Today we’d like to introduce you to April Rodriguez.
April, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Around this time in 2017, I found myself stuck in bed not knowing when I’d be able to leave it. I had a pressure headache so bad that I couldn’t get up and it had been weeks at this point, I couldn’t even sit up without feeling pain, so I wasn’t able to make it to my job as a Long Term Substitute Teacher. I had been working in the district for almost 13 years. I was stuck. I knew I wouldn’t be happy if I went back to school to be a teacher. There wasn’t enough variety for me but I was stuck because I loved the community. I loved getting to know people, making friends, helping the youth in my community and mostly I loved being around all of the knowledge. I loved learning and I learned way more the second time around. I believe the universe knew that I was comfortable in what I was doing so it had to really shake me up to get me moving.
There’s a lot of downtime in subbing so I always had opportunities to create, but not just create, but create for fun, and I took advantage of every second, whether it was painting, drawing, collaging, crocheting, heck I even got to practice my baking and bring treats for all my friends. While I was exploring that I was also reacquainting myself with English, History, Science and so much more. But again, there was more for me all I had to do was trust that I actually deserved it.
I did something that can look crazy from the outside, but I took out the retirement I had accumulated in my years of social career slavery and decided to bet on myself. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do but I knew I had a bigger purpose and I had to pursue it. Since then life has been an incredible whirlwind.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily was difficult. I don’t know if I just have a great boyfriend who helps lift me up when things get difficult or maybe it’s the fact that I’m finally on the right path that even the difficulties aren’t so bad. Sure, there have been some unpleasant or uncomfortable moments, but each one of them has only brought me clarity, a better version of myself and happiness ultimately. The most difficult obstacle though has been the desire to want to throw it all in. Every time I feel that way though, I remember that I love what I do and failure and mistakes are integral to any learning and any journey. As adults, we think that if we want something, whether it be material, skill, career or otherwise, that it should be easy and straightforward to obtain it. We think that struggle, especially with a new skill, is only for kids. So when we mess up or fail, we think it’s not for us, but it doesn’t matter at what age you learn something new, you’re going to have to be uncomfortable with not automatically being the best at it. Whenever I want to give up, I think of this.
Modest Betty – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I do a couple of different things. I’ll start with sewing. I teach sewing lessons, do alterations and create original pieces, like skirts, dresses, bags, backpacks, etc…. After working in education, I realized that schools were no longer teaching Home Economics, Shop and other classes that offer knowledge that is super helpful in everyone’s everyday life. I want to bring this skill back and give the simple power of being able to repair clothes back to people.
I also do intuitive readings. I would say that I’m more scientific than most readers. I’ve always loved science. I spent many of my years teaching Science. So my approach comes from a balance between Spiritual and Scientific. My gift isn’t predicting the future but in helping shift your perspective to one that fits your most authentic self.
I’m also a Freelance Artist. I create something called Personalized Birth Chart Mandalas. These are personalized art pieces based on your Birth Chart. I choose symbols and colors that best represent the most authentic version of yourself. They’re meant to be remind you of who you are in the bigger journey of your life. If you had a bad day and think you’re the scum of the Earth, looking at the mandala reminds you that you’re not one day but the culmination of a life. It encourages you to get back up and prove to yourself that you’re the incredible version of yourself, laid out on paper.
I also create collages and watercolor pieces, ranging from creatures to symbols to pet portraits.
Since I was a teacher for so long, I can’t help but want to teach still so I put on crafting events. Sometimes it’s a collage workshop to work through our feelings, or sometimes we sew together. I’m planning some fashion shows, tarot workshops and jewelry making workshops. I also help my boyfriend, Anthony Tamayo and together we put on Game Nights, Showcases for local artists and local bands and sometimes group bike rides. We just love to be part of the community and bring people together.
Lastly, my boyfriend and I are working on building our Nonprofit, which is currently nameless because we’re in the process of rebuilding from the ground up. We will be life coaching individuals while they complete their passion projects. Then we will put together showcases to celebrate their accomplishments. We also hope to help connect individuals to apprenticeships in the community and create workshops to shift the education paradigm.
I would say that my perspective on life and ability to see the best in others is what sets me apart in everything I pursue. I’ve had a lot of practice finding the silver lining in situations so now I love to help others do the same.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is when you’ve given your all. Success is trying your hardest. It’s finding out what your strengths are and fine tuning them, It’s finding your weaknesses and looking at them lovingly instead of critically. Success is helping others navigate through life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Modestbetty
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