Join us on a journey into indulgence with "Pampered Pursuits," our Endearments blog series that dissects the lifestyle habits of highly interesting people. Uncover the secrets of their leisure time and explore the must-have essentials sparking their latest buzz.

In this edition we’re featuring Angela Collins, the tech marketing leader by day and the creative director of Endearments by night.

What are you reading?

I’m always kind of reading a few things at the same time.  I started reading the New York Times Magazine best seller, The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones over the summer and have not finished. I’m in no rush, I like to pick it up and read it when I have time here and there. I just never feel like I know as much as I’d like to know about my history and culture, I appreciate the research and insights that are collected in the book. I unfortunately saw the series on Hulu so, it may or may not have taken away from me wanting to read it as fast as I would read other selections. I’m also a huge fan of Robert Greene. I was a psychology minor in college--I love observing human behavior. I’m continuously in awe of how random and also how predictable humans can be. The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction are so insightful and entertaining. I keep them bedside and I reach to them from time to time.

How do you decompress?

Ahhhh. I have a few ways that I decompress. Number one would be a shower where I’m using my favorite shower steamers. Naturally, my first choice is our test fragrance that will launch early in 2024 from Endearments -- it's made from a refreshing blend of sandalwood, and coconut that really just relaxes me. 

At the end of any given day, I suffer from sensory overload. I’m usually zapped from conference calls, talking, business, noise, light and just like to relax in a comfortable, quiet environment to power back up. I’m definitely a fan of, “cutting the big light out.” I bought some battery powered LED candles from Amazon that came with a remote. They create a peaceful vibe and help me to relax.

What makes you feel fancy?

I love that question. I like feeling fancy. As a matter of fact, last year I didn’t actually do a vision board. I did a word board and fancy-ish was on my list. Most of my days are spent in sweatpants and my collection of Mr. Rogers sweaters (which I love) and sweatshirts. A few things instantly make me feel fancy. First I would say my nails. If it’s one thing I’m going to consistently do, it’s make sure my nails are on point. I love art and fashion immensely, so getting my nails done creatively is a way for me to express myself fashion wise and also artistically. I never go for anything cookie cutter. 

The next thing that makes me feel fancy would be putting on my nice jewelry.  I have a few pieces that will rock at home for the heck of it just because they are mine and I like wearing them. I don’t believe in saving anything for a rainy day. Wear your good pieces honey. 

Lastly, anytime you see me with a red lip…..beware!! Know that I’m feeling really bold and fancy. I have several colors that I wear from the notorious Ruby Woo by Mac to Uncensored by Fenty and a few others.

Favorite meal?

I love pizza and fries. My longtime favorites here in Atlanta are Antico’s Pizza. I usually order the yummy San Gennaro and then head to Chick-Fil-A for a large waffle fry : )

Most treasured items?

The things you can’t buy: 

My health. Without good health, nothing else matters

My time. I have such an appreciation of every day. I fill my time with people and things that I love. I don’t have many regrets in life, but a few instances of wasted time top my list.

My family. No matter what I can buy, where I can travel. When it all comes down to it, my memories and time with them will be the things that stick with me til the last day.

What are you really into?

This may be odd, and slightly boring but I’m really into drinking water. I noticed that my intake of high sugar fruit juices was insane. I started buying gallon jugs of spring water to keep in my office. I drink nearly a gallon of water every day. I feel much healthier, every bit helps. 

Podcasts…oh how I love podcasts!!! I’m a late bloomer when it comes to listening to Podcasts. I love audio podcasts because they allow me to be entertained and get work done at the same time. We’re preparing to launch our first season of  Passion Pivot by Endearments, a lifestyle blog that shares cool stories from women who have mastered the art of recrafting their life to live out their dreams.  It will be available on Spotify soon. 

I’m really into true crime. For pleasure,  my favorites are Sista’s Who Kill -- love, love, love the way MaRah and Taz tell their stories. Black Girl Gone--the amount of research and detail that Amara Cofer puts into her stories is top notch. I also like to check out Reality with the King, and Oprah’s Super Soul.  To keep me sharp and relevant in my profession, I love the  CMO Podcast with Jim Stengel and Uncensored CMO with Jon Evans.   

What’s your most recent splurge?

I’m not a big shopper anymore. Several years ago I just had to be buying something all the time, most of which are things that I spent way too much money on and don’t use today. The only thing worse than wasted time, is wasted money. I’m a homebody so having beautiful, thought provoking, cultural works displayed that I can enjoy everyday, makes me happy. 

I started getting more serious about art collecting during the pandemic. I picked up artwork by Harmonia Rosales who currently has her artwork on display at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. But my most favorite recent splurge is an artwork that I acquired  from February James. She was number one on my list of about five artists that were on my mental vision board to collect this year. To me, images from her artwork feel like figures from spirits from times past that are coming to life and want their story to be told and want to be seen again. They are really interesting. 

This year, I also collected work from Najee Dorsey and Tracy Jackson who are both Georgia based and I’m really happy about those as well. And Robert Peterson, he’s based in Lawton, Oklahoma which is where I attended elementary school. I still consider myself a baby collector, I aspire to grow a thoughtful collection like Kent Kelly, Ayesha Selden, Swiss Beats. Arting is my favorite way to splurge these days. Baby steps!!

How do you define luxury?

I define luxury as peace of mind and comfort.