CHERYL MCELROY

It's Okay to Start Over

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As Hope celebrates its 16th year anniversary, I wanted to host a cover story about a woman with whom our readers could relate. A woman who has encountered struggles yet found success beyond her challenges. Someone who has learned to be resilient, who gives as much as they receive, who inspires, and who has 
found her happiness.

 

I turned to my editorial staff for suggestions. To my surprise, they recommended me. My first reaction was “no.” Hope’s mission is not to talk about myself. My staff pushed back reminding me that Hope IS me. It’s my story of struggle, resilience, inspiration, and finding happiness. I am excited and very proud, that for the first time in Hope’s 16 years of f circulation, I AM the feature story for Spring 2021.

 

Hope: Angelia, when did you first start thinking about creating a magazine?
Angelia: I fell in love with magazines as a little girl  - I had my nose buried in the pages of Essence, Ebony, and Jet. I have always loved creating beautiful things as well as bringing people together. These magazines were an accessory in every black family. But the true idea of designing a magazine? That was about 20 years ago.

Hope: So, is that when you created Hope?
Angelia: Oh, gosh no! It was just a dream. I was a mother (of four great kids) living in my hometown of Muncie, Indiana. I was married at the time and too busy 
working check-to-check to focus on my dream. I guess I had the idea of Hope, but I let fear stop my dream.
 

Hope: What was your turning point?
Angelia: It was 2005, the year I lost my grandmother and my father. I knew I was unhappy - surviving but not really living. And losing two such important people 
in my life made me realize how short life can be. I began questioning who I was as well as my life purpose. I owed it to them to pursue my dream, even if I was 
still scared! I had worked at Ball State and then at the Social Security Office. It was good work – but my heart was telling me it was time to find my purpose. 
In 2006 I jumped in full force and quit my job, which I do not recommend. I had a strong support system, and I borrowed enough money to fund two magazine 
editions. As I stood there with the first 2006 printed copy in my hands, I was thinking, ‘I created this from literally nothing. This is my purpose – it was my dream all along.’

Hope: You had no real writing or publishing background. How did you know what to do to succeed?
Angelia: Well, I didn’t. I was now a magazine publisher who had 7,500 readers, but I had no clue what I was doing. I had enough money for two editions to be 
printed – but no new money coming in and no plan.

Hope: Tell me about your greatest learnings.
Angelia: That it’s ok to start over. I once read a quote from Oprah, “The universe talks to you first in a whisper, and then gets louder and louder until you get 
the message.” I had this dream, but I wasn’t listening to God’s whispers. I did what I thought was expected: I married, had children, worked to provide – but I wasn’t living the life I wanted. In time, I started over as a single mom and took a new job – but it wasn’t my dream job. That’s when I started over again a couple of years ago and earned my associate degree from Ivy Tech; I’m now working on my bachelor’s from Ball State. I did all these things because I wanted a life I was in love with. It’s ok to start over – at any time in your life.

Hope: Any challenges bringing Hope to life?
Angelia: Oh, there were challenges. I received rejection, criticism, and bad advice. I experienced gender and racial bias. I was a Black woman starting a 
business. I was advised against using my photo because I was a woman of color. I was criticized for reaching beyond my Black readership. I learned you hold your own and be strong. My grandmother and father were watching from above – I needed to make them proud. My mother was cheering me with such love.  My kids -  Chantel, Jaylen, and Jordan – they were watching me as their mom and role model, it was important for them to see me succeed so they would believe in their own dreams and successes. 

Hope: What’s next in the Hope journey?
Angelia: Hope has given me so much. It is in 16 years circulation with over 150,000 readers, and has led me to publishing my first book, “Yes, Sisters.” I’m blessed to pay forward by coaching young writers – and there’s still a need for empowering women through inspiring stories. That was my motivation for rolling out the rebrand – so in a way, I’m starting over yet again. It’s important to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. 2021 began with building a team – and we are renewing and growing Hope together. This Spring 2021 edition introduces a new look, new stories, and a new future. I am beyond grateful for the readers who are with me year in and year out and I’m so excited 
to share with them the refreshed Hope.

Hope: Any final words you’d like to share with your readers?
Angelia Listen to God’s whispers. Follow your gut as it’s talking to your heart and soul about your dreams. Learn from your decisions, be grateful for your Blessings, and know that it’s ok to start over at any age, and any time during your personal journey.

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Cheryl McElroy, Managing Editor, Senior Copy Editor and contributing writer for Hope.

Cheryl has a passion for storytelling and design, and when she is not spending time with

her daughter, she enjoys creative social media posting, home decorating, cheering on sporting events, or simply relaxing with a good cup of coffee.