Occupation: Author and Photographer
Husband: JP Terrell
Children: James, 7, and Jack, 5
Hobbies: Writing, cycling, and cooking
An Acadiana native, Angelle Terrell is no stranger to the Louisiana way of life. As an author and photographer, Angelle spends a lot of her time investing in her creativity and sharing her writing and photos with others. Her dream of publishing was realized in 2020, when she published her very first children’s book. In her recent book, Someone in Louisiana Loves You, Angelle recounts the many places that make Louisiana special, and how we carry the ones we love in our hearts, no matter where we go. When Angelle isn’t spending time with her kids and husband, she visits schools in the community for story time, where she reads her books to different elementary school students.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
ANGELLE: Bedtime. We’re currently reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
ANGELLE: A normal day for me involves waking up, preparing the kiddos’ uniforms, and cooking breakfast. By 8:30 a.m., I’m usually alone and will spend a couple of hours working on photography and editing. I usually put two hours a day aside for writing before I have to go pick up my kids from school. Once I pick up my kids, we do homework and have some downtime. Then, I cook dinner for my family, and shortly after, we wind down for bed.
WHAT’S A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC IN YOUR WORK ETHIC AND PARENTING?
ANGELLE: I try really hard to make everyone feel seen and heard. I want everyone to feel comfortable and not stressed out! With my kids, sometimes it’s crying, we’re hot, or we’re not cooperating. I want them to know I see and hear them during their uncomfortable moments. When I’m writing, I want all kids to feel they can see themselves in my writing and in the illustrations in my books.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A MOM?
ANGELLE: The joys of being a mom would include teaching my kids to do the right thing and then seeing them do that. Whenever I see them doing the right thing or being kind to someone, or being patient with each other, it brings me great joy. One of the challenges I’ve noticed is being able to allow my kids to be independent without me being overbearing. I want them to make mistakes, explore, and grow into their personalities. I know my role is to teach them the right and wrong things and also to nudge them to grow in their own wonderful ways.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
ANGELLE: Tough love. I want to lead my kids with love, but also understand it is my job to teach them. I want them to understand the things they do, and be transparent about why I am disciplining or reprimanding them when they step out of line. I want to be very open and honest with them and avoid any, “because I said so” answers. I want them to understand the reason behind my decision making and know that I am here to guide them.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
ANGELLE: We are proud homebodies. We like to watch movies together, play games, and spend lots of family time snuggled up on the couch together. I am perfectly okay with this! As a family, we love to cuddle in bed and read.
HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ALIKE AND DIFFERENT?
ANGELLE: My oldest is a dreamer and he’s very analytical. My youngest is very by-the-book and so funny. We’re both alike in the ways that we are creative. One is more creative with science and the other is more creative with storytime and coming up with ideas. We’re all emotional and feel our feelings.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOUR CHILD HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
ANGELLE: My children have taught me to be more selfless than I ever thought I could be. Being their mom has made me value long-term thinking and inspired me to care for what’s going on in our world so much more. I have been extremely compelled to take action with what is happening in and outside of our community.
WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOTS?
ANGELLE: I like going to explore a new city. As a family, we enjoy going to museums, art galleries, or any outdoor activities. If I asked my kids, they’d definitely say Disney.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR HUSBAND?
ANGELLE: We are big fans of the DiGiulio Brothers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PARENTING?
ANGELLE: The key to being a successful parent is allowing your children to be partners in the family. Listen to your kids and understand what morals and values you want to impart onto your children. It’s really hard work to be a parent, but as long as you have the attitude and willingness, it’s extremely worthwhile.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
ANGELLE: Accept that you’re not perfect! Embrace the imperfections of daily life. As long as you’re trying, you’re doing the right thing. Embrace trying.
Q&A
My favorite TV show is…House of the Dragon.
I can’t stop watching…True Crime.
I love singing along to…Taylor Swift and Broadway musicals.
My favorite dessert is…cookie dough.
My favorite food is…any pasta…I haven’t met a noodle I didn’t like.
My favorite holiday is…Halloween.
My guilty pleasure is…Bravo.
My favorite book is…Pride and Prejudice.
