Today we’d like to introduce you to April Kennedy.
Hi April, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art has always been a big part of my life. I’ve been drawing, painting, and making crafts for as long as I can remember. In junior high and high school, I focused heavily on realism and fine arts, really honing my skills. When I started college at UVU, my plan was to become an art teacher.
However, health challenges like Fibromyalgia, Interstitial Cystitis, and chronic pain in my spine and joints made that path difficult. I decided to leave college and work various full-time jobs instead. One of the most influential roles I held was as a Culture & Engagement Coordinator, where I utilized both my creativity and people skills. Around that time, I also started my Etsy shop, then called April Eve Artist, where I focused on pet illustrations and other custom work.
I enjoyed my coordinator role so much that I eventually returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources, hoping to further grow in that field. After COVID, though, my position was dissolved. I was devastated, but it led me in a new direction: social media. At one point, I was managing the social accounts for a multibillion-dollar company in two different markets, almost entirely on my own. It was stressful but also an incredible learning experience that taught me skills I now use in my own business.
Fine art had always been physically demanding for me—sitting for long periods with my arm raised was tough on my body—so I began exploring new creative mediums. In 2020, I discovered macramé and resin, and in 2022 I fell in love with polymer clay, which quickly became my favorite medium. I’m obsessed with its versatility and the endless possibilities it gives me to create truly unique pieces.
In December 2023, I rebranded my business to April’s Escape. The name means a lot to me because creating has always been my escape. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life, and I find it hard to be still. Crafting helps me feel productive while also calming my mind. The name was also inspired by my gamer tag “Escape,” which was actually a funny autocorrect accident years ago—but it stuck, and I’ve used it ever since.
My passion has always been creating something special that others will cherish. I love offering customizable pieces so my clients get something truly unique to them. I started my business eight years ago, and it’s been full of lessons, trial and error, and thousands of hours spent improving my craft, listings, processes, content, and overall business. For years, turning it into a full-time career felt like a distant dream.
A couple of years ago, I began applying to consignment stores, slowly growing my presence. Last year, I finally got the confidence to start doing in-person pop-ups. And this year, something incredible happened: one of my videos went viral on Facebook, featuring my custom clay print ghosts. To date, I’ve sold over 345 ghosts, and the video has brought a significant amount of traffic to my Etsy shop and social media. Since then, I’ve been working an average of 12 hours a day, seven days a week to keep up with orders. It’s been overwhelming at times to ensure I am getting everyone their orders on time, but I’m so grateful for the love and support I’ve received.
In addition to clay, I also create digital art, often inspired by my pet birds (though sometimes by other interests too). I sell these designs on products so others can enjoy them as well. Outside of creating, I love playing video games, watching anime with my husband, and spending time with our birds—who we adore so much they even have their own Instagram account: @babyandthebirdos.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has contributed to my growth. Health issues like Fibromyalgia and chronic pain pushed me to explore new creative mediums, while career changes equipped me with valuable skills that I now apply in my business. Building my Etsy shop from the ground up, managing social media success, and keeping up with a surge of orders have all been intense experiences, alongside keeping my local booths stocked.
The physical demands of stocking booths and participating in markets can be overwhelming. I’ve also faced financial risks, such as investing over 500 hours into a website that didn’t work out and attending markets where I barely recouped my booth fees. Throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my younger sister Alana and my husband Mikey. Every step has taught me important lessons and brought me closer to establishing a full-time business that I love—one that allows me to share my art with others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I invest a lot of care and time into the quality of my craft, which I believe is often overlooked. I want my pieces to last and be cherished for years to come. My creations stem from my own visual aesthetic obsessions, and when I draw inspiration from others’ work, I strive to create something entirely unique while respecting the original artist. I’m proud to say that every item is handmade or designed by me—my name is my business, and each piece carries a part of my heart and soul.
I am constantly exploring new creative avenues, which is why I work with a variety of mediums. While I primarily focus on polymer clay and resin jewelry, I also experiment with other crafts, such as personalized fragrances, drawing on my experience with essential oils. What sets me apart is the care, originality, and versatility I bring to each creation, as well as my dedication to making pieces that feel personal and meaningful to their owners.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory involves my father, Scott Hancock, who is a professional photographer with over 40 years of experience. I learned so much from him as I was developing my creative skills—he taught me design principles that apply to both photography and my art. He would always offer a second pair of eyes on my drawings, helping me see where I could improve. One of my fondest memories is him letting me paint a mural in his garage—a project he still cherishes to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aprilsescape.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprils.escape/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtAprilsEscape
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aprilsescape
