be so hard on yourself either. Just be there and be present, be present. Like I know we’re on this digi age where we’re hooked to our phones.

But put your phone away, talk to the person, look at people in their eye. I think that’s like the way you present yourself and show up, that energy will exude and people will be like, uh, this person is quiet, shy, doesn’t want to like say anything. And you’re tucked in a corner versus like, Hey, I’m here.

What’s up? What’s your name? You know, what brought you to this event? Like questions like that.

Quianna: Yes. I love this so much. Oh my gosh. So, okay. Let’s say that we’re in the room and we’re kind of making our rounds. Maybe we’re hanging out by, like, I would find the charcuterie board, right? Like, that’s where I would be.

I’d be, like, making my snacks. I’d be making new friends. What advice do you have for the follow up? Let’s say you did make a connection with someone and maybe you, like, whipped out your Instagrams or you start following each other and you’re inspired to just stay in touch. What does that look like for you to maximize that genuine friendship?

Angelica: Yeah. Oh, I love this. So I’m all about like, when you meet somebody, it’s great to send like a good text or something, but if you want to make it personal, send a video message, you will blow people’s mind away. And it doesn’t have to be like this long novel of anything. It’s just like, Hey, it was so nice to chat with you.

And I know we talked about all things cheesecake, which has nothing to do with the event, but like, I just enjoyed our conversation and I will hope to see you around at the next event. Let me know where you’re headed to. And that right there, it shows initiation. It shows that you care and that you want to build a rapport with this person.

I’m not asking you to be their bestie. But, you know, at the same time, it’s like, okay, this is a relationship that I want to grow, you’ll know who those people are. You’re like, you had a good conversation and maybe it’s just something temporary, but get to know that person more.

Quianna: Yes. I love it. And when you did your speech at conquer live, talking about those video messages and then Getting in the room.

And I remember there was a full circle moment when was it years later? And your husband is the videographer for a grand opening of an event, right? Like these are like full circle moments where you’re just planting seeds and you’re kind of sparking these connections and then you never know when they’re going to circle back or they’re going to refer you and that those are dollar signs, like those are the moments of the ROI, but you have to get yourself in the room.

I love this so much.

Angelica: Yes, absolutely. And I always tell people like. If you can’t find anything within your niche, maybe you do something that you’re more passionate about. Like, for example, I’m very passionate about breast cancer awareness. That’s very near and dear to my family, my heart. And so I go to volunteer at those events.

And like, again, I’m just showing up and serving from the heart. And maybe in those conversations that I have with the other volunteer next to me, that might be my next, you know, business partner or business opportunity. So I always tell people like, Pick something that feels good to you as a common denominator first, and then, you know, go out and explore.

I’ll show up places by myself now. I don’t care. I’m like, hey, I’m Angelica. What’s your name?

Quianna: I love that and that’s gonna come with practice, right? That’s gonna come with honing what you do and I even love those conversations. I’m so happy you brought this up about volunteering for events and you know, sharing your hobbies or things that you’re passionate about.

It’s because when you’re in that element, like that’s when you really shine like that’s when you kind of forget because I love conversations when it’s so organic and so fun and simple that people come back to you later and say, tell me what you do because I didn’t tell them right because I didn’t tell them that I’m a photographer or I’m a content coach.

Like we were just talking about. Things that were happening and organically happening right in front of us that they look back and say, wait, what, tell me about what you do dinner. Tell me your name again. Cause we were just talking about other things like that to me is so fun.

Angelica: I love that. And that’s actually a very common question.

People love to go to first. is what do you do? And it’s like, that’s actually my least asked question. I always ask, like, what do you like to enjoy in your free time when you’re in vacation? Like, what’s your type of vacation? Are you a beach gal? Are you like the country? Like we’re going to the cabins. Like that tells me more about people’s personality, gets to know them a little deeper outside of like high level.

Like what do you do for work?

Quianna: Yes. 1000%. And I love those. And then circling back to the open ended questions. I love the tell me more or, oh, I need to hear more about that or keep going, keep going. And it just, it allows people around you to feel safe and feel vulnerable and, and let those conversations fly.

I love it so much.

Angelica: I love it. Yeah. It’s networking. Honestly, without networking, my business would not be where it is today. I actually had a lunch meeting earlier and it was just a hangout with a photographer I connected with in 2019. And she slid into my DMs and I, I opened an invitation one time. I’m like, girl, I’m always in your area.

