April Showers is making history, one unicorn at a time. The entrepreneur and mother of two built Afro Unicorn®, the first Black woman-owned licensed character brand on shelves at major retail chains.
Today, you’ll find Afro Unicorn products in Walmart, Target, CVS, and other big-name stores. From haircare to toys and clothing, the brand is everywhere — and it all started with a bold dream.
Afro Unicorn Became a Household Name in Major Retailers
Afro Unicorn isn’t just a brand. It’s a movement born out of Showers’ vision to uplift and empower. The idea came from her heart as she worked to create a lasting legacy for her two sons.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Showers shared in a recent interview. “I started Afro Unicorn seeing that it would be a household name and a worldwide brand, and then I went to work.”
Her hard work paid off. Afro Unicorn is now sold in thousands of stores across the country. The products proudly sit beside characters like Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse — a groundbreaking moment for Black-owned businesses.
A Viral Video Sparked a Life-Changing Opportunity
The journey to big retail shelves wasn’t easy. Showers spent years building her brand through social media, connecting with at least 50 people a day to share her story.
Then came a viral moment. A video of a young girl proudly wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught the internet’s attention. Someone in the video complimented the girl’s hair, and she replied, “Thank you, it’s an afro.”
That heartwarming moment lit a spark. “The viral moment only happened because there was a movement behind it,” Showers explained. The video captured the attention of retail giant Walmart. Impressed by the brand’s impact, they reached out to her directly.
Licensing Helped Afro Unicorn Grow Without Losing Ownership
As Afro Unicorn’s popularity grew, Showers made a smart move to license her brand. This allowed other companies to produce products under her label while she kept full ownership of the intellectual property.
“I remain 100% owner of the intellectual property (IP) … but I’m able to lease out the usage,” she explained. This decision helped expand the brand into over 25 different product categories without giving up control.
Today, Afro Unicorn includes everything from bedding to books, with plans for more. Wherever customers shop for their favorite characters, Afro Unicorn is there, spreading joy and confidence.
A Brand Fueled by Purpose, Love, and Family Legacy
At the heart of Afro Unicorn is a message of love and empowerment. Showers designed the brand to reflect the beauty of Black girls and women in all their shades and styles.
“We are all beautiful, we all come in different shades,” she proudly shared. Afro Unicorn’s products and stories celebrate uniqueness and self-love, from apparel to children’s books and a web series called Ms. April’s Crown.
Her sons have been involved in the business since day one. In fact, her oldest son, now 17, serves as Afro Unicorn’s Chief Operating Officer. “He knows everything I know, if not more,” Showers said.
Afro Unicorn Proves There’s Power in Showing Up Daily
For Showers, there’s no secret to success — just consistency. “There is no secret sauce or secret formula. I show up every single day,” she stated.
That daily commitment turned Afro Unicorn from a one-woman dream into a national movement. By inspiring other moms and women entrepreneurs to believe in their power, April Showers is changing the face of retail.
