Meet April Berry | Owner of The Velvet Bar

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by the desire for freedom. I hated working in corporate America and craved a significant change. Initially, I saw The Velvet Bar as a simple hustle, just selling desserts. But as I invested more time and energy, I realized I was birthing a real business. Seeing what small efforts could achieve made me wonder what I could create if I truly locked in and focused. The journey has been transformative, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What are you most proud of or excited about?

Honestly, I rarely say this out loud, and I need to remind myself more often, but I’m so proud of me! I literally started from nothing, with no experience, just the ambition to create something different. In the beginning, I faced a lot of second guesses, and I’m incredibly proud that I proved them wrong.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise?

I got to where I am today by staying focused on what I believed in, despite what others tried to project onto me. If I had listened to the naysayers who said offering only red velvet desserts wasn’t a good idea, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I followed my path and stayed in my own lane.

Was it easy?

It wasn’t easy at all because I had to teach myself everything. I had an amazing product, but I had to learn how to expand it. I tested recipes until I perfected each one. I had to create packaging that not only looked good but also kept my product fresh until it reached my customers. I branded myself as a luxury dessert bar because that’s what I envisioned, even though not everyone understood it at the beginning. They do now, though!

If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

I prayed a lot and trusted God throughout this process. My husband was a major support, and having a mother who provided both logic and love was invaluable.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The lessons I’ve learned along the way include trusting the process. As cliché as it sounds, you have to. You need to know what you want and believe that with hard work and faith, God will provide it. Even on days when your plans don’t go as expected and everything seems to veer off track, you have to trust that you’ll get back on the right path if that’s what your heart desires.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that when I say my desserts are baked with love, it’s not just a slogan. I genuinely love what I do. I love making people happy with my desserts. Most of my customers shop with me for special occasions or because someone loves red velvet. I pour every ounce of my heart into The Velvet Bar, and I strive to create an unforgettable experience every time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My bestie is coming to the A for a week! Here’s the plan:

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

• Arrival: Relax at home, catch up with snacks and drinks.
• Dinner: LeColonel for food and cocktails.

Day 2: Brunch and Candle-Making

• Brunch: Breakfast at Barney’s for a fantastic start.
• Activity: Candle-making at 1122 Candle Workshop.
• Evening: Movie night at home.

Day 3: Exploring and Eating

• Day: Explore The Works, grab food and drinks.
• Dinner at Enzo Steakhouse.

Day 4: Self-Care and Nature

• Morning: Relaxing massages.
• Nature: Walk at Cascade Springs.
• Afternoon: Explore the BeltLine.
• Dinner: Kabob Land

Day 5: Shopping and Patio Time

• Morning: Cook Breakfast.
• Lunch: at a cute spot with outdoor sitting.
• Evening: Patio time with music and cocktails.

Day 6: Adventures

• Brunch: Convo Restaurant .
• Afternoon: Visit a museum or gallery.
• Dinner: Rumi’s

Day 7: Farewell Day

• Brunch: Favorite spot from the week.
• Afternoon: Pack and chill.
• Dinner: Rooftop at Ponce City Market

I’m not much of a planner but these are a few things I can quickly think of to host my Besties

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I give God all the praise for covering me through this entire journey.
My husband has been my rock, supporting me and pouring into the business from day one. My mom and my aunt Dina deserve a huge shoutout—they were right there with me, baking and helping when I first started. And my son, he has been a constant source of strength, even without realizing how much he’s helped me grow.

Website: https://www.TheVelvetBar.com

Instagram: _AprilBerry

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-velvet-bar-atlanta

Other: Business: @TheVelvetBar_

Image Credits
Photography- Jeremy/ Jecor photography