Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.

Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights


Origins of Afro Unicorn
April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.


Challenges & Early Growth
Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.


Licensing & Expansion
Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.


Business Strategy & Advice
Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.


Future Plans
April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.



#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.
Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Highlights
<ol>
<li>
Origins of Afro Unicorn
<ul>
<li>April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.</li>
<li>Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges &amp; Early Growth
<ul>
<li>Despite facing personal hardships&mdash;including her son's hospitalization and several family losses&mdash;April remained committed to her mission.</li>
<li>Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart&rsquo;s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Licensing &amp; Expansion
<ul>
<li>Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.</li>
<li>Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Business Strategy &amp; Advice
<ul>
<li>Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.</li>
<li>She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Future Plans
<ul>
<li>April is developing Miss April&rsquo;s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
📘 About the Brand Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
<hr>

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Brand Building:  Share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5e388c68-94af-40ed-a27b-b2920106be68/transcript

Advertisement