April Showers, founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, created a brand that represents the culture and beautifully unique qualities of women and children of color. Launching Afro Unicorn products in Walmart in 2022, the brand also became the first woman-founded and Black-owned business to own a licensed character brand in major retail.
Inspired to start Afro Unicorn after a chat with a close friend who called her a “unicorn” in reference to her ability to thrive at balancing multiple passions, personal life as a mother, and business, April is a self-made entrepreneur who brought her business acumen working in real estate and insurance to build a multimillion-dollar brand and a well-supported online platform for empowerment. The brand has caught the eyes of celebrities and major brands alike, continuing to amplify inclusion, fun, creativity, and representation.
Afro Unicorn has expanded, offering apparel, accessories, toys, books, bedding, and more to empower women and children of color how "unique, divine, and magical" they truly are. And recently, Afro Unicorn’s Magical Tresses Swirls & Twirls Curl Cream was chosen by Good Housekeeping for a 2024 Parenting Award for its empowering messaging and product offerings.
xoNecole caught up with April to talk about building her brand, her passion for the business, and more:
xoNecole: What was the idea and motivation behind launching Afro Unicorn?
April Showers: I believe that no one should rely on one source to dictate their livelihood, so that is the first reason why I started Afro Unicorn.
I was a serial entrepreneur when I started Afro Unicorn. I own and operate an insurance agency—one of the largest in the nation—and I'm also a licensed real estate broker. So a friend kept referring to me as a unicorn because of the businesses. I'm also a single mom of two boys. He kept telling me, like, ‘April, you're unicorn.' He told me this for two years, and finally, one day, I just asked him, ‘Why do you keep calling me that?’ He said, ‘Well, because you're running the businesses. You're raising the boys. You're a unicorn.’
I'm a woman, that's what we do. And he said, ‘No, you are exactly a unicorn.’ The phrase ‘You should never rely on one source to dictate your livelihood,’--- the reason why I started Afro Unicorn as an e-commerce brand--- it was because the insurance company that I have, the model is not a legacy, meaning if I pass away, I'm not able to give it to anyone.
And that kind of bothered me. I'm putting all this blood, sweat, and tears into it, and I want to build something that I can actually be able to pass down. And I found an article where it talked about starting a T-shirt brand, and the quote was, ‘You should never rely on one source to dictate your livelihood.’ And it just resonated with me.
So, I had my friend calling me a unicorn, I was using the unicorn emoji, and one day, it didn't resonate with me anymore. So, when I went to go find a unicorn that looked like me. I couldn't. I decided to create it, and I wanted to create it in a way where I can also otherwise was where I could also inspire other women like me who might have been dealing with imposter syndrome and did not know that they were a unicorn, those that wanted to start their own businesses but were scared, those that were in it but didn't know how to keep going in it.
So that's why I started Afro Unicorn. It started as a social platform, [then evolved into an] e-commerce brand selling T-shirts. [We] highlighted other women to say what makes them unique, divine, and magical, and yeah, it caught a wave.
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xoN: What did it take to launch the brand in terms of the business expenses and effort?
AS: I knew that I had to build it to sell it.
So, the very first thing that I did was I got an accountant on board, and I also trademarked the logo. That was step one. So [for] startup costs roughly, $1,500 just to get the accountant on board and to get the trademark going.
To start a Shopify store and the print-on-demand shop—it costs less than $200 to get that going. And that's where I started. That’s what it took to actually get the setup of Afro Unicorn going.
But then it took a whole lot of work because a lot of people start, they're thinking that they can just build a brand, not understanding that you have to have a movement behind the brand. You have to have raving fans behind the brand.
Strategically, the platform was created to highlight other women—other entrepreneurs—and shout them out and tell people to patronize their businesses. So in return, people saw like, ‘Oh, if I go get the free unicorn shirt, then she's going to post me. She's going to talk about me.’ So then that built a movement.
We launched in May of 2019, and by July, we had Tiffany Haddish on board. We had Alicia Keys. By September, we had Sherri Shepherd. All organic. It's still that way, still very organic, because they saw that we were building something.
And so before I got into retail, there was a demand, and there was a movement behind Afro Unicorn, and the way we got in was through a video that went viral of a little girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt. Someone said, ‘I love your hair.’ And she said, ‘Thank you. It's an afro.”
That particular video was shared on so many blogs, it got all the way up to Oprah Daily, and that's when the Walmart buyer saw in the comments everyone stating,
That's Afro Unicorn’s baby. That's Afro Unicorn’s shirt. That's Afro Unicorn, which made the buyer then go over to our page, saw how there was an actual movement behind the brand, and then reached out to me to see if we could bring this into retail.
xoN: Yes, Tiffany Haddish’s book had a unicorn reference as well, which is where the connection was there, correct?
