Featured Interview & Fabulous Giveaway – Pono Mahogany Spectrum Choker from April M.

This stunning Italian lightweight resin curb link necklace has the look of intricately carved mahogany. The neutral color and elegant design will make this your new signature piece. Completed by a lobster claw closure and an extra chain section to adjust the length from 17.5in -20in. Link width about 1.75in.

Mahogany
Matte resin
Length: 17.5in – 20in.
Width about 1.75in.

April M. Featured Interview

I am so excited to feature April M. and this amazing giveaway. I love all of her pieces and collections and she is an inspiration to me because she started and is succeeding in her owning her own business. The cherry on top is that she did all of this in her 30s! I had to get the low down and she was so gracious to answer a few questions that I thought would all be appreciated by us 30-somethings and anyone that has considered starting their own business.

What were you doing for a job before owning your own business?
Just prior to taking some time off when my children were born, I had a wonderful job working as a Gemologist and Antique Jewelry Specialist. I was traveling and working with some truly amazing jewelry! Going back to work was always part of the plan.

Have you always been in the jewelry business?
I have always worked with fine and decorative arts. I began my career with summer internships in an art gallery and a museum. My first job after college was in an auction house, where I later returned to work as the assistant to the Director of the Fine Jewelry Department.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I began my own independent jewelry appraisal business and blog, the Jewelry Brief, several years before launching April M. Both were catalysts for April M. Dealing in fine jewelry and writing about it, I realized that beyond your diamond studs, jewelry is a opportunity to perfect your look. Women needed one stop for sophisticated, well made heirloom fashion jewelry at an attainable price point.

How old were you when you decided to take the leap?
I was in my mid-30s.

What finally gave you the motivation to go out on your own?
I had young children and it was important to me to be able to make my own schedule. In the beginning, I’m not even sure the children knew I was working and my clients certainly didn’t know my 3 o’clock appointment was with a 3 year old!

What does your office look like?
My office is filled with my favorite jewelry books for inspiration, a white board to jot down brainstorming ideas and my collie, Silver, who is my constant companion.

What does your typical day like?
My typical work day is all about jewelry. I do all of the jewelry buying and editorial planning for April M, and I also still run my appraisal business. It is important that I stay on top of trends, designers and the marketplace.

What has your biggest obstacle been for being successful?
It all clicked for me when I figured out how to allocate the scarcest of all resources: my time.

What is one piece of advice you have for women looking to start her own business?
First find your passion. Second take advantage of the virtual workplace and find help globally. We have marketers in California, web developers in Idaho, and a design team in the Ukraine. This assembly of global talent is one of the reasons behind April M’s success.

Enter for the chance to win this April M’s gorgeous Mahogany Spectrum Choker by PONO – $132.00 value!

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