In an era where businesses often prioritize scale over soul, Angela Sofia Vinhas Costa is charting a very different path. Known on Instagram as @i.am.angela.costa, she has become a visionary creator, entrepreneur, and brand builder, dedicated to designing transformational spaces that merge hospitality, culture, and spiritual wisdom. Her ventures—Lote 16 Taberna Petiscos and Lugar do Ourives—are not just businesses, but living experiences of connection, intention, and creativity.
Angela’s story is one of heritage, reinvention, and evolution. Raised within the family-run Caldense Bakery in Toronto, she grew up immersed in the rhythms of entrepreneurship. From a young age, she understood that food, service, and community were more than transactions—they were vessels of human connection. Those lessons became the foundation for her ventures years later, when she relocated to Portugal.
Seven years ago, Angela embarked on a bold journey of rediscovery. Portugal, with its soulful landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, became the canvas on which she began creating her vision. What emerged was a dual expression of her entrepreneurial spirit. Lote 16 Taberna Petiscos, affectionately known as Lote 16, is a vibrant culinary destination where “comida sem pausas e boa vibe” is more than a slogan—it’s the lived experience. The restaurant has become a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, blending authentic flavors with a modern sense of community.
Parallel to this, Angela envisioned and built Lugar do Ourives, a boutique hotel and retreat space that redefines hospitality. Nestled in Portugal’s serene countryside, Lugar do Ourives is more than a destination—it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters. Each detail, from the architecture to the atmosphere, reflects Angela’s ethos: beauty, purpose, and human warmth. On Instagram, @lugar_do_ourives offers glimpses of this sanctuary, inspiring visitors from around the world.
But Angela’s vision extends beyond hospitality. An Initiate at the Modern Mystery School, she integrates spiritual wisdom into her leadership style and brand philosophy. Her approach is not about building businesses for profit alone—it’s about creating environments that elevate the human spirit. Whether through food, space, or service, Angela’s work is guided by intention and an unshakable belief in the power of connection.
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Her personal and professional narrative resonates in today’s business landscape, where consumers are increasingly drawn to authenticity and purpose-driven brands. Angela Costa has mastered the delicate art of weaving her own journey—family heritage, entrepreneurial resilience, and spiritual evolution—into ventures that stand out for their originality and depth.
As hospitality continues to evolve, leaders like Angela are redefining what success looks like. For her, it’s not measured only by revenue or expansion, but by the moments created, the lives touched, and the communities nurtured. It’s the rare ability to transform physical spaces into emotional sanctuaries that sets her apart.
From Toronto’s bakery roots to Portugal’s soulful retreats, Angela Costa’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, courage, and creativity. She has built not just businesses, but experiences that remind us that home is not defined by geography—it is created wherever people feel seen, connected, and inspired.
