Today we’d like to introduce you to April Moxley.
Hi April; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was 6 years old, my mother worked as the bookkeeper for my uncle, who owned a sold floral and fort store. I would go with her during the summer until I turned 14, got a worker’s permit, and could work there on weekends. I started sweeping the floor and organizing the silk flowers, then went on to cashier and do floral designing, and by the time I was 19, I was one of the buyers for their 3 stores. I worked for my uncle until I turned 37 and decided to go out alone. I opened my home decor, gift, and clothing boutique in June of 2014, and a year and a half later, I expanded and opened a furniture shop. I found the perfect space on North Main Street in Historic St Charles. I have 10,000 square feet of retail space. I do in-home consultations and home decor.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything worth having shouldn’t be that easy, right? The same goes for owning your own business. In retail, there are so many variables that determine your success. Weather, if people can’t get to you because of snow or it’s down pouring rain, it’s slow. Your business suffers if a pandemic strikes and you’re forced to shut your doors. Finding workers is another challenge; retail work means evenings and weekends. Retail stores opening around you and carrying the same product is also a factor. However, these challenges make you step up your game, challenge you to be creative, and think outside of the box. I am blessed with a great staff who constantly change the store displays. My customer service is exceptional, and my staff genuinely cares about everyone that walks through my door. I have fabulous customers that supported me even when I was closed for Covid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about April’s on Main and Designs by Avé?
My business is a home decor and gift store on a great cobblestone street in the Historic area of St. Charles. While I offer everything from collectibles, kids’ gifts, silk florals, tabletop decor, furniture, rugs, lighting, a clothing section, and seasonal decor, that is only the tip of the iceberg. We have a huge selection of holiday decor and offer in-home decorating services daily; our specialty is our Christmas décor installations. My top-notch designers can turn your house into a winter wonderland. I hope that I am best known for my customer service. My hand-selected staff is genuine and will listen to all your requests and help provide you with great ideas. Need a wedding gift? We will help you. Need artwork and a table for your entryway? We will create the perfect addition to your home. I want you to be happy with all of your selections made from my stores, and that is why I have a two-week return (with a few exceptions) on any of your purchases from my store.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am a huge animal lover. While I only have two dogs and a grand dog, I have rescued and adopted over 700 cats and fostered dogs, guinea pigs, and ferrets.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Aprils on Main St Charles
