Katya d'Angelo
37 | Owner, Bridgeside Books
Residence: Washington
Career highlight you are most proud of.
Starting a microbusiness, growing it to be a part of the fabric ofthe community, and finding a buyer to carry on the legacy.
Community involvement.
Includes being on the board of Revitalizing Waterbury for the past several years; serving on a number of RW committees over the years, including the Design Committee, Marketing and Tourism Committee, and Arts Fest Committee. 
I joined the Waterbury Planning Commission for two years and have been an advocate for affordable housing. Through my business, I work to find creative ways to partner with other businesses and organizations on community events such as our Drag Queen Story Hour in 2022 and annual Reindeer Rendezvous each December. We are supports of many organizations in town and participate in the annual Giving Tree program to benefit the Children’s Literacy Foundation.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
The beauty, open spaces, sense of community, small towns and the cheese.
Favorite part of your job.
Seeing people excited when they’ve discovered a book they didn’t know existed but can’t wait to read.
Most inspiring mentor.
My grandfather George d’Angelo, who was not so much a mentor — he passed before I became an entrepreneur — as a big inspiration in my life. He started and grew an entire cardiovascular department at the local hospital and literally saved lives. He was so incredibly generous with his time and money later in his life and supported several organizations in areas about which he was passionate.
Best career advice you have received.
Hire people to do things outside of my skillset and expertise.
Something fun about yourself that few people know.
I used to decorate wedding cakes professionally.
Three words that best describe you.
Resourceful, energetic and creative.
Favorite Vermont escape.
The summit of Hunger Mountain. I don’t get there often, but I love being up there.
Favorite Vermont season.
They are all wonderful in their own ways. I love living in a place where each season is extra intense.
Favorite downtime activity.
Vegging out on the couch with my dog.
Favorite social media.
WhatsApp, because it allows me to stay in touch with my international family and friends.
Favorite smell.
My grandmother’s meatballs frying in olive oil.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with.
Actor and filmmaker Stanley Tucci.
Causes you would support if you had unlimited access to funds.
Vocational training around renewable energy and less resource-intensive farming techniques, and rehabbing and repurposing abandoned buildings into affordable housing.
Song on your playlist you are embarrassed to disclose to your best friend.
“Livin la Vida Loca“ by Ricky Martin.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years.
As the co-CEO with my husband for a new business venture we have in the works.
Career goal you would like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years.
Growing a thriving new business to the point where it’s attractive for a buyout, then start something else!
