We caught up with the brilliant and insightful April Dossett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

April, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

When I was in High School, I remember looking in the local papers and magazines for modeling opportunities. However, I lacked the confidence and knowledge to pursue it at the time. I was born with a few different physical challenges. So as a child/teen I received therapy, which greatly helped but still leaves me with a unique walk. This walk led to some teasing and unwanted attention in school, resulting in me being extremely self conscious.
I married my high school sweetheart the year after I graduated. We started our family fairly soon afterwards, where I fully embraced the stay at home mom title. As the boys got older and didn’t need me as much, it was time to find a hobby. I started training to compete in the Bikini division at a local Body Building competition. When we would practice our stage walks, I earned the nickname “Runway” based on my walk. After doing 2 competitions and getting a taste of being on stage, I decided to finally pursue the dream I had for a long time and become a model.
I actually found my first gig on Craigslist. It was modeling wedding gowns for a talented local designer at a bridal show/expo. From there, this same designer asked us if we wanted to be a part of an upcoming runway show she had in Columbus. I jumped at the chance. So at the age of 36, I walked my very first runway and was hooked. Sometimes I wish I had started in the industry sooner, but for the most part I believe things happened when they were supposed to for me.

April, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In the previous question I touched on how I got started in the industry. Currently I am 45 years old, been married almost 26 years, and have 2 adult children. I started modeling at the age of 36. The first couple of years I only participated in runway shows, anything from small bars to big entertainment venues. I learned how to promote myself, by working hard, making new connections, and creating a standard that others have come to expect from me.
However it took me years to build up the courage and confidence to step in front of the camera. Feelings of doubt, inadequacy, unworthiness, and self consciousness, controlled me, I had to learn to love myself, and be comfortable being me. You can study other models, try to mimic them, take the same paths they did, but ultimately it comes down to learning who you are, What makes you different, makes you unique, a pleasure to work and create with. Since then I have had some amazing opportunities and am so proud of myself for how far I have come and how much I have been able to accomplish.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to represent the mature woman in an industry that is centered around youth, while uplifting and empowering models of all ages along the way. Being fashionable, relevant, confidant, and beautiful, has no age limit. Wear what you love, not what others or society feel is appropriate. Get those shoulders back, your head high, walk purposely, and own your look.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Internally, being a creative feeds the soul, giving you butterflies and fueling a passion. It makes your heart beat a little faster and your breath come a little quicker. The feeling before you take the runway is only outmatched by the euphoria that immediately comes after your walk. The excitement during a photoshoot, then the complete elation when seeing the finished product.
Externally, it’s relishing in your designer having a full circle moment. Seeing a design that started in their head, transferred to paper, created on a mannequin, then brought to life on a model. Bringing breath and movement to their creation as they move. It’s celebrating with a photographer when they get “the shot”, and knowing you got to be a part of it. It’s seeing hair and makeup artists smile brightly when they have successfully executed their vision.
A room full of creatives is a magical place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myalbum.com/album/nkhhGEMjjkin/?invite=fa99a4e6-60d4-4bc8-9cab-5b4b2a8f715a
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dossett4/

Image Credits

DSW Photography
Adam Allen Photography
Lieve Verstraten Photography
Gerardo Encinas