We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Mapp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to create an avenue for financial freedom and generational wealth. It’s about leaving a legacy for my children.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my clothing company Vintage Ragz Co in 2010. It was started in the basement of my home in Philadelphia. I started screen printing tee shirts with catch phrases popular to the Philadelphia area. It was very humble beginnings. I made lots of mistakes and loss more money than I profited for many years. I stayed the course and continued to practice until I became skilled at my craft. What started with a few tee shirt designs has now grown to over fifty designs as well as a Mogul brand. I decided to venture into making homemade Water(Wooda) Ice, which is a frozen treat known to the Philadelphia and tristate area. It’s Italian ice, to be specific. I then relocated to Houston Texas to run my Wooda Ice business along side of my clothing line. What sets both of my businesses apart is their unique names as well as services. Everything is handmade and inspected by me. Wooda Ice Houston is handmade and each flavor is named after a person, place or thing Philadelphia based.
This journey has not been easy and there has been a lot of obstacles along the way. I am still learning everyday how to increase customers and my business presence. If I could offer any advice it would be to always educate yourself in your industry of choice. I would also suggest to surround yourself with people who you can feed off business wise. My last piece of advice would be to not get discouraged and to keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were entertaining friends for the week in Houston I would take them to my favorite coffee shop The Coffee House Westend. I would then that them to brunch at Phil & Derek’s. For dinner we would have delicious chargrilled oysters at Acme. I would make a day of museum hoping throughout the museum district. We would visit the beautiful parks Memorial, Discovery green and Levy. I can’t leave out the nightlife. Prospect Park, Kamp and Lost and Found are all chill vibes. Shopping at the Galleria mall would be the best way to end the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My brother Bruce Mapp owner of So Icy Water Ice in Dallas Tx

Website: www.phillywoodaice.com ww.vintageragz.com

Instagram: @woodaicehouston @vintageragzco_

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