Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
Yes! I completely agree with this. I follow Ayurvedic principles and practice Dinacharya—a daily routine designed for physical and mental well-being in sync with nature and circadian rhythm. My morning routine involves waking before sunrise and eliminating overnight metabolic waste with tools like tongue scraping, oil pulling, teeth brushing, and hydration. After Ashtanga practice, I spend a few minutes dry-brushing and abhyanga (self-massage) before showering. Abhyanga is a wonderful self-gift that’s increasingly important as we age. It smoothes out muscle tension and aids in preventing Vata-related diseases like arthritis by enhancing circulation and warming the body.
Following a busy workday, I love to unwind by cooking dinner and aim to eat no later than 7 pm to allow ample time for digestion before bed. I’m very sensitive to lights and take care to turn off screens and overhead lighting and start preparing for sleep around 9 pm.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
I was raised by entrepreneurial parents who, in turn, had entrepreneurial parents, and I have three siblings. Consequently, there was a distinct culture of hard work and competition at home.
Babysitting was my main gig for years before my first ‘real’ job at probably around 15, working at a local ice cream/chocolate shop. Once I got my license, I shifted into retail and started honing my sales experience as the MVP at getting customers to sign up for the Old Navy credit card throughout high school.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I am most productive in the mornings after yoga, and so that’s when I tackle things that require the most brainpower and/or are the most physically demanding. Between my third-floor walk-up, managing two Italian Greyhounds, and schlepping product samples around town, I am very active. I like to save creative work and casual meetings for the afternoon when I feel more conversational, which is also in alignment with the Ayurvedic clock!
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Success in entrepreneurship demands resilience. Fortunately, you get to practice over time as the nature of being an entrepreneur constantly tests and strengthens your resilience. It’s a sink-or-swim scenario, where risks are high and the current moves fast.
Additionally, openness to feedback and the ability to adapt to changing environments and landscapes are essential. And maintaining peace with discomfort as it often accompanies growth!
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Personally, the most challenging aspect of navigating the business world as a woman has been fundraising. Presenting in a manner that aligns with traditional masculine styles, characterized by assertive communication and bold growth proclamations, has felt unnatural to me.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
My dream is to own a hospitality project centered around well-being. A retreat destination in upstate New York, out West, or along a European coast, where you can reset for a day or book an extended stay. My vision includes finding a spot with good architectural bones and taking on a substantial renovation design project where I can implement biophilic, chromotherapy, and Feng Shui design principles. I envision designing every aspect of the guest experience, F&B program, and programming that’s heavy on yoga, bathhouse culture, and nature walks. And all the little touches that make a stay both completely easeful and unforgettable.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
Honestly, it’s a blend of my parents and my partner, shaped by the sheer amount of time we’ve spent together.
New York City is another great influence. It’s the ultimate melting pot and a place where I never feel like an outsider. It’s where you can blend in and stand out, offering constant challenges, occasional scrutiny, and celebration when deserved. It’s a city that drives you to your limits, breaks you and reminds you of the cycle of rebirth, despite feeling at times so distant from the natural world.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Jessica Alba was an early inspiration, particularly as I started Wanderfuel. She was so ahead of the curve with The Honest Company in 2012, and how she’s used her celebrity platform to drive change. Leading with integrity, she established company values centered on honesty and transparency, setting a standard for excellence that has influenced me and had a lasting impact on the wellness/CPG industry.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
Some influential advice shaping my entrepreneurial journey comes from Peter Thiel’s ‘Zero to One.’ It underscores the need to create a unique and valuable differentiation, essentially building a monopoly in your niche. Alongside the importance of both a strong network and honed skills. It’s through this lens that I view my journey, driving my pursuit of distinctive value and meaningful success.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
My younger sister is a true Renaissance woman; she can literally do anything from hardwiring electrical systems to crocheting gifts for the extended family, including our pup. After a career in recruiting, she is now running a fabulous wine store called Madame Claude in Jersey City.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it can be a combination of both. It’s primarily about having the ambition to relentlessly pursue your vision. This drive may be something you’re born with, or something that develops over time as you navigate various environments and discover your unique gifts and strengths, which ultimately become your offering to the world.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Founder & CEO Wanderfuel website:https://wander-fuel.com/blogs/news/intelligence-will-always-be-beautiful-corey-angelo-founder-of-wanderfuel LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-angelo-wanderfuel/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/wanderfuel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bewanderfuel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bewanderfuel twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fbewanderfuel