We were lucky to catch up with April Jackson-Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.
April, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I guess I could be vulnerable for a second. I am a survivor of a sexual assault as well as Domestic violence. For a long time I carried the weight of my hurt and shame. I was in a very dark place, I felt isolated and alone. This path would lead me to become suicidal. I know you guys are asking if I ever attempted suicide. The truth is, the time and place was set, but my creator saw a different path for me. The very next day I walked into a mental health clinic for help. After I started down the path of my healing journal, I found my voice. I was rejuvenated with a renewed sense of self worth. After finding my voice it became my mission to empower LGBTQ+ survivors of violent traumas, allowing them to rebuild and lead fearless lives.
April, 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 am everyone’s favorite #plussizedauthorbae April M. Jackson-Hunter, 2x best selling, award winning author & founder and president of Mercedes Closet Inc. To be honest, I never really wanted a platform. From the pages of a journal I kept, I gave birth to my first book entitled Mercedes Closet: Keeping Deadly Secrets. This book catapulted me into an award winning author, and a advocate for LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. I wanted to be the help I was looking for when I was getting out of my DV relationship. I have always told myself, with my voice whether it be by books or our support group, reach one survivor I have fulfilled my purpose. I am grateful that I have surpassed that.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
To be honest, the best source of new clients for me would be good old fashion word of mouth. I can literally talk to just about anyone. My gift of gab, have gotten me into some very interesting place, and in front of some very interesting people. Social Media is great for meeting people from a far, but nothing beats face to face meet and greets.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I don’t really have a business partner since we are a nonprofit, but my vice president would be my wife Tami. When I met her I was just getting out of a highly toxic relationship. We chose to be friends because I wasn’t interested in have a rebound hookup. She stood by me through my healing journey, through the blowups, breakdowns, and self medicating drunken binges. When it was all said and done she asked me to marry her and I said yes. We can together in life, so it was only right we came together in business. We are here to show other survivors that there is love after trauma.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aprilmjacksonhunter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoraprilmjacksonhunter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraprilmjacksonhunter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-m-jackson-hunter-584012175/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mercedescloset
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI68yM96b-eyhZUOp4Js6Bw