Flourishing Woman: Angela Russo

Angela is the inspiration behind the Women's Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA)'s Funds for Freedom campaign and shares her background and inspiration here.

What’s your story?

I have always been successful in business and have been lucky to work with Perth’s most talented high end jewellers since I was 21 years old, there was nothing that could stop me at the time, had a successful career, two children while studying part time at UWA to complete my Masters In Business Administration.

My home life was a different world, was married for 15 years, I remember a lot of violence, till one day decided it was the last day I was ever going to let him hit me again.

I never dreamed that would be my story but I was in an abusive relationship for 15 years.

What inspired you to pursue your business/dream/direction?

I left our home packed with only our clothes, what I could cram into my car and savings to buy a bed for me and the boys to share, fridge and eventually a washing machine. From that day on I met some beautiful women in abusive relationships stuck in this cycle of violence, all I could think about was what about the ones that have no savings to start again, they deserve to be free.

Funds for Freedom has been launched and have partnered with the Women’s Council for Family and Domestic Violence Services who share my dream that every woman and child has the right to live without fear with peace and love in their lives. To not allow finances to be a barrier to any women or child wanting to leave an abusive relationship.

The fund aims to provide women and children who have left a violent relationship money to buy essential items like beds, fridge etc.

Was there a perfect time to do it or did a set of circumstances help you to make the decision?

There is a perfect time to do all great things in life I am learning to be patient and wait, just have clear vision and dreams and eventually great people will be placed in your lives that will help you achieve your vision. Angela Hartwig CEO of Women’s Council launched my dream.

What obstacles did you overcome?

I had to overcome the personal struggle of not wanting to be a victim or survivor of domestic violence. So I stood up at my first talk and forced myself to say those words I am a survivor of domestic violence.

How did family/spouse/friends react? Did they support or obstruct you?

Family are amazed, my two boys are so proud and friends have told me they are inspired by the fund and what it aims to achieve, just overwhelming support from anyone I speak to about the fund.

What is the biggest challenge that you face?

My own insecurity feeling I am not good enough to achieve raising enough money to make a big impact.

How do you keep you mind and body fit?

Jogging 4-5 km’s as often as I can. Meditate on the way to work every day for half an hour, church on Sundays keeps me focused on following my purpose in life.

What are the future plans for you and your business?

Raise $300,000 to be accessed by Western Australian women’s refuges for women and children most in need.

What top 3 tips would you give Flourish readers on living a Flourishing life?

1. We are all gifted in different, unique ways, learn what your gifts are and use them to achieve your dreams

2. Live your life with love

3. Never block anything that feels good

Flourishnote: To find out more about the Funds for Freedom campaign, visit www.womenscouncil.com.au

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