Meet April Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Edwards.

Hi April, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Since a young girl, I’ve always known I wanted to braid. At the age of 6, I would plait all my doll’s hair. by 9, I was braiding my sister’s, my school friend’s stepmother and her friend’s hair. When my teen years hit, I became a mother myself. Doing all sorts of styles on my daughter’s (Ma’kyra) hair. People would see her and ask “. who does her braids?” I simply reply “I do them myself “.

From there I began braiding more and more as word spread. For a small fee of course. In the year 2016, adulthood set in, a single mother of 2 now, working three jobs all while still braiding. I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to pursue my passion full-time. I quit all my jobs and came up with a business plan and name.

Legacy Braidz! I had already acquired a decent clientele base and wanted to expand to reach even more potential clients. I created a Facebook page, and Instagram, got my business license, acquired my wholesale and retail license, then got to work building my brand. By 2019, Not only was I braiding. But also selling braiding hair by the bag and bulk to customers and clients, plus making my hair oils for purchase as well.

Word spread even more! not just around town but to different states. Things got very busy for me as you could imagine. Thankfully March of 2020. My now Co-Braider, Rachel Conerly. Who started as a client of mine, who found me via Facebook, came for one appointment, stepped in right where help was needed, and has been my backbone/go-to till this day, our friendship took flight! In tune so did I.

Long-time Clients of mine would travel back to Ohio just for me to braid their hair. There were occasions Where id travels to them as well…. Suddenly. People from all over would ask me to come to visit their state to braid. And if time permitted. I was there!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I must say the road had not been a smooth one by far. The decision to become an entrepreneur is a struggle in itself. When you match that with being a single mother of 5 children. It gets a bit deeper than ordinary. Time management has been a struggle.

Dividing time up between kids, work, clients, travel, and self can be overwhelming, even more, exhausting at times. From meals to laundry, booking appointments for clients, answering questions, ordering products, shipping Oils/hair to customers and bills, etc. stay on a strict routine, and making a schedule does take some of the edges off.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional braider. Specializing in very long, luxurious braids of all kinds styles, and colors. Known not only for the length of braids I’ve done on my clients but also for the ones I wear myself. I’m most proud of the love, joy, and dedication of all my clients, to see the look on their faces brighten up, not only during but also after their braids are complete… priceless! An enjoyment of mine is not only making others feel beautiful but also appreciated.

The thing that set me apart from others is my passion, care, and genuine love for my craft. it’s always been a sense of meditation/stress relief for me. No matter the time or day, literally! I’ve braided as early as 2 am-4 am and as late as those same hrs. Often for as long as 12-18 hours a day on my own at times with my very loved and dedicated Co-braider, Rachel Conerly. Who started as a client of mine back in 2020. She has been with me ever since.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My views on risk-taking (yikes), where do I start? Deciding to start a business as a single mother of 5, for me? risky just in itself. My thoughts! Calculate each step then take the shot! I’ve taken what feels like a lifetime of risk, most have graciously worked in my favor, thank God. Others not so much. We live and we learn.

Life is all about taking chances! Learning from our mistakes, and capitalizing on the areas we succeed in. You have to find out what works for you, your family, and your business. “Grow as you go”! Would you want to spend your life knowing you could’ve done something, but never even tried? Remember! “ No risks, no reward”. So shot every shoot! One could potentially be an opportunity that sets you up for life.

Pricing:

• Small Knotless $285+ (hair included)
• Medium Knotless $190+ (hair included)
• Large Knotless $150+ (hair included)
• 8oz Hair and Scalp Oil $30
• 4oz Hair and Scalp Oil $20

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacy_braidz/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php?tbua=1
• Other: https://linktr.ee/legacybraidz