Our Editor and Chief calls her the Modern day Whitley Gilbert, who she has the the Princess attitude with a heart to match.
Name: April Rose Smith
Family Dynamics: My husband Harry and I have been married for a little over 2 years, and we have two daughters; Jhai’Lien (22), and Tay’Lour (13).
Hobbies/Pastime: Reading, Coloring, Spending time with my family, traveling, and honestly, image consulting and wardrobing. I believe that fashion silently expresses a person’s style, creativity, and individuality. It speaks volumes without saying a word.
Business/Talent: My entrepreneurial effort, I am co-owner and creator of the Ultimate Pageant System, which consists of: The National Educators of America, and the very innovative, fashionable Ultimate United States Pageants, as well as the Fraternal Order of Kappa Pi Nu Co-Ed Fraternity. Outside of being a business woman, I play both violin and cello fluently.
Where are you from? I was born and raised right here in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a proud product of both the westside of Atlanta, Georgia and Decatur, GA.
What are you passionate about? What’s the driving force behind it? I am passionate about women & girls empowerment, self- motivation, and helping others find their own journey of healing.
What’s your skill set? I like to describe myself as a “Jill of All Trades”, because through my life’s experiences, I have gained many ..”skill sets”, but of all these skills, I would say the ability to be collaborative, industrious, and resourceful have brought me great success in anything I have chosen to
embark on in life.
What sets you apart from others of your same field? I believe that I am just ME! What you see, is what you get. I am loyal, loving, empathetic, helpful, and a true “Girl’s Girl”. I try to motivate and encourage anyone in my orbit to fly high, and just GO GET IT! Don’t stay complacent because it’s easy; challenge
yourself, and your rewards will be greater. That is the sole purpose of me re-creating the Ultimate Pageant System, I saw that there was an emptiness in mid-market pageantry. As one of the few that has stepped out to compete in more mainstream pageants, there is no affordable preparation to embark on
systems like International, Earth, and America specifically, and that is where Ultimate Pageants comes into play. We hope to be a bridge between the two entities. Even with our Mr. and Debonair divisions for the men in pageantry, The Ultimate Pageants is a fashionable approach that prepares them for Mr. Duval or MBU or any other mainstream pageant. I am most proud of the fact that we encourage individuality, and we ask you to stretch your imagination to bring couture looks to your competition package. We encourage authenticity and creativity, and I believe that is what sets us apart.
What’s your purpose in life? My life’s purpose is to authentically navigate the roles of being a devoted, and supportive wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Through my journey of survivorship, I am to empower women to embrace their authentic selves, pursue passions, and break barriers in all aspects of life. I
aspire to inspire young girls, and women to realize their full potential and to create a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
If you could choose any career in the world, would you still choose the career or talent you have?
I would have definitely been a female pilot or a meteorologist. Both are bold and dynamic careers that would have fit my goals and personality perfectly.
What would you tell your younger self? I would definitely say: Education is wealth, and to take advantage of all opportunities that come your way in business. Think outside of the box, be unafraid, unapologetic, and GO FOR IT!
Knowing what you know now, would you change anything in your past? No, I honestly think every obstacle I have had to overcome in life has made me the woman I am today. Would I have loved a smoother journey, absolutely, but I also fear that I wouldn’t be the same tenacious woman I am today.
Who are your role models? I have 2 important women that instantly come to mind.
● My grandmother Bettyann Sharpe: When you look up resilience in the dictionary, I am sure her picture is there. She taught me how to be “Grace, under fire”, she taught me how to be strong and proud regardless of my experiences. She taught me how to STAND.
● Niesha Mack Massingill: This woman is a bottle of valium. Nothing shakes her. She teaches me how to be calmer, softer, smoother. She teaches me how to pray, how to communicate how I feel without being aggressive, she taught me how to navigate LIFE as a big sister and I am forever grateful.
What would you say to those that are starting out in your field? JUST LEAP!! Embrace the journey, stay authentically YOU, and true to your vision, and never underestimate the power of hard work, and perseverance. Success isn’t just about reaching the destination, it’s about the relationships, and the
lessons learned along the way. Stay focused, stay determined, and most all, believe in yourself.
What is your favorite quote? Explain? “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” People tend to see your present placement in life, and they idolize what they outwardly see. But no one sees the tears, and the sleepless nights you’ve put into just being
you.
If you could leave a lasting impression, what would that look like? If I could leave a lasting impression, it would be one of inspiration, positivity, and empowerment. I would strive to leave a legacy of kindness, empathy, creativity, AUTHENTICITY, and making a difference in the life of others.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? In 10 years, I see myself totally in entrepreneurial spaces, traveling the world with my husband, and continuing to be a voice for domestic violence victims and survivors. I hope to also be preparing for Senior America or some other pageant where the soon to
be retired pageant girls go to be FAB.
What or who has inspired your gift/vision? Years ago, I started the Ultimate United States Pageant in 2014, because I saw where the institution of pageantry was going, and I wanted to be on the front lines preparing some of our brightest young women. As life would have it, I had to abandon Ultimate for a moment to handle my own mental health through divorce and parenthood. When I resurrected, and re-branded Ultimate in 2021, I did so with my pageant community in mind. There is no affordable, mid-market pageant that will prepare women and girls for the more “mainstream” pageant experience,
so Ultimate was created with that in mind.
What is your favorite holiday and why? My favorite holiday is actually not a holiday, but more so a custom. April Fools Day is my absolute favorite day next to Christmas. I have a huge sense of humor, and I have been a prankster since I was young. So quite naturally, my home is laugh central now.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Hands down, I would be a chameleon. Chameleons represent beauty, adaptability, versatility and resilience. Much like the chameleon, I have the ability to blend in, or stand out as needed. The chameleon is also known for its unique and intriguing
characteristics, and individuality; and I believe the chameleon is a perfect reflection of myself in animal form.
What is one fun fact about you? One fun fact about me is that I have a huge sense of humor. I will almost always be your funniest friend.
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