APRIL BUTLER shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi APRIL, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am walking a path and very passionate about it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name Is April Butler, I am the founder and executive director of Wings of Love Lifted, a nonprofit organization based out of SC and NC. WOLL empowers women and girls to heal, grow. and thrive. Through our virtual program, workshops, and community support, we help build confidence, life skills, and independence.
Our focus is young women transitioning from foster care to independence and women overcoming trauma who may feel unsupported but who are seeking guidance.
I survived trauma at a young age and moved into adulthood without consistent support or stability. Remembering what it felt like to feel alone, unseen, and uncertain about the future, I was inspired to create WOLL. My mission is to lift other women as I once had to learn to lift myself.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandmother is the person who taught me the most about work. She modeled consistency, responsibility, and pride in doing things the right way. Watching her showed me that work is not just about earning a living, but about showing up with integrity and commitment. Those lessons stayed with me during seasons of my life when I worked three jobs to support my family and keep moving forward. Even then, I approached each role with the same dedication my grandmother taught me-giving my best, staying disciplined, and understanding that perseverance builds both character and opportunity. Her influence shaped my work ethic and continues to guide how I show up professionally today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were times when the weight of launching Wings of Love Lifted felt heavy. Navigating funding, visibility, and the behind-the scenes work often tested my resilience and led me to question whether I could continue. Those early challenges however, brought clarity rather than discouragement. They reminded me that the need was real, the mission was clear, and the work was bigger than me. In moments of uncertainty, my purpose became my strength. Each obstacle reaffirmed my commitment and transformed doubt into determination, reminding me why Wings of Love Lifted needed to exist.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I once believed that women should be seen and not heard. At the time, that belief felt like a form of protection, but I now recognize it as limiting and untrue. With time, experience, and healing, I came to understand how harmful that belief can be- not only to individual confidence, but to collective progress. I now know that women’s voices carry wisdom, strength, and power, and that speaking up is essential to advocacy, leadership, and change. Finding my voice reshaped how I see myself and how I lead. It influenced my confidence, my purpose, and ultimately the work I do today, including creating safe spaces where young women are encouraged to speak, be heard, and valued.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was loyal, loving, and my sister’s and brother’s keeper. That I showed up as a pillar in the community helping those in need and feeding as many as I could. That I loved my children with everything in me, and I stood up for those who could not stand for themselves. That I looove music, birds, dancing, cooking, and holistic living, And most of all, that I LOVE LIFE.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wingsoflovelifted.org
- Instagram: wingsoflove_lifted
Image Credits
House of Red Productions- photo credits (professional shots)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
