RTDM: April Pertuis
April Adams Pertuis
Founder & Creator of LIGHTbeamers
San Antonio, TX
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you live your dream (or are working toward it).
I've been passionate about Stories since I was a child; I've always been curious and fascinated by other people's journeys and experiences in life. This led me into the world of Journalism and video production as a Producer and Storyteller. I've been interviewing other people and telling their stories for most of my career. Over time, I noticed certain trends in people's stories -- often times people don't realize how powerful their own story is!! They shy away from sharing it or dismiss it as unworthy/unimportant. This couldn't be further from the truth. I believe fundamentally that EVERYBODY has a Story -- and that story needs to be shared with other people as it helps us create Community and Connection. This led me to create LIGHTbeamers, where I help women discover the power of their story and show them how to use it to make a bigger impact in the world. I truly am living out my passion and my dream. The work I get to do every day now feels divinely guided and 100% on purpose!
How do you define success and how do you stay motivated to keep working toward it?
Success is doing the work you love and being satisfied with the results. This can apply to life, business, relationships, personal development, spirituality, etc. Chasing your passion, joy, and happiness relentlessly and finding fulfillment in these areas.
What’s been your biggest challenge, perceived failure or fear and how did you overcome it?
I've had a fear of success, which I constantly find rearing it's head as a I grow and expand, especially in my business. The crazy thoughts that say, "You're not smart enough to manage this type of success/abundance"... "You won't be able to sustain this load and keep it going".... "This is only temporary. Get ready, the bottom is going to fall out".... I know these are nonsense thoughts, but they plague me no matter what. So I've learned to sit with them, and call them out as false. I've learned to recognize when I'm having these panicky thoughts and feelings, and redirect my actions towards goals and dreams, rather than agreeing that these thoughts are true. Getting into ACTION always helps me move forward. It's almost like I'm saying "Oh yeah? well watch me...." I'm a big journal'er, so journaling these thoughts helps tremendously.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
There really isn't an "end goal" in sight. Rather, take the time to enjoy where you are right now on the timeline. Soak it up and pay attention to the lessons. As you travel this road, you'll be amazed at how all of these different intersections connect!!
Share a book, quote and/or idea that's impacted you the most:
I have a motto at LIGHTbeamers: "when you share your story, you shine a light" This Scripture below feeds this belief and drives me to continue to do good work in the world to help other women: Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I'm really proud of the creation of the LIGHTbeamers Community. This is a Facebook Group that is so much more than just a Facebook group. It's a Community of women who are coming together to support one another fully as they come forward to share their stories. It's an extremely engaged and active group full of positivity and support. So many women from across the Globe have gathered there and built connections as a result of sharing their story. There have been new friendships made, new business connections, awesome collaborations, and just an army of LIGHTbeamers supporting one another. I started it by inviting 20 of my closest friends and it's grown to nearly 2000 women. I curate this group like my life depends on it. I'm a hawk in there to ensure everyone is benefiting and learning and progressing. I get so excited when I see someone taking action and moving herself forward. It's an honor to witness what unfolds with these women.
What is something surprising about you?
I've traveled extensively in my career yet I've never been to New York City. This is a surprising fact even to me!!
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
Chips and Guacamole/Queso/Salsa.... I'm from Texas so it's sort of in our DNA here.... I literally could eat this at every meal.
Share a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise.
Just before I had the idea of LIGHTbeamers, I was at a place in my career that felt like a dead end. I had spent the last 10 years staying at home with my children and keeping my business alive on a very part-time basis -- taking projects from time to time to keep me connected in the industry. But over time, the phone was ringing less and less, and I felt my "relevance" in the industry was dwindling. I felt like a "has been".... What I realize now is that I was being prepared for my next level. I was being shown a different way to create and produce. This is when the idea of LIGHTbeamers came to me. This idea was a simple answer to the question I was asking myself: If money were not a factor - what would I do that feels joyful and challenging" I decided I would keep telling stories, but that instead of waiting for the phone to ring, I'd create my own opportunity to go tell good stories. Hence, Lightbeamers was born. It has been one of the biggest blessings of my life (outside of having my children and being married to my husband!)
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
Without a doubt it was hiring a business coach. I've invested heavily, financially speaking, but it has paid off tenfold. Not only has my business grown to recoup my investment, but it has been a wonderful experience having someone in my corner cheering for me and holding me accountable to my goals.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
Professionally, my biggest focus is to continue growing LIGHTbeamers and reaching more women. It's extremely important to me I walk my talk.... so I'm always looking for ways to continue sharing my own story so I can shine a light for others. Personally, my family is my biggest priority. One of my top values is FREEDOM and teaching my kids to become independent thinkers and learning how to live independently with success is super important to me. I want to create a home environment where they always feel supported and safe as they learn to spread their wings.
Who is the Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that inspires you? Why?
Alexandra Taketa https://www.facebook.com/alexandrabtaketa She and I have been accountability partners for going on 5 years, and I've watched her grow as she's stepped into her big purpose of helping women live a financially-free and abundant life. She's a genius in this work. She has a wonderful mix of practical tools AND spiritual wisdom. She is making a big impact in the world with her story and vision.
Follow April:
WEBSITE: https://www.lightbeamers.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lightbeamers
FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LIGHTbeamersCommunity
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeamers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers/
