We had the good fortune of connecting with April Jackson-Hunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi April, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a Black female Entrepreneur I wear many hats, which includes wife, mother, and grandmother. Unfortunately, my life didn’t come with a manual on how to juggle them all. Finding a balance between my professional life and my work life took the help of a mentor and coach to get on the right path to success. Now I think of balance as a necessity in both my professional and personal life.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Businesses are divided into two components, Author and President. Being an award winning Author is one of my most astonishing accomplishments. I know authors and books come a dime a dozen, but my unique creativity mixed with my real life experiences give my readers chills. On the other hand, being the Founder and President of an LGBTQ nonprofit gear to empowering violence survivors is more than enough to set me apart from other domestic violence nonprofits, Most nonprofits for violence survivors are geared towards, women and are mostly for domestic violence.
Was this journey easy? Absolutely not. There was a lot of self doubt, sleepless nights, and tears put into this journey. With the help of family and a outstanding coach I was able to overcome any obstacle that crossed my path.
This journey has taught me many lessons, but the main one was never to give up on yourself, no matter how hard to road gets.
Finally, what I want the world to know about my story. Yes this journey was started out of the darkness of violence, but just like the seeds that are planted under the dirt, we rise through it all.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s see, first day no one can come in town and not see the aquarium and the world of Coke, followed by food from the Slutty Vegan. Day two a trip to the historic Oakland Cemetery followed by food at the famous Six Feet Under pub directly across the street. Day three will be taking in the sights of Stone Mountain, followed by dinner at Go Vegan. Day four will be a trip to the King Center and all the surrounding sights, after which we will end our evening with dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Last but not least the last day would be spent at Piedmont Park and the Botanical Gardens, topped of with food and drinks at Willy’s Mexicana Grill.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to say my family because without their love and encouragement this journey would be unbearable. However. there is one key person that pushed and pulled me out of my shell. My coach and my mentor Robyn “the Midwife” Robbin. She has been in my corner since I first started this self-publishing journey.
Website: www.mercedescloset.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesclosetinc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-jackson-hunter-584012175/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mercedescloset
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedesclosetinc
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI68yM96b-eyhZUOp4Js6Bw
Other: Authors website www.aprilmjacksonhunter.com