I love the opportunity to spotlight amazing women in Utah Valley. Each one gives great advice for women (my final interview question). However, this week’s spotlight, Angela Webb, gave such superb advice that you may want to read it first. Angela has been married to her sweetheart, Darrel Webb, for 21 years. They have four children: three boys and one girl ranging from 5 to 19 years old. Angela and her family live in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by family. Six of her seven siblings, and their families, live nearby.Paula Fellingham: What was your life like growing up?
Angela Webb: My life growing up was magical. I lived in Sequim, Washington for most of my growing up years and it was my Camelot. My parents and grandparents shared a 7-acre piece of land. We had a full-size grass volleyball court, a blacktop to play pickle ball and ride our bikes, a pond that we built forts around, lots and lots of trees and green everywhere. Sequim is on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. We were 15 minutes away from the ocean and 30 minutes away from a ferry ride to Victoria, Canada. I had an exceptionally happy childhood.
PF: What is your life like now?
AW: My life now is busy and blessed. My children and my job as a photographer keep me busy and happy. My eldest son is attending Utah State and will soon be awaiting his mission call for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My second son will be a senior at Westlake High School next year and was just awarded a top position in the student FFA organization. My third son will be headed into junior high next year and my daughter will start kindergarten. I hold the position as the official Westlake High School athletic department photographer and that, along with my children and their activities, keeps me busy. I wouldn’t have it any other way! I have thoroughly enjoyed standing on the sidelines of all the games this year and getting to know the students of Westlake High School a little better. I have been so impressed with the students, administration and Athletic Department leaders at the high school. I cannot say enough good things about coaches, staff, and administration of Westlake High. They all sacrifice countless hours to make the school and the students better. They emphasize student athletes, with the emphasis on student. This past year the cumulative GPA of the students in the athletic department was above a 3.5. To me, that’s impressive. I just finished my first year working with the high school and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m looking forward to many more years.
PF: What are your challenges?
AW: My challenge is my work/life balance right now. It’s hard to have your “office” at home and explain to your kids that sometimes you need to work even though you are home with them. Taking pictures on the field or in the gym until late is one thing, but then most of my time is spent in front of my computer making sure those pictures look that extra bit of awesome, and then putting them on my website for parents to see and purchase. Being the official athletic photographer is great but I only make money if people are buying my pictures, so I spend time marketing and trying to get my name out there for people to see and recognize. Most of the kids who do sports know who I am and they are so cute. The name of my business is Aspen Media Works and for a long time many of them thought my name was Aspen. I actually love that they call me that – it means they know who I am and they know I’m out there for them. I’ve gone to rugby games and lacrosse games because the boys sent me their schedules and asked me to come. I love providing people with something that they can cherish years down the road. I also take family photos, baby photos, and occasionally I’ll do a wedding, but my all-time favorite type of photos to take (other than action shots) are senior photos. I love seeing students’ excitement as they get ready to enter the next chapter of their lives.
PF: What are your successes?
AW: My best successes are my children. I love watching them grow and mature and learn life lessons. I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a mom and a wife. My other success in my life right now is my photography business. I have been a photographer for many years but when I moved to Utah from Las Vegas I didn’t really do anything to market myself here. I am finally getting my business a little more well-known and I’m building a reputation in Saratoga Springs. I love working with the high school. I love meeting the students and watching them excel on and off the field and the court. I love meeting new people and learning new things.
PF: What is your advice for women?
AW: Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and to worry about more than you can handle. Don’t worry that you’re not the best at everything – be the best at being happy about everything. We live in a beautiful world with so many opportunities all around us. Enjoy it! Be grateful! Be appreciative of everyone else’s efforts around you. Don’t get stuck in your own little world. Find happiness in service. Lift your head up and see with your heart as well as your eyes. Be cheerful and people will want to be around you. Be approachable and kind to all you meet. Enjoy life. It’s meant to be enjoyed.