Today we’d like to introduce you to April Mae Monterrosa.
Hi April, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I owned a spa business (for twelve years). To practice on my social media skills for advertising my business, I use to post my whereabouts building up an unexpected social media following. From there, I became a travel writer, highlighting small Texas towns. With my brand and influence growing, I decided to use my platform to bring positivity to my Southside San Antonio community by launching a site that catered to the community and surround areas. I would host events and promote businesses. When COVID hit, all that came to a halt. I then followed my mentor’s advice on following my childhood dream and created an online and print publication continuing my mission to highlight my community. Not only did I launch a publication during a pandemic, but I am also the first Latina to do this in my Southside San Antonio community. I now have a partnership with a local news media outlet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not. I have survived losing a loved one to suicide, a divorce that left me broke, I had a full-time job I was unhappy at till my side hustle spa business was busy enough to be full time, and when you are on the road to success, it will cost your friendships when you outgrow people. If anything, all my struggles have led me to strength and a circle of friends that I have more in common with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was a massage therapist/cosmetologist by trade for over 20 years! But what I am known for is being an author, writer, community advocate, influencer, and CEO of Live from the Southside magazine. I have been a writer professionally and in the media world for over 10 years.
I am most proud of the influence I have had on other women in my network and inspiring my step-daughters to start their own business and become an author at ages 10 &11.
I think what I am most known for is my resilience. I am pretty open about my life’s challenges, and I always share how I overcome them. I think when you stay true to yourself and aren’t afraid to share your story with others, you never know who will inspire.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To listen to your intuition… that voice inside of you that steers you in the right direction. I haven’t been wrong yet.
Contact Info:
- Email: livefromthesouthside@gmail.com
- Website: https://southsidesanantonio.com
- Instagram: @aprilmaemedia & @southsidesatx
- Facebook: @aprilmaemedia & @southsidesatx
- Twitter: @aprilmaemedia & @southsidesatx
