Mrs. Angel Hickman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Angel , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day begin with prayer, fasting, and cycling. It’s pure meditation that aligns my mind, body, and spirit setting the tone for a productive, purpose-driven day!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Angel for a reason. After surviving being shot seven times by a family friend battling mental health issues, i am left to rebuild my body from the ground up fighting every day to walk again. By refusing to let my wheelchair define me, instead i turned my pain into purpose, using my journey to inspire others to never give up. Through prayer, determination, and an incredible support system, i keep pushing forward. Im grateful for every step and for the chance to show that even when life tries to break you, faith and willpower can build you back stronger. Never Give Up! Im 1% Better Everyday.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of true power came in a moment of quiet realization when I couldn’t walk, but still felt the bottom of my feet press against the floor. Though id lost sensation from the top of my feet to my belly bottom, i knew in that moment that God was still with me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Refusing to let my circumstances cage my spirit, I dedicated myself to rebuilding my strength, inspiring others with my journey, and sharing the message that survival isn’t just about living its about becoming someone stronger, wiser, and beautifully new. Through prayer, determination, and my unshakable support system, i am living proof that faith can turn the deepest wounds into the most powerful testimony.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Think of it like this: a fad is something that looks shiny and exciting, but its surface leveled. It comes and goes like a trendy diet, a new workout everyone’s doing, or a viral quote we repeat for a week and forget. It feels good in the moment but it doesn’t change who you are deep down.
A real foundational shift though, is deeper. It’s when something happens and you experience, a realization, or even pain that rewires the way you see life. It change how you make choices, how you respond to struggle, and who you’re becoming. It doesn’t fade when things get tough; it actually show up stronger in those moments.
For me, after being shot seven times and fighting to walk again, i learned that real Change isn’t about what’s trending or what people around me are doing. It’s about what lasts when no one’s watching, what aligns with my faith, my purpose, and the vision God has placed in my heart. That’s how i know the difference: a fad entertains me, but a foundational shift transforms me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I would regret not giving myself permission to believe it’s possible. The 10% chance of walking again could become my miracle, and that my faith and fight matter just a much as the odds.
I would regret not fully sharing my testimony with the world because my journey isn’t just for me; it’s light that could give hope to so many others who feel stuck, broken, or forgotten.
I would regret not embracing the present moments with the people who love me. The laughter, the prayer circles, the quiet wins on hard days. Not taking bold risks towards my dream even if they scare me, like trying new therapy, starting a platform, writing my story, or speaking publicly.
My biggest regret would be not loving myself loudly and unapologetically. The scars, wheelchair, spasms, and all because my strength is beautiful because of what I’ve survived, not in spite of it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ExceptionallyLee
- Facebook: Angel Crystalian Hickman
Image Credits
Douglass Hickman
Coach Leroy Franklin
