💥 Trusting Yourself to Take the Leap — April Burks on Building a Brand That Connects

What does it really take to leave the 9-5 and build something meaningful — not just profitable?

In the latest episode of Beyond the Brand, I sat down with April Burks, the mind behind Pink Social Strategies and the Cheers to CEO initiative. She's an entrepreneur, a strategist, and a creative organizer who’s redefining how events drive connection, purpose, and power.

But before the sold-out golf events and community-driven brand activations, April was selling Tastykakes in middle school and planning theme parties as a college student, which gave her insights to what it took to be an entreprenuer.

🚀 From Side Hustles to Strategy

April didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. Like many of us, she started on a more “traditional” path — majoring in political science, working in HR, and trying to climb the corporate ladder. But something never quite clicked.

“I was always planning something on the side,” she said. “Even when I was in HR, I was organizing bar mitzvahs and dinner parties.”

Eventually, she took the leap — and it paid off. One of her first major client came from the nonprofit world. That one “yes” opened the door to years of steady work, referrals, and her official launch into business ownership.

💡 Why “Pink Social Strategies?”

The name is more than aesthetic. Pink represents energy, confidence, and a nod to the “millennial pink” era — a symbol of the generation that learned how to turn side hustles into sustainable careers.

“My friends and I all came out of school during a recession,” April explained. “We realized we weren’t going to become high earners working for someone else. So most of us started something on the side and made it full time.”

🎯 Planning Events That Move People

April doesn’t just plan events — she builds experiences.

Whether it’s a voter engagement pop-up, a wellness retreat for women entrepreneurs, or a corporate fundraiser, she goes beyond logistics to curate spaces where people can connect, reflect, and take action.

“I want people to leave feeling like they experienced different parts of the city, different businesses — all in one space,” she said.

Real Talk on Burnout, Boundaries & Balance

Running your own business isn’t just a dream — it’s real work. April shared how she’s learned to manage energy, schedule rest, and say no.

“Portfolio clients will work you the most and pay you the least,” she said. “Now I charge what I’m worth and I set clear boundaries.”

Her wellness habits include:

• Blocking off Mondays for admin (not meetings)

• Getting monthly massages and chiropractic care

• Seeing a nutritionist weekly

• Setting up routines that actually help her wind down, not just scroll

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🧠 If She Could Go Back...

What would April tell her younger self?

“Charge more. Set boundaries earlier. And don’t be afraid to walk away.”

She also encourages younger entrepreneurs to get real-world experience before jumping straight into ownership.

“Go work for someone who does what you want to do. Learn what systems they use. See what works and what doesn’t.”

🌍 Dream Retreats & Collaborations

April dreams of curating global retreats with chefs, yoga on the beach, sound baths, and live music. Brands she’d love to build with? Bozoma Saint John, Cynt Marshall, Fawn Weaver — women who are firsts and trailblazers in their space.

👇 Key Takeaways

✅ You don’t need it all figured out — but you do need to start

✅ Events aren’t just gatherings — they’re tools for impact

✅ Boundaries in business aren’t optional, they’re vital

✅ Wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s how you stay in the game

✅ Real growth comes from experience, not just vision

🔗 Connect with April Burks

🌐 Website: PinkSocialStrategies.com📲 Instagram: @aprilmburks💌

Book a consult: Available via her website

🎧 Listen to the Full Interview

Watch on YouTube: Beyond the Brand – April Burks Episode

Follow @mejirearijaje for more real convos and strategies that go beyond the brand.