A bona fide serial entrepreneur, April Sheris, has successfully launched brands, books, and businesses over the past decade. She has partnered with Barnes & Noble for children reading initiatives, assisted youth in developing and launching their business through the Young Entrepreneurship Initiative, launched a literary networking platform to bridge the film, literary, and journalism industries, and launched the first on rail reading book club in New Mexico through a collaborative partnership with NM Rail Runner Express. It’s been a long road back to a centered, calm life that mimics the peace she holds most valuable. She is a Louisiana native, a fish out of water, and has called New Mexico home for over six years. The days of warm, humid weather was long gone, and her skin suffered in its absence. What started as a mission to develop skincare for herself that would rehydrate her skin in a dry, desert climate – and give an amazonian glow – has become so much more by helping other women do the same all around the world. Creating an organic, luxury skincare brand has, by far, been the most challenging. But, we’ve done it. And, most importantly, April is excited to share her conscious life with all of you. Glow on!
Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes April, April?
April: I am a bona fide serial entrepreneur. I have successfully launched books and businesses over the past decade. I’ve partnered with Barnes & Noble for children reading initiatives, assisted youth in developing and launching their business through the Young Entrepreneurship Initiative, etc. However, that lifestyle led to burnout and began to take a toll. I needed to readjust my busy lifestyle to focus on living in the present moment and how therapeutic service to others can be. What gives me SwagHer is my service to others. It’s healing and gives major positive vibes.
Christina: Tell our readers about your publishing business, BooksAreTheNewRich.
April: ‘Books Are The New Rich’ helps authors understand the dynamics of publishing to market their book successfully. It teaches the critical steps many authors need to make when publishing. We breakdown these steps on a novice level to ensure the content is easy to digest. We couple that with a support forum for them throughout their journey and office hours for a 1-on-1 consultation.
Christina: What prompted you to start your business?Â
April: Publishing became a passion for me when I realized there were so many others who held a story worth sharing but lacked the proper tools to do so. Many would come to me full of wonder and passion with hopes of being published. I enjoyed learning about the creative aspect of publishing from my own experience. It was a very freeing experience that led to the launch of our boutique press, Upland Avenue. I knew that if I could help at least one other person free themselves, that was an even greater reward than just being published.
Christina: You’ve partnered with Barnes & Noble children reading initiatives, assisted youth in developing and launching their business through the Young Entrepreneurship Initiative, launched the first on rail reading book club in New Mexico, and more. Why are you so passionate about working with youth?
April: Youth are the bearers of the future. A future that we directly influence by what we instill in them today. If we stand behind their creativity while reminding them of the importance of reading fundamentals, I believe the sky’s the limit for them and our future.
Christina: You moved from Louisiana to New Mexico. Why? What happened to prompt you to move over 900 miles from home?Â
April:Â Opportunity led me outside of home. I can always return home, but in the industry, I am in, at the time, there was more to learn from and engage in from other places. I settled in the ‘Land of Enchantment,’ and it has enriched my life and business. I’ve met influential people that would nurture my business growth and show the potential of my concept. I’ve also met amazing authors from all walks of life.
Christina: You created a skincare line while in New Mexico. Tell our readers about it.
April: April Sheris Skincare is a clinical grade, conscious skincare line that accentuates a natural glow while promoting a conscious lifestyle. We go to the highest measures to ensure our line is cruelty-free, vegan, phthalate-free, paraben-free, talc-free, silicone-free, BHT free, BHA free, has no artificial dyes, no artificial fragrances, are all-natural, and are responsibly made in the U.S. It’s a very nourishing line because we believe glowing skin is the best makeup.
Christina: What are some products people can look forward to having from your skincare line? Where can they go to purchase them?Â
April: We are known for our botanical serums that leave the skin looking dewy and healthy. For the first time, we will be launching an exfoliating facial scrub just in time for Winter. It gently exfoliates away, impurities while instantly rejuvenating dull, stressed skin. We’re pretty excited about it. All of our skincare products can be found at www.aprilsheris.com.
Christina: This fall, you are starting a Talk Series to help more authors learn how to diversify their books into other media forms. Please tell us a little more about that.Â
April: The first season of our talk series will delve deep into learning how to scale your book business and get prime retail placement. A book is a gateway to working in film, public speaking, television, and more. We speak with those key people on what it takes to go beyond books and how to get there in the shortest amount of time. We also speak with authors who have found success in unconventional ways to share their experiences. The series is truly aimed to educate and enlighten people.
Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you would like to mention?
April: Because of COVID, we’ve had to scale back most of our planning this year. On the good side, it allowed our creative minds to create something even better and immersive for authors and book lovers. In the first quarter of 2021, we’re hosting our Spring Equinox in the Gardens. It’s our way of celebrating the works and accomplishments of authors from every genre.Â
Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?
April: For any author, the most beneficial step is crafting a grassroots marketing strategy and utilizing your social media network to map out your ideal tour stops. There are people who follow you that can connect you to the proper venue and rally a small group to attend. These small steps will have a major impact on raising awareness of the book, and it also builds followers. I’m also available at @AprilSheris on all social platforms to help any way I can.
Connect with April:
Website: www.booksarethenewrich.com and www.aprilsheris.comÂ
Instagram: @aprilsheris , @booksarethenewrich , @aprilsheris.skinÂ
Facebook: @aprilsheris and @aprilsheris.skinÂ
LinkedIn: @aprilsheris
