Angie Spagnolo, nurse, mother, USA

Tell us about yourself - who are you?

I am a nurse, former pharmaceutical sales rep, author, momager, and entrepreneur. I am from a small town in West Virginia. I live in Sarasota, Florida, where I launched a successful IV therapy and spa, and soon to launch a second in Lakewood Ranch. 

I love to travel, spend time with family and have an unmatched zest for life. I did an epic road trip with my three daughters from Florida to Eureka California and down the PCH where we settled in Los Angeles for a number of months exploring the entertainment industry. 

What are some defining moments in your life?

Definitely having my three daughters. The pregnancy of my first daughter was through IVF and we consequently froze two additional embryos from her cycle 20 years ago. I then had a second, natural pregnancy and did not require in vitro. The third pregnancy was a real test of my faith, determination and perseverance. This is the story of Alessandra and her diagnosis of Turner Syndrome at birth. 

The three pregnancies all led to a full circle of choices that led to three amazing young women. As a result of the path of those three pregnancies, I was able to make certain that Alessandra was born and will be able to have her own children in the future with the help of the frozen embryos that we unknowingly saved 20 years ago. I think this is an incredible full circle story of perseverance, determination and defining moments.

Some other defining moments in my life were taking care of my dad from a young age. He worked so hard and didn’t take care of his health so that he could continue to support and provide for his family. He became ill at 42. I drove him to the hospital before I even had a drivers license and saved his life. Then for the next 30 years I was on a relentless pursuit to keep him alive. This experience led me to become a nurse.

In the face of challenges, women often demonstrate unique leadership qualities. Was there a moment in your life where you had to face a specific challenge and what did you learn from that experience?

Throughout my third pregnancy, the daunting prospect of a dire diagnosis, particularly Turner Syndrome*, and the grim outlook from medical experts challenged me deeply. Despite their bleak predictions, I refused to accept defeat, drawing on my nursing background and determination. This mindset not only defied medical expectations but also shaped my approach to life’s obstacles, instilling in my daughters the value of perseverance.

What does “womanhood” mean for you?

Womanhood for me simply means embracing yourself. I always share with my girls that time is so precious and that they should carefully choose who gets to use up that finite time. I believe it’s important to be yourself and not to conform in order to make others like you. Those that you most deeply connect with will see your beauty in all of its natural glory.

Womanhood is most definitely wearing many hats. From the first moon to the last moon there are so many transitions for women.  It's about embracing the journey and reinventing yourself to feel beautiful on the inside and out as your life unfolds and as you age. I went from a glamorous position in pharmaceutical sales to working as a nurse in the cardiac unit in a local hospital to fully embracing motherhood by finding a new entrepreneurial endeavor that would allow me to be with my children and travel with them. By taking a risk, it allowed us to explore the entertainment industry, homeschooling, and dive into competitive ballroom dancing. I wanted them to have every opportunity to develop into the woman based on their experiences, and not what others expect of or define for them.

*Girls with Turner Syndrome are both estrogen and androgen deficient. Therefore, most girls are treated with replacement estrogen intervention to support pubertal development. In support of girls and women who live with Turner Syndrome, Tabayer is donating 1000 pairs of underwear from The Period Company to The Turner Syndrome Foundation. Click here to learn more about Turner Syndrome and Turner Syndrome Foundation.