MEET THE FOUNDER · DAWSONVILLE, GEORGIA

Hi, I’m Angela.

I was born and raised in Dawsonville, Georgia, and no matter how far I travel, North Georgia will always be home.

I’m a Navy veteran, a mom to two grown sons, a longtime Environmental, Health, and Safety professional, and the founder of Compass Ridge Trading Co.

I’ve always loved the idea that something ordinary can have an extraordinary second life. That curiosity—and a desire to make more thoughtful choices—helped lead me here.

Angela on a trip to Alaska

A little perspective from Alaska

Rooted in DawsonvilleGuided by purpose
Angela in her United States Navy dress white uniform

14 years of service · United States Navy

01 / The road that shaped me

A sailor’s spirit.
A steward’s heart.

I spent 14 years serving in the United States Navy. The Navy taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to adapt when the original plan goes right out the window.

I also spent many years working in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). That work deepened my appreciation for protecting people, using resources responsibly, and paying attention to the everyday choices that affect the world around us.

Those experiences shaped how I approach Compass Ridge: practical solutions, honest conversations, and progress that starts with one small step.

02 / A little more about me

Life beyond
the boutique.

Compass Ridge is built from the things I care about, the places I’ve been, and the belief that the everyday stuff of life deserves a little more thought.

01

Family first

I’m a proud mom to two sons, both grown now. They’ll always be my boys, no matter how old they get.

02

Always exploring

I love to travel, see new places, and come home with fresh perspective (and usually more photos than anyone asked for).

03

One more use

Repurpose it, repair it, or imagine a completely different job for it. I’ve always loved a good second chance for everyday things.

Small steps.
Less waste.
More purpose.

Progress over perfection, always.

03 / Why Compass Ridge

I’m the person who looks at an old container, a discarded piece of furniture, or something destined for the trash and thinks, “What else could this be?”

I love repurposing things, finding unexpected uses for everyday items, and giving useful materials another chance. I also enjoy seeking out clean, all-natural products and more reusable options for my home.

That doesn’t mean I do everything perfectly. Far from it. I believe low-waste living should be realistic, welcoming, and free of judgment—because small changes really do add up.

Jack, a rescued white husky and medical-alert service dog, at a hot-air balloon event

Rescue husky · Cardiac medical-alert service dog

04 / My four-legged partner

A rescued husky.
An important job.

Meet Jack, my husky and cardiac medical-alert service dog. Before he became my partner, Jack came from a local rescue. He was later trained for service work and now has an important role in helping me with cardiac-related medical alerts.

He’s not just a cute face in my photos—although he’s very good at that. He’s a trained working dog, a loyal companion, and a big part of my everyday life.

And yes, he’s still a husky. So even with a very serious job, he manages to keep things interesting.

Locally rescued · Trained for service work
There’s meaning in the name

A compass.
A ridge.
A reason.

My faith is at the heart of this business. Compass Ridge reminds me to keep moving with purpose through every chapter of life.

“God is greater than the highs and the lows.”

The compass

Direction, faith, and trusting the path ahead—even when I can’t see the next turn.

The ridge

The mountaintops, the valleys, and everything between. Each season shapes the journey.

From my corner of North Georgia to yours

Come as you are.
Start where you are.

I built Compass Ridge to make low-waste choices a little easier, a lot more approachable, and rooted in the same sense of community I grew up with.

You don’t need a perfectly sustainable home to shop here. Bring your questions, bring a container if you have one, and start exactly where you are.

Thank you for supporting this woman-owned, veteran-owned small business. I’m so glad you’re here.

With gratitude, Angela

Founder & Owner · Compass Ridge Trading Co.
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