Hi April, how does your business help the community?
Your love, our passion! By Wilkes strives for promotion of individuality through our unique products. We encourage heighten self-esteem and self-awareness to positively impact the local community and the future through community involvement and events. Recently we extended our global support efforts with water.org to help support families around the world get access to safe water. We are now currently working with Mukuni Village in Livingstone Zambia to aid in their day to day living and education.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been involved in every form of art possible since grade school. I started my business when I graduated high school after my mom offered me some beads that she used to make cigar box purse handles. I made bracelets with them. I am also a photographer. I did local festivals not knowing that I was placing myself into a successful business as it has become. Took a corporate job for 13 years feeling like I was being held back from my passion which was art. I left my job. I made my art my full time job. I continued to keep making art and furthered my education at Georgia State University concentrating in Textiles. I now have expanded my business just from making bracelets to an online store offering items from a wide range of cleansing ritual items, photography, home, hardware (metals). I know that you can do anything you put your mind to and takes time and consistency to keep it pushin’ to the next level. Nothing is impossible.

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Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a Grady baby. You can find me in the “A”. LOL. OMG. You can find me at Fellini’s Pizza having a slice of pizza some days. My favorite place to have a drink would be at the bar anywhere in Ponce City Market. There’s so many places to try, I would be the one out looking for a new place everyday.

 

Where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am April Wilkes the owner of By Wilkes, Given the opportunity to travel and experience culture across the globe. I truly believe that my travels have extended a beautiful presence throughout my collections and brand. We source gems from all over the world reflecting the global influences with a commitment to outstanding designs.

Our designs are beautiful, creative, and classic. Our aim is to be timeless and not trendy while making everyone do a second take when seen with our items. My customers are the heart of what I do. I am grateful for the continuously push to keep me motivated to continue my journey in becoming a better influence on as many people as possible. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the help of my teachers, mentors and parents who have believed in me from the beginning.