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Angelia "Angel" Trinidad
CEO and Founder at Passion Planner
Angelia Trinidad is the Founder and CEO of Passion Planner, a company that creates planners designed to help individuals set and achieve their goals. Born and raised in San Diego, California, she is a first-generation Filipina American whose parents immigrated from the Philippines seeking better opportunities for their family.
Education and Early Career
Angelia initially pursued a pre-med track at UCLA but shifted to Arts Education after realizing her passion lay elsewhere, despite her parents' disapproval. She graduated in 2012 and faced a period of uncertainty regarding her career direction. This led her to create Passion Planner as a tool for herself and others to find clarity and purpose in their lives.12
Passion Planner Journey
Angelia launched Passion Planner through a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $2.5 million, which transformed her financial situation dramatically. The product gained popularity for its unique approach to goal-setting, often described as a "paper life coach" that helps users develop actionable plans to achieve their dreams.13
Community Focus
In addition to running her business, Angelia is committed to giving back to the community. She provides free planners to students and non-profit organizations and offers downloadable versions on the Passion Planner website. Her mission is to empower individuals who feel lost or stuck in their lives.14
Personal Insights
Angelia identifies as queer and has openly discussed the challenges she faced when coming out. She emphasizes the importance of emotional responsibility in business and encourages others to pursue what genuinely excites them, stating that one should only say "yes" if it feels like a "HELL YES".15
Through her journey, Angelia Trinidad has not only built a successful business but also fostered a supportive community aimed at helping others navigate their paths effectively.