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

Hi April Rose, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote by Friedrich Nietzsche is “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.”

This quote resonates with me because it reminds me of the constant pressure to conform in today’s society. We often find ourselves trying to fit in and meet the expectations of others.

To me, this serve as a powerful reminder that there is beauty and strength in staying true to ourselves.

In a world that values conformity, it takes courage to embrace our individuality and resist the overwhelming influence to act in the ways acceptable to society. This quote encourages us to question societal expectations and express our true selves. By embracing our uniqueness, we can make a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same.

It reminds us that authenticity and individuality are worth fighting for. It’s a powerful call to stay true to ourselves and celebrate the beauty of being different.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being raised in Atlanta, Georgia during the 80’s and 90’s was no easy feat, especially when growing up in proverbial poverty. I faced numerous challenges and obstacles on my path to where I am today as a professional artist. However, these hardships fueled my dreams and ignited my vivid imagination. In times of difficulty, my dreams became my refuge and my art became my escape.

Despite the adversity I faced, I never allowed my circumstances to define me. Instead, I used them as fuel to propel myself forward. I poured my heart and soul into my art, channeling my experiences, emotions, and dreams into every brushstroke and composition.

Overcoming the challenges was not easy, but it taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the power of imagination. I learned to transform my limitations into opportunities for creativity and innovation. Through hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in my abilities, I gradually carved a path for myself in the art world.

Today, I am proud of the artist I have become and the unique artistic vision I bring to the table. My art reflects the journey of a determined individual who refused to be defined by circumstances and instead used them as a catalyst for creativity. I want the world to know that my art is not only a visual expression but a testament to the power of dreams and imagination.

My brand, The Fraternal Order of Kappa Pi Nu: CoEd Pageant Sorority/Fraternity, is an embodiment of my journey and my commitment to providing a platform for self-expression and empowerment. I aim to inspire others, especially those who have faced similar challenges, to believe in their dreams and use their creativity as a means for personal and social transformation.

In essence, my art and my story are intertwined with my upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia during the 80’s and 90’s. It was during those challenging times that my dreams and vivid imagination became my guiding lights, propelling me forward on a path of artistic fulfillment and purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an old school Atlanta native, my palate for tourism around the city has changed a lot overtime, but just as somethings change, some will remain the same; so here are some of my places to visit in the city from eateries to places to go with your family for a little fun and quality time.

First is none other than the historic Varsity. Although the excitement about going to the varsity has changed over time due to it not being a “tourist” favorite, it is still one of my all time historic places to visit in Atlanta.

If I am spending time with my daughters, or entertaining friends and family in the city, I would make sure they experienced Punch Bowl Social; which is a mix between a restaurant and a cool gaming space, or Amore e Amore.

Another place I would regret not having a visitor experience is “Beat the Bomb”. Beat the bomb is a very cool paint and foam experience that breaks your family into two teams to “BEAT THE BOMB”. I guarantee your family and friends won’t stop talking about this one!

Some of my other favorite places to visit would be:

The World of Coca Cola
The Atlanta History Center (because why not)
The High Museum of Art
The King Center
The Georgia Aquarium

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 would like to dedicate my Shoutout interview to my daughters Jhai’Lien and Tay’Lour, and to all of the true ATL-iens, who are still out here doing the work, and keeping the culture of Atlanta alive and well.

Website: www.aprilrosesmith.com

Instagram: mrsspaldingamerica2024

Twitter: aprilrosesmith

Facebook: aprilrosesmith

Image Credits
April Rose Smith Matty Jacobson Nathan Pearcy Pics

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.