AS: Yes, called The Last Black Unicorn. And yes, that is why we reached out to her. Again, a lot of people think that you could just build, like, just say, 'I'm going to drop this idea, and then it's going to sell. If we build it. They come.' But that's not the case. We were very strategic on which celebrities we wanted to target.
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xoN: What is your advice for other entrepreneurs seeking to find success in what they're doing with their brands?
AS: My advice is that you have to be consistent. You have to show up every single day. You have to give it your all. You have to see the end and focus on what that end result looks like for you, and not worry about how it's going to happen, but just know it's going to happen. But if you can't visually see what the end looks like, and you can't really articulate what that end looks like—like I said, I knew in 2019, I'll be a household name and a worldwide brand.
So, if you can't say that definitely, that you know where your product or your service or whatever you have is going to go, you probably need to take a step back for a minute until you have a clear vision on exactly what it is that you want to do.
xoN: What’s next for Afro Unicorn?
AS: Right now we are in the middle of finalizing our live-action show, as well as the animated show, so we're working on all the content behind the scenes right now.
For more information on Afro Unicorn, visit the website or follow on Instagram @afrounicorn.
This interview was edited for brevity.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
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So, what causes us to have moments when we’re not experiencing the sound sleep that we so desire? While I wish that I had a black and white answer for you, the reality is that several different factors (sometimes working together) may be the cause. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that if you check out the 10 leading causes below, by process of elimination, you might be able to get to the root of your own restless evenings — so that you can finally get the kind of quality rest that you well deserve.
1. Eating (Too) Late
GiphyLet’s start off with one that has a couple of layers to it. Although it is a good idea to not have a large meal less than two hours before turning in, some experts do say that a light snack that consists of natural melanin, serotonin or tryptophan could be helpful.
The reason why eating too much before bedtime isn’t a good idea is because the digestive process can be a pretty active one. Plus, it increases your chances of experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. On the other hand, snacking on almonds or tart cherries (melatonin), cheese or pumpkin seeds (serotonin) or yogurt or peanut butter (tryptophan) can be just what you need to lull your system to sleep.
Bottom line here: It’s not if you eat but what you eat…and when.
2. Junk Food
GiphySpeaking of foods, if junk food is totally your thing, first check out “Why You Should Consider Leaving Fast Food Alone” — and then at least try avoiding that stuff if you’re heading off to bed. Fried foods are hard to digest. Sugary foods (and carbs) can raise your blood sugar levels. Processed foods contain a lot of salt and salt can raise your blood pressure which can result in sleep disturbances. So, if you’re in the habit of going through a drive-thru at night, here’s a good reason to rethink doing so in the future.
3. Your Bedroom Is Too Hot
GiphyThis one right here, I can absolutely attest to — because when I am hot in a room, I can pretty much kiss sound sleeping goodbye. SMDH. The problem here is that when your body temperature is high, that can mess with your REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Not only that but, in order for your system to produce the melatonin that it needs to keep you sleeping soundly, your body needs to be at a cooler temperature. And that is why your room sitting at somewhere around 65 degrees is ideal.
4. Your Bedding
GiphyI have a friend who just bought a house and I’m getting him a comforter for a housewarming present. Listen, don’t sleep on the power of amazing bedding because it, too, plays a role in how well you rest. Of course, you need to invest in a good mattress (you can read more about that here and here); however, when it comes to things like your sheets and your comforter, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Your sheets need to be made out of breathable fabrics like cotton, not ones like nylon, polyester or even silk. The reason why is because the latter traps in heat and we’ve already discussed what an elevated body temperature can do to you. Oh, and if you’re someone who enjoys flannel sheets during the fall and winter season, it’s probably better to get some blankets that you can “layer your bed” with instead; flannel can get mighty hot in the midnight hour too.
It’s also important that your sheets aren’t too small or too big for your mattress because that can make your bed feel uncomfortable. And comforter-wise, try and go with a color that doesn’t overstimulate you — neutrals and shades of blues, greens and yellows can accomplish this for you. And P.S., one of the best comforter brands around? Coma Inducer. I’ve been rocking with them for several years at this point and I don’t have not one regret.
5. Java and/or Alcohol
GiphyI’m not much of a coffee drinker (although I do adore coffee ice cream; go figure). I didn’t grow up with it (tea was in abundance in my home) and so it’s not something that I ever really think about. I do have friends who will drink coffee before bedtime, though, and that baffles me because coffee (due to the caffeine that is in it) is a stimulant — and that for that reason alone, you’d be better off having it in the morning instead of at night.
