Angela E. MejÍA

I’m a Chicago-born artist, photographer, and creative director guided by a lifelong love of storytelling and transformation. With over a decade of experience across photography, branding, and digital strategy, my work bridges creativity and consciousness, helping people and brands express their truth with clarity, beauty, and soul.

Through Angie Star Studios, I merge visual artistry with spiritual wisdom, blending photography, graphic design, astrology, numerology, and energy healing into a holistic practice. Whether I’m capturing light through my lens, building a brand from the ground up, or holding space for energetic realignment, my intention remains the same: to help others feel seen, aligned, and empowered in their own light.

My journey began behind the camera, documenting Chicago’s vibrant culture and creative community, a path that eventually led me to directing digital storytelling for iconic local brands and cultural institutions. Over time, my creative practice has evolved into a study of astrology, numerology, Reiki, and the sacred healing arts, bridging ancient wisdom with modern expression. Today, I weave ritual, sound, and intuitive guidance into both my art and my life, creating spaces where creativity becomes a form of healing and remembrance.

Today, I work with clients and collaborators across disciplines, from entrepreneurs and artists to healers and visionaries, helping them illuminate their purpose, elevate their presence, and bring their visions to life through design, photography, and energetic alignment.

Find my Portfolio by clicking here >

Portrait of Angela Estrella Mejia, founder of Angie Star Studios, smiling in an urban alleyway, wearing black glasses and a shawl, reflecting a warm, creative, and approachable presence.

Awards, Collaborations & Press Features

My creative work, photography, photojournalism, and direction have been recognized across galleries, publications, and cultural platforms that celebrate the intersections of art, design, and storytelling. From local exhibitions and editorial features to international press and design awards, each collaboration reflects my ongoing mission to bridge creativity with consciousness — illuminating authentic stories through light, culture, and community.

  • Creative Recognition & Awards

    • Certificate of Outstanding Achievement (2024) — Mayor’s Office, City of Chicago
      Honoring excellence in digital storytelling and public communications for my role as Digital Director. Presented by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chief of Staff Christina Pacione-Zayas.

    • STA 100 International Design Award (2021) — The Silver Room Campaign, in collaboration with SPAN Studio
      Recognized among the top 100 projects worldwide by the Society of Typographic Arts for creative direction and visual storytelling celebrating culture, community, and design.

  • (Official press coverage, interviews, campaign credits & brand features)

    • Chicago Tribune / IPaintMyMind — “Chicago Is” Exhibition Feature (2013)

    • Chicago Sun-Times — Humboldt Park Pop-Up Shop Promotes Women Entrepreneurs (2019)

    • MCA Chicago (Museum of Contemporary Art) — Dialogue Forum: Future Activism (2019)

    • Metro UK — From Oprah to Deep-Dish Pizza: Why America’s Second City Deserves a Promotion (2019)

    • Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago) — Small Business Spotlight: Hemp Heals Body Shop Preaches “Plants Over Pills” (2021)

    • CULTURED Magazine — Marketing Campaign Ad for The Silver Room (Apr/May 2021 Edition)

    • TEDxChicago — Official Event Photography (2022)

    • Block Club Chicago — 26 Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend: Fireworks, Storytelling & Holiday Parties (2023)

    • The Silver Room — 25th Anniversary Feature & Community Blog (2023)

    • Future Firm — Hem House 2.0 Project Feature (2024)

    • Guild Row Chicago — Artist & Creative Community Collaboration Feature (2024)

    • UChicago Arts — 53rd Street Blog — Harper Court Summer Music Series Lineup Announced for 2025 (2025)

    • ISSU — Food & Beverage Events Menu: Bronzeville Winery Feature (2025)

  • Where Art Meets Brand Storytelling.
    Red Bull, Mazda, Subaru, REI, Capital One, SkinnyPop, Miller/Coors, TedxChicago, Bronzeville Winery, Houndstooth Saloon, EPICKL, Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue, Luke’s Italian Beef, The Silver Room, Ruby Hornet, The University of Chicago, City of Chicago, Eat.See.Listen. and SPACE333 Chicago.

  • (Creative projects, photo essays & cultural editorials featuring Angela’s work)

    • Time Out Chicago — Doorway Made from Book Spines (2011)

    • Time Out Chicago — Haunted Spots Around Chicago (2011)

    • Ruby Hornet — Lens Journey: Coast Big Sur (2014)

    • Ruby Hornet — RH Photos: DJ Mustard / Double Door 7.12.2014 (2014)

    • Ruby Hornet — Discovering Hidden Gems: Open House Chicago (2015)

    • Ruby Hornet — The Culture Clash at SXSW 2015 (2015)

    • Remezcla — 7 Students Fall Outfits (2016)

    • Remezcla — Best Street Style 2016 (2016)

    • Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora — Photography Feature & Artist Bio (2020)

    • Time Out Chicago — Bronzeville Summer Nights (2022)

    • Chicago Magazine — The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right Now (2022)

    • Artsy — Featured Artwork: “ Mystical Mariposa ” by Angie Star (Ongoing)

  • (Gallery shows & group exhibitions spanning 2011–2024)

    • “Making Sense of It All,” Elephant Room Gallery (Chicago) — Mystical Mariposa featured on Artsy (2024)

    • SLAPS! x YCA: A Spin-Off Sticker Exhibition (Chicago) — Galactic Slaps by Angie Star Studios (2019)

    • Echoes of Chicago (Chicago) — Happy Birthday, Chicago – “Chicago in the Abstract” Series (2019)

    • XICAGO by Red Bull (Chicago) — Pilsen Postcards by AngieStar Studios (2018)

    • RAW: Chicago presents “Magnify” at Metro Chicago — Midway Galaxy by AngieStar Studios (2018)

    • “You, Me and Everyone Else,” CC’s Art Garage (Chicago) — La Catrina de Primavera Series by Angela Mejia (2016)

    • IPMM Year-End Exhibition (Chicago) — Chicagoscapes by Angie Mejia (2014)

    • “Chicago Is,” Green Exchange / IPaintMyMind (Chicago) — Group Exhibition with Joyce Owens, Dan Grzeca, Zissou (FugScreens Studios), Christopher May & Aaron Firestein (2013)

    • Oak Park SummerFest (IL) — Various Paintings by Angela Mejia (2011)

    • “Portraits,” Digital Photography Student & Faculty Exhibition (Chicago) — Nicolia Staircase by Angela Mejia (2011)

“I believe creativity is a sacred language… a way to remember who we are and what we came here to express.”

Angela Estrella Mejia, founder of Angie Star Studios, holding a yellow camera and photographing in a brick alleyway, representing her creative practice in photography and visual storytelling.