So like, next time I’m in town, I’ll let you know. She’s like, please. And here we are like earlier today, I had lunch with her. I just catching up with her and life. And like, of course we talked a little business. Well, tell me, how are you? How are things like, how can I support you? And it was really genuine.

Like, I just love connecting with people.

Quianna: Oh my gosh. So let’s continue the conversation because. I want to learn more about your passion for hosting events. So let’s say you have done the rounds or you notice that there may be a hole in the industry and you’re trying to fill it, like something just hasn’t quite existed yet.

Or maybe you’re on other parts of the country where some of these events just aren’t happening. And so you want to like make things happen. So tell us more Angelica. about collaborations and the power of collaborating and just building your own damn table.

Angelica: Yeah. Oh man. So in my community in Jacksonville, our creative community is not very like big.

People are kind of like in their own silos and you know, I said, I’m going to bring something to the table that the city hasn’t had before. So I created an event called Coffee and Connections and I was inspired by another entrepreneur by the name. And I was like, okay, she’s doing a virtual version. What happens if I bring this to like real life in person and what would that look like?

And this is a ticketed event, but I make zero dollars. It’s completely collaborative. I pay the small businesses to participate. And I host it with another vendor and it has been the most powerful conversations I have and the entrepreneurs, they are feeling inspired, empowered. We have conversation about business.

Life and the beauty of it is having a little bit more structure to networking. Some people are used to just showing up and like start talking to whoever, but this is like, we sit in a circle, we have conversation, we introduce ourselves and then we network so we can kind of pinpoint who we want to talk to.

And that event has been so incredible. People are asking me, when am I taking on the road? I’m saying not yet. I’m not, I’m afraid about it. I got a lot of speaking engagements coming up, but we’ll see how I can coincide the two. And I tell people, if you don’t find your community, build it, like bring your own people together.

You’re going to attract and energize the people that are around you. So just invite the invitation and people that come, come. And for those that don’t, they’re not your people. Yes. I love

Quianna: this so much. And I want to hear more about your upcoming event. And more specifically to how you decided to collaborate with your girls to put this on.

So that way it doesn’t feel like if someone’s listening, thinking like, okay, cool, I can get something started, but I don’t want to do it alone. What advice do you have for collaborating?

Angelica: Yes. If you’ve ever hosted an event, you probably know it’s a lot of work behind the scenes, a lot of planning, a lot of logistics.

Like to have this, my coffee and connection, not only do it once a quarter and every single time people are like, do it every month. I’m like, if you only knew the logistics behind the scenes. And so with that, I’ve always had a dream to have a conference. And I started to share manifest this out loud with my peers and my community.

And one of my girlfriends was like, let’s do it. I was like, like we, she’s like, yeah, why not? And I was like, okay, she brings something to the table that I don’t have. I bring something to the table that she doesn’t have. And then another peer of ours was like, okay, I can tap into like, what do you guys need supported?

And now it’s been so awesome. We are having a full fledged like conference. It’s like more get your hands dirty kind of conference and like less woo woo and doing the work something that we see in the Space of conferences and like a lot of here’s how to do the thing, but we don’t have time to implement So we want women to feel empowered to do the work with us And guided of course by all of us as the speakers and making an impact like that day We want people to feel like rejuvenated and done something, you know check mark I did this on their list.

And so, yeah, we’re hosting a conference called We Rise. It’s for female entrepreneurs in St. Augustine, Florida, and it’s our first annual. And we are so excited because the structure of this is very different than most. It’s workshop style plus, like, some interactive activities. And then who doesn’t love an after party, which is that’s where the networking happens in the evening.

So Dress up, look cutesy, you know, very demure, very mindful. That’s what the girlies say these days.

Quianna: I love that. That sounds like so much fun. And I’d love that you mentioned collaborating with these powerhouse women that are bringing different skill sets, bringing different passions, bringing just different opportunities to the table.

And I think that is beautiful because not only from a logistic mindset, does that kind of. Release a lot of the all the logistics and all the extra workload to it. I mean, it’s still going to be so much work for everybody, but having a team to do it is so helpful. That’s going to be so awesome.

Angelica: And I was just telling my husband, I was like, you know, I don’t think this conference would have had the same impact for me as the host.

If I was doing it solo, like I feel so energized when we have our team meetings, we’re brainstorming ideas. We’re doing the things and I’m like, yo, we’re hosting a damn conference. Like this is kind of crazy.

Quianna: That’s huge. Oh my goodness. Well, I love this conversation because once again, I love a full circle where we’re coming together.

