APRIL HILL, 36
Owner, Yoglates II South
Growing up in a small community, April Hill always had a dream to open her own business. That dream was realized when she opened Yoglates II South in October, 2010, only 11 weeks after her second child was born. She’s also a dedicated community activist, working with the Bella Bowman Foundation, St. Lillian Academy, Gaitway Horsemanship Therapy and other charities.
Inspiring book: Unstoppable
This book inspires me daily, giving me strength to lean on as a mother, wife, leader, manager and more. As I face inevitable trials and hurdles of owning a business, Christine Cain’s unique insight reminds me that I’ve been designed to keep going: Finish the race!
Major professional accomplishments: Growing up in small community, I always had a dream to open my own business. That dream was realized when I opened Yoglates II South in October, 2010, only eleven weeks after our second child was born. I’ve never looked back.
Volunteer and community involvement: Bella Bowman Foundation, HP Serve, HOPE House, St. Lillian Academy, Gaitway Horsemanship Therapy
PROFESSIONAL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Country music singer
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was a drive thru cashier at Burger King. That job taught me how important it is to serve others and be kind, quick and resourceful.
What is your favorite place for a business lunch in Baton Rouge? So many great choices. Anything local, fresh & quick!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Professionally speaking, my greatest achievement would be learning how not to give up when things are looking down and keeping my chin up especially during the early days of owning my own business when the “honeymoon was over.”
The old saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Specifically, what are you “being” to make Baton Rouge better? Yoglates II South offers Baton Rouge a unique chance to participate in an extraordinary workout and melt away their worries as they stretch, move and push themselves to achieve maximum mental and physical strength. Our studio is deliberately kept warm for all of our classes so the body has the ability to feel comforted as well as challenged to move in a way that a cold environment doesn’t allow. While using some of the incredible poses and stretches that Yoga has to offer, Yoglates II South integrates unparalleled fat burning and strengthening movements releasing stress that builds up in the body and burning off unwanted fat. I have travelled all over the United States and have not found any workout that offers our unique approach that we offer our community right here in Baton Rouge.
What ritual do you do to get pumped up before a big meeting, presentation or pitch? Listen to music.
What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far? Watching high school and professional athletes participate in our program and achieve success in their chosen fields. Watching one local high school team that is committed to our program win a state championship was definitely a highlight and extremely fulfilling.
What was your professional aha moment? When I realized that it takes leadership to run my own business and that leadership is more than just showing up. Leadership takes vulnerability and the courage to communicate effectively with your staff and members so that each person feels like they are having his/her needs met as they relate to our studio.
How many times will you try something before admitting it doesn’t work? Three
What did you learn the hard way? Learning to delegate, letting go and I’m still learning.
What does your job entail that would shock customers or clients if they knew about it? My job title is “owner” which means that I also get to be the painter, plumber, and clean up crew!
TECHNOLOGY
Mac or PC? Mac
What’s your preferred mode of communication: text or phone call? Depends. Quick answer, text. I appreciate phone calls!
How low will you allow your remaining battery life to get (in %) before you have an anxiety attack? 4%
How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? 8,000
What app gets you through the day?I start and end my day with the Bible App.
Are you quick to adapt to new tech, or did you hang on to that flip phone way after it became obsolete? Adapt
PERSONALITY
How many times do you hit the snooze button? I don’t hit snooze.
Breakfast at home? Breakfast on the go? Breakfast at your desk? No breakfast at all? Breakfast snack on the go.
Is the glass half empty or half full? What’s in the glass? Always half full with hope, joy and new opportunities
What’s your motto? Never underestimate the power of a smile, because you never know how it may lift someone up! My Dad, Joe Wild
When did you realize you had grown up? When my husband and I relocated to DFW for a few years and we didn’t know anyone.
What is your greatest extravagance? Makeup, cosmetics, fresh flowers
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why? I’d choose my current age. I’m old enough to understand and appreciate mountains and valleys and have grace & mercy along the way.
What is your favorite journey? Any journey that includes relaxation, water and my family.
On what occasion do you lie? Never
What is your greatest regret? Never getting a shag haircut when it was in style!
When and where were you happiest? Harris Methodist & Woman’s hospital when my healthy daughters were handed to me.
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why? Fly, I hate traffic!
If you worked for the CIA and needed a top-secret alias, what would yours be? Ouiser Boudreaux (That’s Shirley MacLaine’s character in Steel Magnolias)
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? More proficient in fast math to help my girls!
What’s your most treasured possession? My wedding ring
If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live and why? I love the South, our city and where I live.
What do you most value in your friends? Humor and loyalty.
What do you miss most about the ’90s? Garth Brooks
What is your theme song? Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw, “Feel like a Rock Star”
Who would play you in a movie? Ousier, Shirley McLain’s character in Steel Magnolias
If you could go back in time 20 years, what advice would you give yourself? Don’t fret or lose sleep over things you cannot change.
What makes you laugh every time you think about it? Sindbad
Who’s the most famous celebrity you’ve ever met? Oliver Stone
LOOKING AHEAD
Three things on your bucket list: Attend the CMA or ACM award show with my husband, visit Paris with my family, Visit NYC and several Broadway shows with my family and my parents.
What would be your advice for future Forty Under 40 honorees? Work hard for your passion; work smarter; keep going even when things are looking down; and align yourself with a successful mentor along the way.
Do you plan to be in the Capital Region five years from now? Yes
Why have you chosen to make your home in the Capital Region? I love our city’s resources, colleges, high schools, food and local businesses.
Have you peaked, or do you think you’ll still have it when we launch our hypothetical “Forty Over 40” awards years from now? I’ll still have it!
