We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful April Butler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with APRIL below.
Hi APRIL, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I started Wings of Love Lifted because of my experiences growing up. I did not have much guidance, I wasn’t taught a lot, and I was put out of my home right after high school to figure life out on my own. I have always had a connection with young people and elders. I meet strangers and they open up to me. I saw that there is a real need for guidance and support for youth, especially young women. I chose to focus on girls who are transitioning out of foster care because there is very little help for them in my area. I joined Freedom in Me Business Showers, and they showed me that my dream could become a reality. I found inspiration and training with them. Many people helped along the way, and Wings of Lifted was born. I am excited about this venture– I am called to share my wisdom with young women and help them grow and thrive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am April Butler. I grew up in a small town in South Carolina. We lived with holes in the floor and ceiling, holes in the cabinets, an outhouse, one fan, and one wood stove. My aunt and my grandmother did the best they could with what they had. When I finished high school, I was on my own. I had to navigate life as an adult without much help. I raised two children by myself, went back to school and earned a degree in medical coding, and now I’m on this venture to make a difference because “…the greatest love of all is happening to me.” I am called to share my life experiences and wisdom with women who haven’t had someone in their lives to support them. The Wings of Love Lifted Pathways to Independence program is free. These virtual sessions provide the emotional and intellectual resources necessary for our clients to build a stable adulthood.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The idea for Wings of Love Lifted came to me at a spiritual retreat in 2021. I knew then that I was supposed to help young people. At first, I thought I should start a group home, but that idea never really took off. Through Covid and its trials, I kept thinking about what I could do. At times, I gave up, but the feeling that I was meant to act kept returning. In 2023 a Google search lead me to Freedom in Me Business Showers, and I joined their training program in 2024. The work was stressful especially since I was working full time, but I didn’t miss a single class or assignment. I was chosen as one of nine honorees and won the community vote and an award for inspiring others. I never lost sight of my goal to help young women.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2005 I lost my house in a real estate scam. I also lost my car and had to find a full-time job because my fiancée left me with two children to raise. I had to rethink my entire existence and ask for help. Being able to let go of pride was one of the hardest lessons I ever learned. Thanks to my perseverance and several good friends, we survived. And eventually, we thrived. I found a new career path and both my children are successful adults. I turned my pain into purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wingsoflovelifted.org
