We were lucky to catch up with April Carroll recently and have shared our conversation below.
April, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I have taken a risk on myself. My entire life I have always put other people feelings before mine, why you might ask I couldn’t tell, however I do know that it has something to do with trauma that has happened in my lifetime. Over the years I never understood how and why I reacted the way I do to situations that has absolutely nothing to do with me, but somehow I become the person in the middle. I’m almost like a black sheep. I’m the person that the family brings there troubles and issues and I’m supposed to fix it. I’m not sure if they come to me because they think I can fix it or they need a response from me, it’s draining. The past few years now I have been working on my mental health and finding out who I am in different areas in my life. Some examples are as a business owner I hold myself to this high level of satisfaction for my clients. As a wife and mom I make it happen by any means necessary. As a regular person me being me I a loner, always want to be to myself and in a space that only allows me peace.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started doing event planning when my daughter was turning two years old, my creative side kicked in. I started doing events for family and friends and throughout the process I enjoyed it. This was back in 2012. However, as a new wife and mom I knew my circumstances Would not allow me not to work a regular 9 to 5 so over the years I kept doing things for friends and family to make sure that this was where my passion was and throughout years I knew I found my passion. At my regular 9-to-5 I worked in the hospitality industry, and this where I received most of my experience different levels of event, planning, and all the behind-the-scenes it takes to put things in production and execute..When the pandemic hit I was furloughed from my position as a sales manager in the hotel industry from that moment, I knew exactly what God had plan for me and I have been following his plan every since, my creative level and dedication to building the business God has handed over to me, I have been intentional on building a brand and legacy for my children. If God was not focus throughout the process I would not be where I am today.I would have never imagined being a sole business owner and running a legitimately and profitable business. My company is built on integrity and character, which represents myself, and who I am as an individual.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I believe everybody has a story from working in corporate America. Throughout my career paths in life I have worked under various positions and leadership that have taught me things along the way. I remember working in this position/environment that wasn’t really different when I say different I mean really different. The cultural set up of the company was off. Every department within the company was different, for myself. I thought different was a good thing. Well, I did back then. I realize that working for independent company versus working at a corporate company SOP’s a very different. What is SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). When you work for an independently owned company all rules and regulations don’t apply as if you were working a corporate company. I had to learn really fast how to adjust to the environment change and the overall business structure.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
For years I was running and operating my business all by myself. I will have the assistant from family and friends for all my events and everyone has been so supportive but then I realize that I can’t do this by myself. I knew that if I wanted to take my business to the next level, I would have to start networking and building relationships with like-minded people who also love event planning. I always put God first and everything my thoughts my actions, my focus and I have been praying and asking for help in building team and him and someone or people to rely on that will help get the job done about a year ago my prayer was answered, my business partner, and I have Been working together, shy of a year now, and I’m so amazed at how we push each other to levels that we didn’t even know that exist. When having that support in your business it makes the world go round much easier. 
Contact Info:
- Website: creationsbyapril.com
- Instagram: Creationsbyapril1
- Youtube: creationsbyaprilllc
Image Credits
Bravados Creed Photography LLC