Meet April Smith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi April, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?

One layoff—how about two? Both were heartbreaking.

The first time, I felt lost. I didn’t know my next steps, and it hurt my ego because I truly loved that job. It felt like the perfect fit, and losing it was devastating. But I had to push through. I focused on networking, refining my skills, and getting intentional about what I wanted. Within 90 days, I landed another job.

The second layoff hit even harder, it came one year later. I wasn’t prepared to go through that stress again, and this time, it shook my confidence in a deeper way. I had to rebuild my self-esteem, and that journey led me to a tough decision—moving back home to Baltimore with my parents at 30. I questioned everything—my purpose, my passion, my vision for my life. I felt lost. I didn’t know what was next.

But that rock bottom became my foundation. I had to dig deep, create a vision, and set a goal so clear that it would force me to execute—no matter how impossible it seemed. It was in that moment that I learned the power of having a vision and a goal strong enough to pull me out of my lowest point and push me toward the life I have now.
Looking back, those setbacks built the resilience I needed to create something that no one could take away from me. They taught me that while jobs may come and go, my ability to execute, pivot, and reinvent myself is what truly secures my future.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My passion is helping people turn their ‘One Day’ dreams into reality—starting today. I created The One Day Co. because I know firsthand what it’s like to have big goals but feel stuck in execution. Whether it’s scaling a side hustle into a seven-figure business, building generational wealth through real estate, or transitioning from corporate to full-time entrepreneurship, too many high-achievers delay their biggest aspirations, waiting for the perfect moment.

After experiencing my second layoff, I was forced to reevaluate everything. That moment of uncertainty became the catalyst for something greater—it made me realize that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about creating it. That’s why I built The One Day Co., a brand dedicated to providing the tools, structure, and community needed to help high-achievers take action now.

Through our signature products and services, I help ambitious professionals execute their dreams without sacrificing their personal or professional responsibilities. The Daily Execution Planner is designed to turn vision into action, and The Goal Lab Incubator offers a dynamic, accountability-driven community for individuals who need structure and support to stay on track.

What excites me most? Seeing people step into their potential and realize that they don’t have to keep pushing their dreams to ‘someday.’ One Day is about making that shift—believing in yourself enough to take action today.
Ultimately, my mission is to help people stop waiting and start executing—because the life you want isn’t built in the future. It’s built one day at a time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, execution, and relationship-building.

1. Resilience – Life will throw setbacks—whether it’s a layoff, a failed venture, or an unexpected detour. I had to learn how to bounce back, trust myself, and keep going even when things felt uncertain. For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to build mental toughness. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and develop habits that help you stay grounded when things don’t go as planned.

2. Execution – Vision is great, but execution is everything. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from just setting goals—it comes from consistently taking action. That’s why I created The One Day Daily Execution Planner and The Goal Lab Incubator. If you’re just starting out, focus on building systems, breaking your goals into small, actionable steps, and committing to daily progress.

3. Relationship-Building – Every opportunity I’ve had—whether in corporate or entrepreneurship—came from the relationships I nurtured. People open doors, share insights, and create opportunities you never even imagined. My biggest advice? Invest in your network before you need it. Reach out, add value, and stay connected with like-minded people.

For anyone early in their journey, remember this: you don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do have to start. Focus on resilience, execution, and relationships, and everything else will fall into place over time.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was simply being there—through every high and every low. Their unwavering support, both emotionally and in life’s toughest moments, has shaped me in ways I can’t fully put into words.

When I moved back home after my second layoff, feeling lost and uncertain, they didn’t just offer me a place to stay—they made me feel welcomed, safe, and supported. They never made me feel like I had failed; instead, they reminded me of my strength and resilience.

That’s who they’ve always been. No matter what’s happening in my life—whether I’m celebrating a win or facing a setback—I know they are always there to catch me, uplift me, and remind me that I am never alone. Their love and belief in me have given me the confidence to take risks, chase my dreams, and build a life I’m proud of.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Michelle Dokes: Instagram: @michelledokesphotography
Ty Pleas: Instagram: @ty_pleas

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