As far as alcohol goes, although it technically it’s a depressant, for the first couple of hours that it is in your system, it acts like a stimulant — which means that it tends to put your system on quite the roller coaster ride; one that you should want to avoid if you’re trying to get a good night’s rest.
My recommendation? Go the tea route and sip on some chamomile, lavender, ginseng, green or passionflower tea. All contain properties that are proven to relax your mind, body and spirit, so that you can fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
6. Stress and Anxiety
GiphyListen, the summer of 2025 for me? Whew, chile (check out “I've Been Estranged From My Mom For Years. She Died Last Week.” and “I Was Hired To Be An Online Life Coach. Then Got Scammed For $4K. Here's How To Avoid This.”). Other than the couple of weeks when my mother was on a swift decline (and I was concerned about her physical suffering), thankfully, I didn’t lose much sleep, though — and praise the Lord for that because stress (and anxiety) definitely have a way of jacking up sleep patterns.
That’s because when you are stressed out, your cortisol (which is your stress hormone) spikes and that can hinder sound sleep — which can result in you feeling fatigued and irritable throughout the day. So, if you are stressed out — exercise, journal, meditate, spend quality time with fun and supportive people…oh, and have sex. All of these things are proven ways to calm and relax you — on a few different levels.
7. Late Day Naps
GiphyI adore sleep — always have. So, I can’t even say that it’s my age that has a sistah out here excited about taking a nap in the middle of the day (I work from home). And what I have to watch is not napping for too long or taking a nap that is too late in the day. Why? Because it can totally jack up my sleep patterns because it ends up throwing off my sleep schedule.
According to sleep experts, the way to avoid this is by scheduling your nap out about eight hours before your bedtime and also making sure that your nap doesn’t last any longer than 30 minutes (set an alarm, if you have to). If you do both of these things, you can get the benefits of a nap and the benefits of 6-8 hours of sleep without having to compromise either one.
8. Not Having a Sleep Schedule
GiphyAs humans, we really are creatures of habit. In fact, if you do something consistently enough, it can become automatic to you — it can end up being something that you do without really thinking about it at all. And that’s why it’s a good idea to at least consider coming up with some sort of a sleep schedule; that way, you can train your mind and body to have a pattern of rest.
The beauty of this is a sleep schedule can help you to reduce your stress levels, strengthen your brain, maintain a healthy weight, put you in a better mood and make you more productive throughout the day. On the other hand, not having a sleep schedule can make it really challenging for you to get quality rest at night. It only takes a few minutes to come up with a schedule and it’s well worth your time.
9. Too Much Stuff on Your Bed
GiphyEver heard that a cluttered desk reveals a cluttered mind? If you believe that, how in the world could this not translate to a bed as well? Hell, I even read an article which said that having a lot of stuff underneath your bed can wreck your sleep because it can trigger feelings of anxiety and restlessness and that’s because clutter can overstimulate you and keep you from being at peace.
Look, there’s no telling how many times I’ve said that bedrooms are for sex and sleep only (many interior designers feel the same way) — which means that your bed shouldn’t look like a makeshift office, it shouldn’t have clothes all over it and, even if you are an avid reader, it shouldn’t look like a horizontal bookshelf (where’s your nightstand at?).
You need to feel free to move comfortably about on your bed throughout the night — which ALSO means that, although I personally call pillows “stuffed animals for adults,” you still don’t need a ton of those on your bed either; two for sleeping and 2-3 more for décor purposes are typically ideal.
10. Your Damn Cell Phone
GiphyYou’ve probably heard this before and yet, since reportedly most of us check our phones somewhere around 205 times a day — I’m willing to bet that at least 10 of those times are while you’re in bed or when you’re up to make a bathroom run in the middle of the night. Yeah, as tempting as that might be, try to break that habit because the blue light that emits from your phone can disrupt how your system processes melatonin — and that is another way that you can find yourself really struggling to fall asleep again.
Whatever is on your phone, it can’t wait. It’s not worth your beauty sleep, chile.
BONUS: Imbalanced Hormones
GiphyHormonal imbalance is absolutely something that can have you tossing and turning all night long. If it’s due to all that is going on with you the week before your period, try exercising earlier in the day in order to help you sleep more soundly at night. If it’s because you are in the latter stages of perimenopause, consuming foods that are rich in phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogen) could help to level things out. Some of those foods include sesame seeds, garlic, peaches, berries and cabbage.
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YOU NEED SLEEP. Yes, I am yelling it because nothing is worth compromising it.
So, if you see yourself in anything that I just said, try making some adjustments tonight.
Within a week or so, you should find yourself sleeping more and tossin’ and turnin’ a heck of a lot less.
Beautiful.
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