NEW YOU sat down with April Showers, founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, to talk about how a single idea rooted in identity became a global brand spanning major retail, children’s products, and community building. In this candid conversation, Showers shares how Afro Unicorn was born, how she scaled without paid endorsements, and why community, mindset, and belief are the foundation of her success.
Q&A With April Showers, Founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn
Q: How did Afro Unicorn get started?
A: It started because a friend kept calling me a unicorn. When I went looking for a unicorn that looked like me and could not find one, I decided to create it. What began as self discovery turned into a movement for women who needed to see themselves as unique and powerful.
Q: What was the first Afro Unicorn product?
A: A t-shirt. I always tell people, if you have a brand idea, put it on a shirt first and see if anyone responds. Once people connected to it, they wanted Afro Unicorn on everything.
Q: How did the brand expand into major retailers?
A: Walmart and CVS actually reached out to me and asked me to create a hair care line. It was scary because it was a new category for me, but I leaned on experts and trusted myself enough to say yes.
Q: What was it like seeing your products on shelves for the first time?
A: The first time I walked into Walmart and saw my products, I was shaking. I still get excited every time. I never want to get comfortable because getting on shelves is hard, but staying there is even harder.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as an entrepreneur?
A: I wake up before the sun to pray, meditate, and write in my gratitude journal. Then I am a mom, a driver, and on Zoom most of the day. Being grounded and consistent is just as important as the meetings.
Q: Have you faced major challenges along the way?
A: Yes. I went through a very difficult launch where I felt my brand was not being taken as seriously as others. It taught me how important shared values and real relationships are in partnerships.
Q: What do you credit most for Afro Unicorn’s growth?
A: Community. I highlighted the women who supported my brand and promoted their businesses. If you do not have a community, you do not have a brand.
Q: How did celebrities and influencers get involved with Afro Unicorn?
A: It was all organic. I have never paid anyone to support Afro Unicorn. The brand resonates with who they are at their core, so the alignment was natural.
Q: What products are you most proud of?
A: The hair care line. It actually works, it creates a fun experience for kids, and it helps them feel excited about caring for their hair.
Q: Do you also create books and content for children?
A: Yes, I have written eight children’s books, including graphic novels and holiday titles. Representation and kindness are always at the center of what we create.
Q: What is next for you and the brand?
A: I am working on an Afro Unicorn animated series and my memoir, Never Qualified, which is about how belief in yourself can make the impossible possible.
