Today, we’d like to introduce you to April Rose Smith.
Hi April, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m April Rose Smith, a true Atlanta native to my core. My life is filled with love and purpose, centered around my two beautiful daughters, Jhai’Lien and Tay’Lour, and my amazing husband and best friend, Harry.
Growing up between Hollywood Courts and Decatur, Georgia, better known as East Lake Meadows, wasn’t always easy. But from those humble beginnings, I learned some of life’s most valuable lessons from the very start.
My earliest memories take me back to Mrs. Mann’s first-grade class at Carter G. Woodson Elementary when I couldn’t have foreseen the challenges ahead. Yet, fate had its plans, and that year marked the beginning of significant changes in my life as my parents went their separate ways.
By the tender age of thirteen, I had already faced more than my fair share of trials – from nights spent in my aunt’s basement to living out of my father’s Chevy Malibu due to homelessness. Dropping out of high school and embracing the responsibility of teenage motherhood were just additional chapters in my story. It may sound like a heavy load, but those tough times forged me into the resilient woman I am today.
Through the chaos, I found solace and strength in the unwavering support of my rock-solid grandparents, Betty Ann and Horace Solomon, and my Aunt Treva. They provided stability and unconditional love, guiding me through life’s tumultuous twists and turns with their wisdom.
Life has been a rollercoaster ride, but amidst the ups and downs, I’ve discovered the power of family, love, and unwavering determination. Embracing each challenge with a down-to-earth spirit and a heart full of resilience, I’ve learned that there’s nothing we can’t overcome when we stand. Including surviving domestic abuse.
In addition to my roles as a mother and wife, I’ve ventured into entrepreneurship, carving out my path in unexpected industries like beauty pageants. Despite setbacks and challenges, I’ve never stopped pursuing my dreams. As the former Mrs. Georgia International 2023 and the reigning Mrs. Spalding America 2024, I continue to strive for excellence, hoping to secure the title of Mrs. Georgia America 2024, representing my platform: “I show my scars so others can heal by bringing awareness to domestic abuse.”
My journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Through it all, I remain grounded and driven by a passion to make a positive impact, leaving behind a legacy of love, empowerment, and unwavering determination.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the prolific words of the great Langston Hughes, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” As a young mother who had left school, I swiftly learned that the one thing I lacked – education – was what I needed most. While many believe success follows a straight and narrow path, I dared to challenge this notion.
Returning to obtain my GED was just the beginning. From there, I pursued an Associate’s, then a Bachelor’s degree, and so on. Along this journey, I’ve realized that sometimes, the messenger becomes the message. My message is crystal clear: Despite the odds stacked against us, the fragments of our brokenness can be transformed into remarkable masterpieces. Each shattered piece carries its own story and significance.
It’s our solemn duty to share these narratives of resilience, now more imperative than ever in a world where truth can easily be distorted. We owe it not only to ourselves but to the generations yet to come, for we are the unsung heroes of history. Our journeys, with all their trials and triumphs, possess immense power and significance. All it takes is the courage and transparency to simply tell our stories.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am thrilled to share that I am the co-owner and visionary behind three remarkable ventures: The National Educators of America Pageant, The Mr. & Miss Ultimate United States Pageants, and the groundbreaking Kappa Pi Nu Co-Ed Fraternity.
The inception of the National Educators of America was fueled by my profound love for education and a deep-seated desire to honor the tireless dedication of educators everywhere. The challenges of the pandemic only served to underscore the invaluable role these unsung heroes play in shaping the minds of our future generations. As a parent thrust into the educator role during these trying times, I gained a newfound appreciation for the selflessness and passion of those who nurture our children daily.
The Ultimate System, born in 2014 during the personal upheaval, represents a testament to the resilience and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. Despite facing adversity and financial constraints, I refused to relinquish my vision. In 2021, fate granted me the opportunity to breathe new life into Ultimate, and together, we have accomplished incredible feats within our community.
But perhaps one of my most exhilarating creations is Kappa Pi Nu. Kappa Pi Nu is a Co-Ed fraternity that embodies the spirit of camaraderie and celebration within the pageant community. They are not merely Kings and Queens but the architects, designers, producers, photographers, and stage crew behind the scenes, shaping the very essence of this billion-dollar industry. Kappa Pi Nu serves as a beacon of unity, bridging the gap between all facets of pageantry.
I am filled with excitement and anticipation as we eagerly prepare for our inaugural rush and line this Spring. I am confident that Kappa Pi Nu will stand as another testament to my legacy, fostering a community of empowerment, creativity, and unparalleled excellence.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
Wow, what a fantastic question! When I think back to my childhood, it was summer in Atlanta for me!!
I grew up in Atlanta during the ’80s and ’90s, So that period fills me with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Those were truly magical times to be alive. Growing up surrounded by my family was an experience like no other, and being a part of the old Atlanta culture is a memory I hold close to my heart.
My Aunt Treva, who’s just ten years older than me, practically served as my big sister. I was always tagging along to her parties, inadvertently causing mischief like any pesky little sister. Despite the occasional chaos, our family was big on family reunions and trips, creating countless cherished memories amidst childhood traumas.
I proudly consider myself a product of the incredible women in both the Sharpe and Rhodes families. My grandmother, Betty Ann, stands out as a beacon of strength and love. As I grow older, I’m often told that I bear a striking resemblance to her. It’s a compliment I hold dear, hoping to honor her legacy and carry on her likeness with grace, honor, and dignity.
Pricing:
- National Educators of America Pageant: $399.00
- The Mr. & Miss Ultimate Pageants: $399.99
- Kappa Pi Nu: $250.00, 1 year membership free
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aprilrosesmith.com
- Instagram: @mrsspaldingamerica2024
- Facebook: @mrsspaldingamerica2024
- Linkedin: National Educators of America
- Twitter: The UPS System
- Other: www.ultimatepageants.com
Image Credits
Matty Jacobson and Nathan Pearcy
