Today we’d like to introduce you to April Wakefield-Spikener.
Hi April, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started writing poetry as a young child. During my high school years, I wrote almost five hundred poems, and planned to someday write a poetry book; I also wanted to own a greeting card business so I could put my poetry inside of cards. As a child, we weren’t necessarily encouraged to pursue creative paths, as the jobs that our communities believed paid well, were not necessarily tied to our talents. I obtained a degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Jose State University, buried my real dreams, and pursued a career in Law Enforcement. Right before my 2 year anniversary at work, we were laid off due to a lack of funding. The only thing I could think to do was get back to Plan A and start my greeting card business. It was then that I started my business: April Olivia. Named after myself with the purpose of providing space for when our hearts have more to say. Through April Olivia, I actually became a designer and still wasn’t writing.
However, in 2017, as life would have it, I found my way back to writing regularly and completed and published my first poetry book: Internal Monologue, a Poetic Journey Through Love and Life. I thought this would be a “one and done” but two more books followed! Butterfly: Poetry for your soul (2019) and Human. (2022) were also added to my collection. I have learned that at some point in life, we are directed back to ourselves. I am grateful for the parts of life that pushed me to the position of rediscovering my own true self. Because of my own experiences, I believe we always know exactly who we are. Sometimes, we just have to undo everything we’ve been told that doesn’t align with that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! As I said, I got back to myself by being laid off from my Plan B career. It was a struggle for sure. It is so much easier to follow a path that has been paved for you. Once you decide that you are destined for something different, you begin to travel into the unknown. It’s just you and God at that point. So developing my current level of faith and trust in His plan was a bumpy road. It was well worth it though, because now I clearly understand that everything meant for me will be mine; even if it has to double back.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative in many ways, but most proud of being a poet. It is the language of my soul. I have performed at a host of events, been the featured poet/author at events at Barnes and Noble, and also been a featured poet/speaker for events for Los Angeles Unified, Tracy Unified, and Castro Valley Unified School Districts. The amazing thing about that is that I never saw myself performing, just writing, but the opportunities found me. I prefer to exist on the pages, but life continues to provide spaces for me to grow. I am deeply proud of myself for having the courage to repeatedly exist outside of my comfort zone.
What sets me apart as a poet? My poetry reaches people’s souls. Additionally, my method of writing is different. I didn’t really choose poetry; it chose me. I never set aside time to write. Sometimes moments come, and I have repeating thoughts. If I pull out my phone or a pen and a piece of paper, an entire poem comes out. I honestly never even know what will be written until the poem is done. If I don’t pull out something to record the poem, I lose it completely.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue on my current path, staying true to my authentic self and always standing in my personal truth. I’m free to dream big, to be my true self, and to pursue any dreams or passions I may have! I no longer feel bound by other people’s limits, and now that I clearly understand this life is between me and God, I know it’s “safe” to go where my spirit leads. In the future, I hope to assist people on their journeys to discovering and honoring their true selves and their purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aprilolivia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aprilthepoet
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/aprilthepoet
Image Credits
April Wakefield-Spikener
