We recently connected with April Hicks and have shared our conversation below.
April, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
When describing myself, one of the first words that come to mind is resilience. My faith in God has allowed me to overcome many challenges and obstacles as an entrepreneur. Every time I want to give up the inner voice inside tells me not to and to keep going. I have had many opportunities to throw in the towel. I believe we are all born with a purpose, often times our purpose might be what we are naturally gifted at or have a strong sense of purpose while doing it. Our purpose or gift acts as a guiding force, which ultimately allows you to continue. I can see the bigger picture and take my focus off the struggle and how what I am doing is serving others and what God has purposed for me to do. Being an entrepreneur is probably the hardest jobs you can have. You wear many hats and really never get down time, and you are constantly juggling. This can be very overwhelming at times and the urge to give up crosses my mind on a regular basis. I watch my friends and family members who have corporate jobs or at least jobs that pay them when they vacation, are sick, or just need time off. My job is all relied upon me,
When I feel the urge to quit, my faith in a higher power allows me to rely on God and not myself for all the answers the inner strength it provides. I realize that faith can look different for many individuals but for me it has been powerful force that has enhanced my ability to bounce back from setbacks and thrive in the face of adversity.
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?
I am a women’s clothing, accessory, and gift boutique owner and buyer., who also owns and operates a hair salon. Currently my focus is the clothing boutique. I would like to expand by opening another location. The location is to be determined. I have just started the search. It is one of my goals for 2024. I realized there are many brands out there who have more than one location. There is a need for smaller brands to not feel limited to staying small. Why not be an inspiration to others to show how possible it is to have more than one location. It helps others by employing them, allowing people who may not live in there area where the first location is to find you closer to home. With this location, in addition to what I currently sell, I will introduce more home goods in this curation of products.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Continuing education, being a part of groups that have like mindedness qualities, and if you can find a mentor.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am always looking for guidance. I never feel like I have all the answers, someone has done what I am trying to do and I would love for them to make suggestions, offer advise or have tools to help me get to where I want to end up. I need help in marketing (that works), inventory management, and how to really grow my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aprilblooms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopaprilblooms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopaprilblooms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-hicks-b0b01138/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Voc9ieHBkI
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/april-blooms-boutique-pasadena-6?adjust_creative=togo&hrid=Li2v1xgFyJlZ765Il60KeA&utm_campaign=yelp_feed&utm_medium=feed_v2&utm_source=togo
