Photo courtesy of April Showers
When Palos Verdes Magazine last featured April Showers two years ago, the Rancho Palos Verdes resident was deeply immersed in building what would become a cultural phenomenon: Afro Unicorn. At the time, her focus was on expanding retail partnerships, strengthening the brand’s presence, and solidifying its place in the marketplace.
As she steps into 2026, April finds herself in a different—and deeply intentional—chapter.
“This evolution is about storytelling,” she says. “It’s no longer just about what I built, but how I built it—and who I became along the way.”
Over the past year, April has shifted from focusing almost exclusively on her licensed character brand to centering the woman behind it. She has opened herself up in new ways, sharing what she calls her “All Gas No Brakes” journey—the wins, the faith, the failures, and the fuel that kept her moving forward even when the path was unclear.
One of the most powerful lessons she has embraced is learning to release control.
“Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay,” April reflects. “When I truly trust God, things often turn out better than I ever imagined.
Delays aren’t denials. Redirections can be blessings. And surrender doesn’t mean giving up—it means allowing something greater to unfold.
This mindset has shaped both her personal and professional life. In this season, April describes herself as being “professionally personal,” inviting her community into more of her real-time reflections as a founder. Through her YouTube channel, IAmAprilShowersTV, she hosts CEO Confessions & Lessons, a candid series offering an honest look at what it truly takes to build a brand like Afro Unicorn—from strategy and sacrifice to mindset shifts and major decisions.
While Afro Unicorn continues to reach audiences far beyond Southern California, April remains rooted in Rancho Palos Verdes, drawing inspiration from a community that has supported her journey from the beginning.
Quietly, behind the scenes, she has also been creating something that feels deeply full-circle. April recently recorded a new talk show, Magic Makers with April Showers, which spotlights retail brand founders who—like her—took ideas from ideation to store shelves. The show premieres January 19 on AfroLandTV and will also air across major podcast platforms, continuing her long-standing mission to uplift and empower fellow entrepreneurs.
“I’m most proud that I never wavered from my original ‘why,’” she says. “Afro Unicorn has always been about motivating and uplifting women entrepreneurs—and that mission remains intact.”
Looking ahead to 2026, April’s focus expands even further. One of her primary intentions is to inspire the next generation by relaunching the Afro Unicorn Foundation, with a renewed emphasis on youth entrepreneurship. Her goal is to help young people see what’s possible early on—an initiative that aligns seamlessly with Ms. April’s Crown & Bookstore, her children’s platform centered on confidence, creativity, creativity, and leadership.
At this stage of her journey, success looks different than it once did.
“Alignment is everything,” April explains. “If I help enough people get to where they want to be, I’ll get to where I need to be. If something doesn’t uplift, create access, or serve others, then it’s simply not for me.”
As she enters a new year—and a new season—April is intentionally making space. Space for more impact. More expansion. More purpose. And she is doing so with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the story is still unfolding.
Her guiding mantra for 2026 says it all: Keep Making Moves.
“Life is like chess,” she says. “You don’t have to make perfect moves—you just have to keep making them. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep progressing.”
And her hope for the year ahead?“All is happening for me—and all is well.”
Connect with April Showers
IAmAprilShowers.com
Instagram: @gotaprilshowers
YouTube: IAmAprilShowersTV
Magic Makers with April Showers premieres January 19
Thank you so much PV Magazine