We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful April (ace) Elliott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with April (ACE) below.
Hi April (ACE), thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Honestly I’m true to myself. Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong and don’t fit. I’ve learned that that is just how life feels sometimes. Especially if you’re the only one in your circle doing the thing you do. I find comfort in knowing that I do my absolute best. I have a strong support system that speak life into me consistently.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
April is a self taught seamstress who loves creating reasons for the development of happiness in all forms. She’s currently doing that through brands she and her husband share. She is the CEO of Autonomy, where she creates handcrafted fashion; ranging from formal wear, custom design, head wraps, and costume design. She also wears the title of cofounder to the faith based street wear line, Blacksheep Collective. Her responsibilities for Blacksheep Collective revolve around fulfillment and customer success.
April is inspired by God, nature, African culture, Ruth Carter, as well as family and friends. Though she loves to wear black she lives life in color. She wants to make an impact on the fashion community with her bold designs and personality. She lives to empower all humans to feel confident in the skin they’re in.
April has had the pleasure of teaching the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center(ISAIC) industrial sewing certification through Stitchworks. She’s had the pleasure of recreating the famous Micheal Jackson scarecrow costume for The Wiz play with KaidyDid Productions. She takes pride in turning nothing into something, where most of her clientele seek her out for her unique skill in making garments that fit the humans personality and the event. She enjoys collaborating to bring visions to reality. Recently became apart of IATSE doing wardrobe for Yuletide, Cher show, Disney’s Hamilton, Disney’s Frozen, Hairspray, Tina the musical to name a few. As well as being contacted by the NBA to work All Star Weekend 2024. Expanding knowledge and skill within the sewing and theatre community is a true passion.
April is a forever student and loves to learn something new daily. She is continuously sharpening her pattern making, sewing and embroidery skills. When she’s not creating art she’s creating memories with her husband and 3 energetic sons.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Affirmations can change the trajectory of your day! Mine is “I am somebody, I am beautiful, God made me and loves me JUST the way I am and because he loves me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Sis Roses youth affirmation
Whenever you do a new thing it is scary! But if it’s in you and this is all you think about it’s meant for you to do it or seek knowledge on that particular thing. Trust you genius! It’s ok to fail a few times use the failure as stepping stones to your success. And when you succeed no matter how big or small celebrate and reflect on that win.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My family and community have been incredibly helpful in my success. If it wasn’t for certain conversations and connections I wouldn’t be where I am. I’m a product of my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://autonomycreates.com
- Instagram: @autonomycreates
- Facebook: @autonomycreates
Image Credits
Thank you Jay Golds for the headshots
David Morris, Kelsey, and Jasmine Norris and Simonè Walls!!! Y’all are amazing and have captured such beautiful pictures of my work!! ❤️❤️❤️
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
