April Jones is a people person who loves to smile and create. The perfect mix needed for her to launch, Forever Linked by The Smiling Dimple. A permanent jewelry pop-up brand making a name across the city. A corporate girlie by day, April was scrolling one day and discovered permanent jewelry on TikTok. She began to research to see how she could get her own permanent jewelry in Nashville. After her first experience, she realized this was something she could offer and create a great experience for others. Just doing it has always been April’s motto. She sees something, and her creative juices start flowing. A gift she humbly accepts and one that guides her steps with a business two years in the making. before April took that leap of faith.
Forever Linked is an extension of her first business, The Smiling Dimple. A personalization company, customizing everything from AirPods, luggage tags, shirts, and more. April is a true testament of what trusting in your abilities and God will get you. Get to know more about April’s journey and how you can get “linked” at her next pop-up.
What sparked you to create Forever Linked?
The spark was TikTok. Permanent jewelry came down my timeline during COVID and I was like, “Oh, wow, let me see if a place in Nashville can do permanent jewelry for me.” I found a place and it was a cool experience so when I left, I said I could do that. I joined a million Facebook group to learn about permanent jewelry, the equipment and everything I needed to know. I bought my equipment and then sat on it for two years. I
I would do it for family, but I was still nervous. I literally created an Instagram post saying coming soon. Then one day, I was getting my nails done, and my nail tech said, “When is permanent jewelry coming?” I said, coming soon and she said, “I know it’s coming soon because you made an Instagram six months ago saying coming soon. It’s six months later. She offered her salon (Inside Nail Bar) to have my first pop-up at no charge. That was August 2023, and I have been popping up every month since. She was the push I needed to get me out of my comfort zone, get me over the hump.
As a multi-hyphenate creative and corporate professional, what keeps you going?
People. I’m a people person. I love people. I love talking, and sometimes it’s hard to shut me up when someone sits in my chair. I thrive off of people, the interactions, networking, and building bonds. I really just love people, and that is what keeps me going.
What makes Forever Linked by The Smiling Dimple different from other jewelry brands?
The difference is me. I feel like the experience that I give people makes them want to come back. You cannot find my personality, care, and love for what I do with anyone else.
Have you always been super creative?
That came from God honestly. I’ve always been a person to see something and feel like I can do it. An example. If I reached out to a company to do a party for me and they gave me a quote, I’m going to take that quote and see how I can do it for cheaper. I always trust that I can do something on my own. I feel like it comes from God; He just sprinkled me with creativity.
For those who have their own business ideas but are not sure where to start or if they should take the leap, what would you tell them?
Step out on faith. You can do anything you put your mind to. Sometimes we hold ourselves back, but you got this. Don’t be afraid because no business is perfect. There’s ups, there’s downs. I’ve been in this for three years, and there are still things I am learning. Start slow, and everything will fall in line like it is supposed to.
Photography: Trinity Kendrick, Urbaanite Summer Intern
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Yes I would love to be apart of this, a permanent ankle bracelet with my initial would b my first item. Who knows what would be next.