We recently connected with Abril Prado and have shared our conversation below.
Abril , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I experienced immense stress and concern for my family’s safety. Additionally, I worried about my baby’s development, as she had just turned one year old and we were unable to go out anywhere. Determined to keep her entertained, I discovered that working with polymer clay was not only cheaper than play-doh but also provided a wonderful sensory and learning experience for her and we cherished the quality time spent together. In a way, this creative outlet allowed me to release the stress and anxiety I was experiencing. Months later, I stumbled upon the idea of making jewelry with polymer clay, reigniting my childhood dream of opening my own business and becoming a role model for my daughter. That’s how I began designing jewelry and created my first collection, which launched in August 2021.
A year later, I managed to build a website from scratch, despite having no previous experience. Running a small business is no easy task, especially while being a full-time mom and wife, and managing a household. There have been ups and downs, and the imposter syndrome has made it even more challenging. However, I take pride in knowing that I built this business myself and that one day, I’ll be able to share this story with Aria.
Abril , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have a lot on my plate as a stay-at-home mom, wife, and small business owner. Running a household and growing a small business can be challenging, but also rewarding.
With a background as a former hairdresser and makeup artist, I possess a distinctive skill set and a natural flair for creativity. Handcrafting jewelry requires attention to detail, creativity, and a good understanding of design principles. I’ve always been very crafty and so I decided to pursue my passion and turn it into a small business.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Since I can remember, I have always had a passion for art. When I was around 12 years old, I became convinced that I wanted to use my creativity to help people, and cosmetology caught my attention. I decided to attend a vocational high school to enroll in cosmetology classes. I graduated in 2013 and started working in a salon just a few months after graduation.
A few years later, I got married and was enjoying life to the fullest—or so I thought! Four years later, on New Year’s Eve, I discovered that I was pregnant. I continued working at the hair salon until my 8th month of pregnancy. When I finally held Aria in my arms, my entire world changed. I had initially planned to return to work, but I couldn’t bear to leave her side. Thus, I made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom. My loving husband supported me on this decision and it is thanks to him that I am able to be with Aria and raise her. However, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing—the work life. This aspect of being a stay-at-home mom is rarely discussed, but I felt a sense of sadness and loss of identity.
To combat these feelings, I started a small hobby of selling apparel, cosmetics, and heels right out of my own closet on the POSHMARK app. I still continue this venture! Fast forward to 2019, when COVID-19 struck, and that marked the beginning of my journey as a jewelry designer.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Throughout my entire life, I have had to cultivate resilience. It all began when my family and I migrated to another country, where I had to adapt to a new language and culture, accepting that this would shape my life and future. It was undeniably challenging. As an adult, making the decision to change my career or embrace the role of a stay-at-home mom wasn’t easy. However, my inner child always remembered the valuable lesson my mom instilled in me: to prioritize wisely. When I discovered I was pregnant, my priorities shifted, and I had nine months to contemplate my path. The moment I held Aria for the first time, I knew deep within that being her mother was my calling. And here I am today. Now, new challenges arise as Aria reaches school age, and I have made the decision to homeschool her.
I take immense pride in myself as a woman, a daughter, and a mother. This is the message I want to convey to my fans, buyers and anyone reading this: no matter what life throws at you, success is always within reach. It all comes down to believing in yourself. Giving up is never an option, and I always rely on prayer to Jehovah God for the guidance of His Holy Spirit. Without Him, I don’t think I could have faced life the way I have and continue to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ariabyapriilcouture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariabyapriilcouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariabyapriilcouture/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ariabyapriilcouture
- Other: POSHMARK: https://posh.mk/xAYxLI7XRqb PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/ariabyapriilcouture/
Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.