We were lucky to catch up with April Westbrook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have April with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I would have to say my work ethic comes from my dad. Day after day, I would see my dad get up and go to work to provide for his family. From a very early age I was taught to work for every thing that I wanted. The mindset that was instilled in me was done so that I would appreciate things more if I earned and paid for things myself. Coming from a very large family there was not always a lot of money to do a lot of things outside of the basic necessities but we always had enough. I was also taught to do the job set before me correctly by asking questions, getting guideance and to take pride in everything that I did.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In my professional life, I have been a probation officer for 20+ years. Though this job is highly stressful it is rewarding to be able to help people get their lives back on track. By this job being so stressful, I have been able to develop an outlet that has helped me to relieve my stress. I have been given the God given ability to be able to create things that people will love!!! It started with wrapping gifts, then that creativity grew into making things for other people. Designing shirts, mugs, tumblers and just creating unique gifts. Just the idea of making a custom gift for someone is just exciting for me. The look on their faces is just priceless and to be able to provide them with a one-of-a-kind gift is absolutely wonderful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say the three things that have made an impact on my journey up to this point are a creative imagination, do not be afraid to try and surround yourself with people who will support you, who will be real and honest with you.
As children, we were always told to use our imagination but as we get older using our imagination is “frowned upon” and when we dream up something and we share it with others, sometimes we are looked at funny, our ideas are just brushed off or our ideas are seen as nonsense. But using your imagination is so important, for me, using my imagination frees my mind and allows me to think creatively.
Secondly, when the thoughts come to you, do not be afraid to try it. If you fail at least you tried. You can use your failures, because you will have your fair share of them, as building blocks to your future. There will be some set backs and that is ok. Use these setbacks as a way to regroup and come back stronger. Do not,under any circumstances, GIVE UP.
Another thing that has helped me along the way is a good support system. You must have a good support system. I am not talking about people who will always agree with what you say or do. That is not support that is insanity because we are all human and no one is perfect. Surround yourself with people who will be honest and real with you even when you do not want to hear it. Be around people who will listen to you and will offer you sound advice and guidance.
My advice to anyone who is just now starting out is to just go for it. If there is something that you have a passion for, research it, read books about it, talk with people who are doing what you are passionate about. There are other resources like the internet and other media platforms that you can look into and research.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I am overwhelmed, I will go for a walk or a drive, exercise, listen to music or even write my thoughts out in a journal. Journaling how I feel has been extremely helpful for me. It allows me to get all those thoughts out of my head and out on paper where I can see them. I can process what I wrote down and take the necessary steps to address these thoughts. Then, if necessary, I will reach out to someone in my small circle of support to discuss these things to help me make since of them, just so that I can get another perspective. When I do this, I can get back to the task at hand. Never ignore your mental health, it is as important as your spiritual and physical health.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tennie2
- Facebook: Creativeminds
Image Credits
Personal photo courstey of Tony Hadnot of Differentminds Photography and Make up by Lipstickandleggs
