Meet Stylist April B: Mom first then Celebrity Natural Hair Artist & Loctician and serial entrepreneur.

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

Hi Stylist April, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is sooooooo important. There was a time where I literally worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I barely saw my kids and it took a serious toll on me and my family. I always thought a vacation would be taking away from a bill that needed to be paid. I then started working smarter and not harder. I created addtional streams of income in which I am now afforded the opportunity to vacation often. You have to have balance because you will work yourself to death with hardley anything to show for it. The bills will still be there. The clients, the family and whatever else will still be there when you return. I now take one weekend a month for me to go somewhere and decompress. I feel so refreshed and recharged after doing so.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is in my hands. Anything that I can create from my hands is an art form to me. I love being able to take a client who doesn’t have a clue as to what to do with their hair and me create something unique on them. I would say that I have smooth creative artistry when it comes to hair. I love to create head turning, eye catching, mouth dropping hairstyles. I want everyone to feel like a celebrity when they leave the salon. I want them to constantly get compliments everywhere they go. For some people this can really make their day! Who doe’s want to be told how good they look. I’m most proud of the different publications that my work has been displayed in. I have been featured in Essence Online on many occasions, Ebony Magazine, Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine as well as other publications locally and internationally. I got to where I am today, by being determined to succeed. I am a very ambitious person and go after what I want. I aligned myself with the right people and made things happen for myself. No it wasn’t easy as I had to figure a lot of things out on my own. I can’t really say that I’ve had a slew of mentors who guided me. I knew a few people that I could of course call and ask questions, but not one particular mentor to direct me. The one lesson that I’ve learned is to never dull your shine for those who don’t understand how to keep theirs lit. Be your authentic self and screw anyone who doesn’t like it. Everyone isn’t going to be a cheerleader for you and that’s okay. Be your own cheerleader and love yourself enough to know that you deserve the best out of life. I want everyone to know that my brands were created out of love and a need for specific services and/or products. 14 years ago I came to Georgia with a dream of becoming a world renown stylist. With less that $400 in my pocket, a computer, printer, and the clothes on my back and made that dream come true. I also aspired to do more and to create streams of income in which will provide my family with better opportunites than I was afforded as a child. I want to be able to someday provide amazing salaries to individuals that will help them to live our their dreams.

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.
I honestly, don’t get out much. When I do I’m usually out of state. But for Atlanta, I would say there’s so many food places that I love because I am a foodie. I love a place called Jinya. They’re a ramen noodle bar and I love their brussels Sprouts Tempura along with their vegetable ramen soup. It’s soooooo good. I also love Tassilli raw reality. They have the best kale wraps. I love going down to Atlantic Station to walk around the shops and people watch. Oh and I love Jeju Korean suana and bath house. That’s my place for zen on a budget. The body scrubs are amazing.

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 honestly can’t pin point one particular person. However, I can definitely say that my mother introduced me to the world of hair by taking me along with her to the salon on the weekend where she worked as a stylist. I would also shout out my amazing clients who keep me afloat. Without them wanting, needing or desiring my services I would not be in business. I have some that literally support any and everything that I do. They truly support me and I appreciate them so much. To the many stylists in the industry that have come before and after me that are inspired by my work moves me. They send me messages and emails daily telling me how much they love my work and are inspired by the type of work that I do. Lastly, I would say my kids. I do all of what I do for them at the end of the day. All of the hard work that I do is for them to have a strong foundation for now and the future. It’s important for me to set a standard and break generational barriers that weren’t broken prior to me. I want them to know that they can achieve anything that they set their minds to. Other than that, thank you to any and everyone who’s supported me in any way. I appreciate the love and support and I will continue to provide outstanding service as I’ve always have.

Website: www.stylistaprilb.com
Instagram: instagram.com/stylistaprilb
Linkedin: linkedin.com/stylistaprilb
Twitter: twitter.com/stylistaprilb
Facebook: facebook.com/stylistaprilb
Yelp: yelp.com/stylistaprilb
Youtube: youtube.com/stylistaprilb
Other: www.hydratemeplease.com Natural Hair Products www.thefishnetfactory.com sexy, fashionable hosiery

Image Credits
Photographer Shannon Johnson Photography Models : Antwanika Saxon. Beatrice Emile and Deja Rae George