Lessons, Sacrifices, and Success: April Steward’s Journey as a Business Owner

Starting a business is never easy—and sustaining it is an entirely different challenge. Along the way, April has faced sacrifices, celebrated milestones, and gathered valuable insights. Here’s a look at her personal journey and some of the lessons she’s learned in the process.

What was the biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make when starting your business?

When I first started out, I sacrificed time with my two children, Jordan and Gracie. I worked a nighttime job while also maintaining a full-time position during the day to build my clientele. The hard work and dedication eventually paid off, but I missed out on precious time with my kids—time I’ll never get back.

Today, I’m deeply grateful for where I am. The financial stability my business has brought my family allows me the freedom to take time off for fun trips, special events, and everything else that matters most. I’ve regained a balance that lets me truly enjoy life with my loved ones.

What strategies have helped you stand out and succeed in such a competitive industry?

This field is saturated—med spas are on every corner. To succeed, you have to stand out. That means staying innovative, keeping up with trends, and constantly evolving. At the same time, it’s important to remember the old saying: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

 

Botox and injectables have consistently remained the most in-demand aesthetic services worldwide. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, I focused on mastering those core services. Over time, my skills improved, and my loyal client base steadily grew.

What’s something you’re most proud of in your business?

I started by seeing just 2–5 clients a week. Today, I see 80–100 clients weekly, and that number continues to grow. Watching my business flourish has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In your opinion, what are the top three things someone should consider before starting a business?

1. Love what you do. Passion fuels perseverance.
   
2. Don’t chase money. When you focus on doing what you love well, the money will follow.
   
3. Stay determined. If you want it, don’t give up. Keep working hard—because in the end, it all pays off.

No business journey is without its ups and downs, but with love, grit, and a clear purpose, the rewards go far beyond the financial. They touch every part of your life.

What’s the first thing you do each morning to start your day on the right foot?

Every morning begins with coffee time with my husband, Kevin. We both run our own businesses, so our schedules are hectic, but we carve out that quiet time to connect before the chaos begins. He always has my coffee ready and greets me with a kiss. It’s a small gesture, but it grounds me for the day ahead.

What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work?

Coming home is always a comfort. My cat Bentley waits for me in the mudroom as soon as he hears the garage door open. My teenage daughter Gracie greets me—sometimes with that classic teenager vibe—but I still love checking in to hear about her day. And then there’s my husband, Kevin—my biggest supporter since day one. His presence reminds me why I do what I do.

April Steward is a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and the founder of Mountain View Aesthetics in Westminster, CO. Reprints of Boss Babes Magazine featuring April Steward on the cover are available from our print on-demand service.