Today we’d like to introduce you to April Harris.
Hi April, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was born, and raised in Tyler, Tx. I suffered from several autoimmune disorders, so I spent most of my childhood and early adult life in and out of hospitals. I decided a long time ago that nothing would deter me from reaching my goals, so everyday I strive to be a better version of me. I’m currently an educator & event planner. I have been educating children in our community for 20 years. I started out designing small events for family, and friends for many years. In the midst of an emotionally abusive marriage, I decided to step out on faith and start a legit event design business. The business quickly became my muse and was an outlet to help me to escape what I was going through. When the relationship turned physical, I knew it was time to leave. I mustered up every ounce of hope that I had and poured it all into my goals and dreams. I also did a book collaboration with a few amazing authors. I have overcome so many challenges in life, & My chapter gives a detailed description of how I overcame domestic abuse in hopes of encouraging others. The book just dropped this past Friday & is available for purchase on Amazon. My business has now transformed into a full-service event planning, event hosting, and event design business. I’m also a motivational speaker. last year I had the privilege of speaking at 3 conferences. In addition to event design, I currently teach balloon training courses, and I host premier business mixers. At the balloon training courses, I teach others how to start a profitable luxury balloon business. At the mixers: I bring in successful business owners; as well those just starting out or aspiring business owners. These mixers are designed to bring our communities together and give all of us an opportunity to network, grow, support, and learn from each other. Just in the last 6 months, We have also had the privilege of collaborating with WIC, NET Health, UT Health, The City of Tyler & The Lady Organization on various conferences, fashion shows, and events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. One of the greatest challenges was overcoming domestic abuse. I suffered from depression, anxiety, weight gain, self-doubt, and fear of failure. I went to therapy and put in the work. Also going through the embarrassment of divorce, and having to start over. I’m so thankful for the village that God has blessed me with, and to the East Texas Crisis Center.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have two careers I an educator, and an Event planner. April Harris is the owner of ICE LLC. Inspired Creations and Events (an event planning & design company). She holds 2 associates, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and has devoted 20 years to educating children in her community. April is an advocate for student success and currently serves on the administrative leadership team on her campus. April is also a published author. You can find her feeding the community alongside her local church or designing the event of your dreams.
I specialize in luxury balloon decor, teaching balloon courses and hosting premiere business mixers. These mixers are are color-themed, and dress to impress events.
What sets me apart is my love for bringing people together, the love for genuinely serving others, and seeing people from all walks of life grow, learn, and become successful.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In the past, I would not have classified myself as a risk-taker. Since becoming an entrepreneur, Risk- Taking is a given. In order to be successful, you have to take risks. I view risk-taking as an investment in you. I believe that what you put in is what you get out of it. Small risks produce small dividends. Great Risks produce great dividends. It’s a faith walk.
Contact Info:
- Email: Icebyapril@gmail.com
- Website: Icebyapril.com
- Instagram: @icebyapril1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICEbyApril
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3227744564120127/
