Style Icon: April Kae — Multifaceted

Harlem-based musician, writer and influencer April Kae talks to us about self-care, the importance of making connections with others, and how her jewelry collection works to remind her of those relationships.

Necklaces: Moondust & Me, Earrings: Gift from her sister, Bracelets: from Thailand and Etsy (similar), Rings: heart knot ring, white stone ring: made by friend, gold eye ring: discontinued (but here’s one that is similar).

April Kae has a vibrant, dynamic style when it comes to her clothing and jewelry. But she also builds her jewelry collection thoughtfully, bringing in pieces that connect her to those close to her. April writes, makes music, and has worked for an educational non-profit in New York. And last fall, she went back to school to earn her Master's degree in Social Work. She’s constantly working to create community and reach out to women, helping encourage self-care and wellness through her platform on social media. I was fortunate to photograph her in Harlem back before this pandemic began.

Hi April! Please tell me a bit about yourself.

I am a musician, writer, and influencer originally from Austin, Texas and currently based in Harlem in New York City. I’m known among my followers for my authentic voice and one-of-a-kind natural hair. I work to champion women’s issues, particularly body positivity and self-care.

In 2015, I moved to New York for a position at a top Wall Street firm but found myself more interested in the arts and activism scene than the stock market. So I left finance for a more creative life. Since then, I’ve collaborated with dozens of companies, like Dove and Esteé Lauder, as an influencer and model. I try to engage my digital community through honest conversation, storytelling, and creativity. I also perform regularly around the city with my band, Imanigold. And last fall, I began my studies to earn a Masters in social work.

You regularly do “mental health check-ins” on instagram, asking your friends and followers to open up about how they are doing. I love that social media can be used to help people navigate through difficult situations. Have you seen these mental health check-ins change since social distancing began? Are your followers bringing up different issues or being more supportive of each other?

Things have certainly gotten darker, I won't lie. It's clear people are in challenging situations--folks don't have the healthcare resources they need, people are struggling financially, and generally struggling to cope with mental health challenges both related and unrelated to the pandemic. Family members are dying. Of course, there are also people who seem to be carrying on as usual. There's a mix of experiences.

You work hard to support your community and neighborhood, not just with mental health check-ins, but by highlighting local restaurants that need support right now, as well as small businesses like the fashion designers and photographers you work with. Are there any specific jewelry designers you’d like to help promote now?

Yes! KHIRY, Iron Oxide, Akrasi Boutique, Kalua Rae, Adornia and The Mona Cut.

Earrings: Skull studs : Poshmark, similar, Rings: Heart Knot ring: Etsy, Gold heart rings: Etsy - similar, Watch: Vintage, from April’s grandmother.

I think that both music and jewelry are great tools for lifting spirits. How have you been staying positive?

The biggest thing for me has been taking it easy on myself and looking out for things I can learn. I'm not so sure this is the time for aggressively "doing," for me at least. Trying to find peace in my skin. Reminding myself I am the same person I was before the pandemic began, and acting accordingly. Finding the tasks that make me feel content and doing those things as much as feels right. Giving myself credit. Paying attention to my moods. Being open to discovering what my needs are and doing what I need to meet those needs.

How does being a musician influence the way you wear jewelry? Do you wear different pieces when you perform?

Practically: No bracelets because they hit the side of the guitar. No big rings. No big necklaces. Big earrings are great.

Stylistically, jewelry is just another path to self-expression. Part of the Imanigold performance.

How would you describe your jewelry style? What makes your specific jewelry collection unique to you and your identity?

Freedom fighter. Free spirited. Gold. I like pieces that feel like they melt into my skin and accent my vibe.

Crescent Necklace: Little Ritual Shop, Rings: Little Ritual Shop.

What jewelry do you wear on a regular day?

Several gold rings on each finger. A watch from my grandma. A few gold necklaces. Sometimes earrings.

On a special occasion?

Several gold rings on each finger. A watch from my grandma. A few gold necklaces.

+ Always earrings. Maybe bracelets.

Do you have any philosophy in how to accessorize? Do you plan the clothes first or the accessories first?

I’m usually running late so I tend to do jewelry last since it’s optional relative to clothes.

I’m certainly of the “you’re done when there’s nothing else to take away” rather than adding things ad infinitum.

What are your go-to jewelry brands?

My mind. Maybe I should curate a shop.

Stores you shop at? Both online and brick and mortar?

I come up with an idea of what I want in my mind and then look for it relentlessly online. I have the best luck with Etsy for higher-end looking pieces and Poshmark for vintage.

On Dominique: Earrings: Neighborhood beauty shop, Whistle Necklace: Dominique’s own design, Rings: Butterfly ring, Silver hearts band, Flower band: vintage, ring with black stones: vintage, Bracelet: vintage.

What is the most special piece of jewelry you own and why?

The earrings I bought the day I found out my best friend Erin died. I was at a vintage shop in Oregon when I was in college, in those days between Christmas and New Years. My sister was there with me. And honestly, I can’t remember who called me. But I found out Erin died while I was in the store. I told my sister, and told my sister I wanted to be calm about it.

Now, all these years later, the earrings remind me of my resilience; that I have kept my commitment to myself to keep on living for Erin.

Your sister, Dominique, is the other half of your band, Imanigold. She made an appearance in our photo shoot as well. Is there a difference in your style of jewelry versus hers? Or do you wear similar pieces?

We have very different jewelry styles overall, but often find that we see echoes of each other in our own. She's a jewelry designer and has a silvery, industrial, futuristic feel to the designs she makes and wears. On the other hand, I find myself more attracted to delicate gold, timeless pieces. That said, with her many ear piercings, Dominique recently inspired me to put an earring in my second pierced whole. We also share a love of rings and ring-stacking, and tend to shy away from bracelets.

Please tell me the story about the sister rings.

I am frustrated by the veneration for romantic partners in our culture. What about other types of partners? Close friends? Family. So, my sister and I bought matching rings because if people get rings as a symbol of commitment in marriage, we can use that symbol too.

Can you tell me a story about a time when you discovered an amazing piece (either at a store, flea market, your mom’s closet)? Tell me about the hunt.

Honestly, now, my hunt is almost always days and months on Etsy.

Thanks so much, April!