Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Joyce. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

April , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for reaching out and giving small businesses a chance to be heard. In a society full of large chains and big box options, small business owners have quite the work cut out. I am honored to be a part of your mission of networking and featured entrepreneurs.

My name is April and I own Southern Glo Skincare & Salt Spa in King, NC. Originally a Trinity girl replanted in Stokes County now. I am fortunate to have the BEST clients that have supported me and my business for going on 14 years now, just 7 of those full time.

My spa is ran out of an adorable little farmhouse with a vibe that makes clients feel right at home. I get the opportunity every day to build bonds and friendships with what HAS to be the coolest women on earth, doing what I love and making them smile… I believe that is what sets me apart. We laugh, we cry, we hug, we talk… we glow. Women know they can take that crown off when they walk in my spa… let go of all the demands… taking time for themselves and just resting… or have some much needed girl time. Either way, I am HERE FOR IT. Then, put the crown back on refreshed and ready to face life like the Queens they are.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I knew when I was 17 that I wanted to be an Esthetician. I found myself completely consumed with skincare and all the complexities surrounding skin. There are so many beautiful stories in that path that has led me to where I am. I am blessed to have two incredible children, Alexa is almost 9 and Brayson is almost 7. With a husband that has 24 hour shifts, we have our hands full. Our home is a constant circus, but…they are my monkeys :)

Southern Glo carries 5 professional/ medical grade lines. Image, Glymed, Glo, Circadia and Hale & Hush. I cherry pick regimens for every face I see on a regular basis depending on current skin conditions, goals, lifestyle, etc. I have clients that combat aging, acne, scarring, pigmentation and more so having an arsenal of high quality options is imperative for progress.

My services include advanced facial treatments such as Microneedling, THE Hydrafacial, Oxygeneo and more as well as facial waxing and a salt room. The skincare industry is ever evolving. My commitment is to stay on my toes and offer the BEST of the BEST to the BEST. You never know what Southern Glo will be up to so be sure to like and follow on social media. King is a small town but we out here doing BIG things.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I had my esthetics license for 7 years working part time only before having enough faith in myself to take a leap and go full time with it. BEST career decision I have EVER made.

I was fortunate with a wonderful job in advertising,working with a large publishing company for several years. I still maintain contact with lots of those coworkers today, incredible people, This is where I learned so much about myself. Unfortunately, when the housing market took a hit in 08, so did my company and I was laid off along with hundreds others. I took that opportunity to go back to school for what I always had this intense passion for…. Esthetics. I was already spending lots of my free time reading Skin Inc magazine along with several others and studying the chemistry of the skin so why not get legitimate training? I still kept my passion as a supplemental income behind my “real” job, as I reapplied and re-entered the business world again, We are our own worst critics. I didn’t have the means to give up a steady income with insurance and benefits, nor the confidence in myself that I would “make it.” As a single lady, I worked hard at both jobs and focused heavily on my goals of being an Esthetican.
From getting my license in 2009 to taking that leap in 2016, I grew up quite a bit. I got married and had 2 children. After the birth of my second is when I took that leap and bet on myself. After-all, I had no choice but to make it now… It isn’t just about me anymore.

Fast forward to now and I couldn’t be happier. Although, I do have some plans and things cooking in my mind- I always set goals.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I would say my biggest road block in my career has always been myself. My own self doubt. I have never been one to dwell on what others think of me and I am FAR from a competitive person- there is room and a purpose for all of us- BUT I had a steady mentality that the ONLY way to success was collegiate majors/ take the business route. Trade school/ ownership wasn’t secure enough. After having a taste of both, I now know it just depends on the person… what works for you. Owning a business is 24/7. No-one to “call” except for yourself… just figure it out. There are “cons” to both. After some soul searching and heavy prayer, I believe I have found right where I belong. I hope you do too :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.estheticsandessentialswithapril.com
• Instagram: ulovingsomeapril
• Facebook: Southern Glo Skincare & Salt Spa
• Other: Tiktok: sogloskincare

Image Credits
Image credit: Whitney Combs with Pure & Simple Creations