Queen Stories | April Shimmers to Success!

I first met April back in 2007, during our freshmen year math class. We bonded over the fact that we had no clue of what our teacher was talking about and realized that we both kind of needed help when it came to algebraic calculations. That was the start of our 12 year friendship (Wow). April had became a sister to me and one of my closest friends. She is kind-hearted and soft spoken, but leaves an impression on you as one of the nicest women to have walked this Earth. We have seen each other through so many phases in life and always kept in touch through out each venture. We were in step group together, Black Student Society, and had plenty of hilarious adventures outside of High School. While she went to Eastern Illinois and I to Southern Illinois, we still kept in touch, meeting up anytime we were both home and making plans with our old classmates. Through all that time of knowing her, she always had her hands in someones head. From it being a hobby in High School, to doing hair in college as a way to earn extra cash, that became something she was known for. I have seen her accomplish so many things over the years, like pledging Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and graduating with her Bachelors Degree, I can honestly say the thing that I am proud of the most, was the moment she went and got her cosmetology license to finally follow her dreams! I am proud to be the one to let the World know her success story!

Age:

Highest Education:

Bachelors Degree

What did you study:

Business Management and Entrepreneurship

What are you doing now:

Self employed/ Licensed Cosmetologist

Name of your business:

Shimmer Luxe Hair Extensions and StyleZ By April

Tell us your story?

I have been interested in hair since I was a little girl. I would always sit in my bed and style my doll’s hair. When I was a little older, I started experimenting on myself as well as my younger sister. She was like my “test dummy”. I loved everything about hair and I knew that It would be my career. As I got better, I started getting paid for my services. In high school and college doing hair had become my “side hustle”. After graduating college I worked in retail for 1.5 years and still continued to do hair part time. After saving up enough money, I quit my job and went to cosmetology school full time for a year. During that time, I started my virgin hair company. Shortly after finishing my requirements in cosmetology school, I passed my state board and became a licensed cosmetologist. About a month later I moved into a new house and turned my basement into a mini salon which is where I am currently servicing all my wonderful clients.

Did you ever want to give up? If so, what were the things that kept you going?

There was a point in time where I didn’t necessarily want to give up, but I wanted to change my main career goal to something completely different than cosmetology. People around me told me that I wouldn’t make a lot of money doing hair and that I should just choose a different career and do hair on the side. I even had a friend’s mom ask me if my mom was upset that I wanted to pursue cosmetology. Listening to those around me, I ended up choosing a major in college that I knew was going to secure me financially instead of majoring in something that I would enjoy and wouldn’t guarantee financial stability. After the first year of taking intro classes to my major, I decided that I was going to do what made me happy. I changed my major to Business management and added an entrepreneurship minor. I knew that I couldn’t force myself to pursue something that I wasn’t passionate about. What kept me going was listening to myself instead of others, creating and reviewing my dreams and goals, and following my passion.

What was most surprising to you about starting your own business?

I don’t think there was anything that surprised me. I just think that I didn’t anticipate it being so much work. There are so many components to run a business. You only have yourself to rely on to get it done. This was/sill is my biggest struggle as a young business owner. Since starting my business, I have had to become more organized, resourceful, creative, innovative, and much more. It can be extremely tiring and exhausting at times, but in order for my business to thrive, I have to push through and get the work done.

Do you have any role models? If so, who and why?

I have a few role models who are also in the hair industry. They give me hope that I could become as big as they are in the hair industry and on social media. They show me that you can be your own boss at a young age and be extremely successful.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting to start a hair business or their own business in general?

My advice would be to

Do your research first!
Set goals
Create a plan of action/business plan
Talk to someone who has their own business
BE PATIENT!

How did it feel to finally start doing what you love?

It felt amazing to start doing what I love. I feel accomplished and proud.

What makes your business unique?

I believe my business creates a sense of peace and security. Having a “one person salon” gives my clients certain things that a large salon cannot offer. My clients love that they don’t have to wait when they come, that there aren’t bunch of people around to make them feel uncomfortable, and they also love the personal experience they get from me. I inform my clients about products I use on their hair, I make sure that all of their needs are met before they leave.