Black Fashion Entrepreneur, April Branch, Keeps You in Style! Celebrating Black Business Month
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Black Fashion Entrepreneur, April Branch, Keeps You in Style! Celebrating Black Business Month
Black businesses play an important role in the health of the American economy. As we celebrate Black Business Month, I am thrilled to feature Black Business Entrepreneurs.
April Branch, also a personal friend, talks with me about her journey to becoming a prominent Fashion Stylist. From the business professional to the everyday housewife, April Branch shows that high-quality fashion is accessible to all!
D is Debra Hill and A is April Branch
I styled several wardrobe looks to represent and symbolize the various roles women play in the world and how we sometimes lose our authentic selves in the process.
D: Tell me about your background and how you became a Fashion Stylist.
A. I became a Fashion Stylist full-time after COVID-19 hit in October 2020. Let me give you a little bit of background. When I was in college at Old Dominion University, a friend named Dina and I gave one of the students a makeover not long after our 1st semester started. We were just dabbling and having a little fun in fashion. Fast forward some years later, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where I graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Management while styling a couple of artists locally.
D: Interestingly, you kept your love of fashion in mind even though you had other academic pursuits. Your fashion gifts kept coming into your life.
A: A client, a local artist named Lori Michelle, and I were asked by the manager K Farrar of a local band group named Bloodline to style the entire band for an upcoming concert and album release. I was still dabbling a little in fashion, here and there, but I was not giving it my full-time attention until about October 2020.
D: As you said earlier, that was the highlight of COVID-19 when many people worldwide were reevaluating and redefining who they are and their life ambitions.
A: That’s when a local artist Jewell Booker asked me to style her and create outfit coordination for her first music video titled, “Who Am I.” I styled several wardrobe looks to represent and symbolize the various roles women play in the world and how we sometimes lose our authentic selves in the process. I asked the Lord if this was something He wanted me to do full-time because the bookings kept coming. That’s when I decided to pursue my Fashion Stylist, Image Consulting, and 4X4 Color Consultant Certifications.
I style women wanting a special look for a conference or speaking engagement.
D: So, what types of clients come to you for styling help?
A: I typically work with local entertainers, artists, and professional business owners. I’ve been honored to work with women in the church wanting a special look for a conference or speaking engagement. I recently assisted my church family with styling my Apostle and Pastor Mary P. Edwards for her birthday celebration. Additionally, I work with kids, teenagers, birthday photo shoots, and just anyone looking to bring out their style personality in visual artistry. Recently, I styled two major clients for two podcasts this past year: “FaceTime with God” and also for Dr. Marsha McLean of “The 2.0 Grandma.“
I receive so much satisfaction working with styling and accessories.
D: I can’t imagine anyone more interested in letting their visions for a special occasion shine through their wardrobe than a bride-to-be.
A: Absolutely! Any bride could use the help of a stylist to ensure their entire look from gown to accessories is perfect. I get so much pleasure seeing my work displayed in their joy and love on their wedding day. Recently I accompanied a bride on her wedding dress shopping day to assist her in choosing a dress based on her body shape & style personality.
D: I was really thrilled with your styling expertise for my singing group and me for my song, “Celebrate My Birthday“. Soon, the world will see your fabulous styling for my upcoming song, “Tell Them Your Testimony“, which will be released this October.
A: Yes, both of your songs are beautiful and I received so much satisfaction working with you on the styling and accessories.
My motto reflects the idea that true style and confidence come from aligning your outer appearance with your inner self.
D: What particular services do you offer?
A: My styling services range from focusing on wardrobe enhancements, business branding, and wardrobe designing for special occasions to working with the particular needs of the clients and situations.
D: Your motto is, “Making people feel great about their image from the inside out.” What does that mean?
A: My motto reflects the idea that true style and confidence come from aligning your outer appearance with your inner self. Style is not just about clothes, but also about how a person feels, moves, and presents themselves in the world. This includes aspects like body language, grooming, and personal care, all of which contribute to an overall sense of well-being. When my clients feel great internally, it has a positive ripple effect on their interactions, relationships, overall life, and how they show up in the world. The right style choices can uplift their mood and contribute to a positive self-image.
D: As a singer, I recognize and honor the role black music has played in the black community. Particularly when I sing inspirational songs of faith such as “Daily Reverence“. That is my passion. For you, what role do you feel fashion has played in the black community? And how does that impact your business?
A: Fashion in the Black community has served as a celebration of African heritage and identity. Through the use of traditional fabrics, patterns, and styles; we honor and connect with our roots. During the Civil Rights Movement, black protestors dressed in their Sunday best as a way to command respect and counter stereotypes. In my styling decisions, I tap into black designers who focus on creating successful brands that resonate with cultural and aesthetic values. While I honor and display traditional African fashion trends, my styling also displays dynamic, vibrant, modern, and futuristic African images. My friend Dina displays the concept well in her business, Efro and Co, which is at the forefront of Afrofuturism design.
I perform a body shape analysis to identify the most flattering cuts, fits, and styles for their current bodies emphasizing the importance of tailoring.
D: What do you think are the most significant changes happening in black fashion?
A: The most significant change happening is the growing recognition of black designers, models, and creatives. Fashion weeks, major magazines, and global brands are using traditional African prints, textiles, and silhouettes as well as modern reinterpretations of them. Black designers are also redefining what luxury means in fashion. It’s no longer just about high price points, but also about the cultural relevance, craftsmanship, and story behind the garments.
D: Like many people, my closets overflowed with items that I still had tags on or hadn’t touched for years. I booked you to help me declutter my entire wardrobe. I’m just one example of you coming to the rescue of someone with a wardrobe challenge. Do you have examples of other clients who have undergone such a huge fashion change?
A: For your closet editing, I conducted a wardrobe audit which decluttered and organized your wardrobe by categorizing items into keep and donate. I created a streamlined wardrobe with “kept” pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. This helps you with daily outfit choices and makes sure you only keep what you love and actually wear. I incorporated trends into your current styles in a way that complements your existing wardrobe and personal style.
D: Male and female clients BTW, face fashion transitions due to changes in body shape resulting from significant weight gain or weight loss.
A: I perform a body shape analysis for both males and females to identify the most flattering cuts, fits, and styles for their current bodies emphasizing the importance of tailoring.
D: What happens when someone books you?
A: First, I have a brief consultation to get an idea of their goals. If we agree this would be a great project to style, we would then agree on the details of the project. This would include issues like photoshoots, shopping needs, lifestyle, desires, and measures of outcome satisfaction. As a stylist, I listen to the desires and purposes of my clients and strategically use my knowledge, skills, and expertise to meet their needs. Projects can be exclusively virtual where we communicate visually through Zoom or Facetime or in person.
About April Branch
April Branch is a Certified Fashion Stylist, Image Consultant, and Color Consultant who makes people feel great about their image from the inside out by providing styling services for any occasion.
Connect with April
Looking for a Stylist?
Contact April Branch and use my code: DEBRAHILLSINGS. If you book, you will receive 15% off.
Available until December 31, 2024.
Disclosure: April Branch volunteered as a member of my 2024 Graduate Shine Award selection committee. She generously gave her time, and commitment to help select a graduating High School senior who received a $500 scholarship.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
All names mentioned have been approved.
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