Right. It’s like, how do you find these locations? You’ve got to hang out with passionate business owners like you and I, we’re going to be posting about these events. We’re hosting them. Oh my gosh. All the things. And you could be prepared to show up. How do you talk and speak and ask questions to everybody that you meet?

Oh, my gosh, Angelica. This has been so fun. So one question I love to ask every guest. What is your key tip? What is something that you wish you knew sooner or something you’d love to share with an entrepreneur today?

Angelica: Oh, that’s a good one. Do the hard things. There’s something on the other side that’s for you.

And if you do it scared, you’re doing a good job.

Quianna: I love that so much. That’s such a mic drop moment. So I want to take this a little bit deeper and I’m going to test you. Tell me what is a hard thing that you’ve had to do recently?

Angelica: Oh, so I recently hired a team and this is like new as of a year and still learning.

And I think this is like really humbling for me too. It’s very new. I’ve done entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship for Forever since 2017 and really articulating my needs and wants that I need not only personally, but for my business has been hard, um, to be honest, putting everything that’s here in the brain on paper and like articulating everything very detailed has been a challenge.

And now I feel like after a year of having my OBM, we’re moving and improving, but that was a big, big learning curve for me as a leader. And honestly has made me a better person and it’s pushed me to limits. I didn’t even know I was capable of, and it allows me also to have full space, more space for myself.

I’m not just consuming the work that I do day in and day out. So it came with like, you know, I got to train her and do other things, but this will now open up opportunities like now that I can able to travel like I am now. Speaking engagements, I’m able to do a lot more education and coaching, which has been always a dream of mine.

I’ve had my photography business, and I still have it, um, Pompeii Portraits, full fledged, like hair and makeup, client closet, products. And that’s still running, but now I have the capacity to do other things that pour into my cup.

Quianna: That’s incredible. And I’m so proud of you for doing the hard things so you can continue getting in the room, showing up and just helping all of us succeed and just reach those big dreams.

Oh my gosh. So how can we connect with you, Angelica? How can we now be your BFF?

Angelica: Yes. You guys can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, everywhere, Angelica Pompey. And my website is angelicapompey. com. And if you guys are struggling and this is just for your audience and they need more support marketing their business, networking, social media, like.

All if you’re looking for a community of entrepreneurs that are fat asses and are doing the work and need support I would love to invite you all to business church. It’s my online membership for female entrepreneurs Um, and you can give it a test Um a dollar trial for all of you the link will be in the description below

Quianna: Amazing.

What an incredible gift. And I’m just so excited for business church. I feel like you are just scaling that to the moon. All of your students, clients, friends, everyone that’s in there is just completely blowing things out. Like they are growing and it’s just so cool to watch everybody shine.

Angelica: I love it. I love it.

Again, I’m all about community and they’re networking amongst themselves. They’re hiring each other. It is a beautiful place to be. I love it.

Quianna: Incredible. Oh my gosh. Well, thank you so much for your time today, Angelica. I am so, so grateful to introduce my audience to you and your magic and your energy. I hope you can feel it while you’re listening to this because it’s there.

Like the vibrancy is there. And I’m just so grateful for all these tips and can’t wait to chat soon. Yes. Thank you so much for having me. Wow, I knew that conversation was going to be full of energy. I’m so grateful you joined this chat with us today. I hope it leaves you feeling inspired and motivated to start searching for local events near you.

Plus, this is also your invitation to consider investing in traveling to events as well. Remember, we’re always just one friendship or one connection away from changing our lives and leveling up our business. Make sure to follow along with Angelica at Angelica Pompey, that’s Angelica P O M P Y. Stay tuned for upcoming events, too.

If you’re local to Florida or really just need an excuse to travel down there, make sure to connect with Angelica. Also, if you’re looking for a speaker, peep her website and talking points, too. You’re gonna wanna check her out and invite her to your next retreat, conference, or workshop. This is your sign, babe.

It’s your sign to get in the room. It’s your permission slip to show up by yourself, literally get in the room and it’s okay if you go alone. It’s your green light to say heck yes to the hard things. We’re both your biggest fans and believe in you more than you know. Keep on dancing, baby. I’m so happy you’re here and can join us today.

Can’t wait to connect with you next week. Okay. Love you. Bye. That’s a wrap on another episode of Kiana Marie Weekly. Thank you so much for your listenership and support. You can find the resources and show notes for this episode and more at QuiannaMarie.com/podcast

I’d be honored if you’d show your support by leaving a review and rating on your favorite podcast app until next time.

Keep on dancing!

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