Today we’d like to introduce you to April Roache.
April, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m 31 and I’m originally from St. Louis, MO. I’m a CNA and Medical assistant. I’ve been in the medical field for 11 years. I love helping people, but after a while, you need a mental break. You see so much death and just the emotional part of the job itself makes you feel like that. I did just that, took a break from CNA work.
I moved to Dallas three years ago for a change of scenery and for better opportunities. I got tired of working dead-end jobs. I also thought it would be a good business move. Although I love my city, I just felt it wasn’t anything there for me anymore. I wanted more out of life. STL is full of hate and in order for you to make it out of there, you have to leave and pursue your dreams. So. I packed my things up in my two door ford focus and drove 10 hours to Dallas. When I first moved to Dallas, I was working for a transportation company driving for 14 hours a day.
I had to be at work from 4am-6pm I would transport patients to and from the hospital, to and from doctor appointments, etc. That job made me dislike driving. Lol, I did that for almost a year as I waited for my CNA license to be transferred from MO to TX. Once it was transferred, I started back doing CNA work. I did CNA work for about six months and then Finally, I got the job working at an addiction campus utilizing my MA license. I’ve always wanted to work at an addiction campus to help people fight/beat their addiction, for personal reasons I hold near and dear to my heart. I honestly I feel that Dallas was ONE of the BEST decisions I’ve made thus far. Since I’ve moved here, it’s been nothing less of great vibes. I’m back on track with my business and I’ve grown so much. I’m just ready for Helena’s Collection to prosper.
Has it been a smooth road?
This hasn’t been the easiest journey. It took me a while to get back on track. I had to get adjusted to the Texas lifestyle, get Helena’s Collection back on track, and just life in general. Big adjustment. The cost of living in Texas is different than Missouri. So I financially had to get back on track as well. Out of all of the struggles the main one everyone can relate to is being away from friends and family. Living in a different state alone, with no family has its ups and downs for sure. That’s something I had to adjust to.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Helena’s Collection – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Helena’s Collection is a handmade Accessories company. Although I specialize in Jewelry, I also sell handbags, refurbish furniture, make a lot of DIY projects for people. I like to make unique one of a kind pieces that you will have a hard time finding elsewhere. My slogan is “let me customize you” I live up to that. I’m known for my customized bracelets, arm candy is what I call it for the ladies and man beads for the men. In 2014 I started off making blinged out ID badge reels. I would go get rhinestones and decorate ID badges. Everyone would say “Girl, That’s cute where did you get that?” I told them I made them, then they would asked me to make them one. That’s how it all started, from some Id badge reels. Starting out I would charge like $7-$8, of course, I didn’t know any better, I just knew I was good at what I did. I would bring them to work and everyone would come see what I had and either bought one I’ve already made or requested a special one. Once I seen I was making a little extra money, I’m like “I can get use to this” lol That’s when Helena’s Collection was born. I started making earrings, totes bags, bracelets, etc. It went from there. My creativity, My determination, my passion and the fact that I actually take the time to hand make these items with love sets me apart from most.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about Dallas is the support. I love how they root for everybody to win. When it comes to small businesses, they have so many opportunities here. They have plenty events, business seminars whatever you need to help you succeed. I love the fact that they have so many wholesale places available to the public for anyone who want to start a business or people who already have one… It makes it so much easier and cut down the cost you would have to pay buying online. What I don’t like is, traffic! I can’t stand traffic! That’s a pet peeve of mine, being in constant traffic.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: www.helenascollection.bigcartel.com
- Email: helenascollection55@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenascollection/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenascollection
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenascollecti
Image Credit:
Three images by Positive_Photography
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