Unicorns remain a fascination for kids across the world. But have you noticed the lack of diversity when it comes to these magical creatures and their long, straight, flowing locks and white hides? Mother of two April Showers is changing all of that with her creation, Afro Unicorn—a groundbreaking brand founded in 2019 and centered around unicorn characters with voluminous manes and hides in a variety of warm brown hues. Five years later, there are now Afro Unicorn books, party supplies, lunch boxes, backpacks, snacks, haircare products, and so much more.

The mega-successful, boundary-breaking entrepreneur—who has created the first Black woman–owned fully licensed character brand to be sold in major retailers—shares some of her favorite products and practices that are currently getting her through her days.

Go-To Books. “There are two books that I listen to all the time on Audible: The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. These books help me get in the right mindset before I start the day.” The Game of Life and How to Play It, $8.40, Amazon; The Secret, $13.04, Amazon.

Journal. “I wake up around 4 a.m. every day, and I need at least two hours of quiet time to listen to my books, recount my dreams, and visualize how I want the day to go forward. Journaling before I start my day is also essential. I write ten things that I am grateful for and three major goals that I am pursuing. I love to use my Afro Unicorn journal.” Afro Unicorn Shimmering Silver Sequin Journal, $5.97, Walmart.

Nourishment. “My oldest son, Jessie, who helps me with my business, is now 17-years-old, and he drives himself to school. However, my youngest son, Christopher, is 13, so I have to take him and prepare his lunch. We absolutely love our Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, which is easy for him to use to warm up his breakfast. Afro Unicorn Tropical Fruit Snacks are a must for his lunch, and because he is so proud of me and what I’ve accomplished with Afro Unicorn, he carries his Afro Unicorn Lunch Bag proudly. Jessie is just as proud and rocks his Afro Unicorn Backpack as well.” Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fryer, $109.95, Amazon. Afro Unicorn Fruit Snacks, $4.97, Walmart. Afro Unicorn Lunch Bag, $10.99, Target. Afro Unicorn Backpack, $13.49, Target.

Beauty. “When I get home, it is time for me to get dressed and ready for the day. I complete my look with my signature lipstick by Fenty and lay my edges down with Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses Edges & More. I was so proud to add Magical Beauty, our first Black-owned global licensing partner, to offer an unrivaled hair-care experience for our loyal customers.” Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Unlocked, $20.30, Fenty. Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses Sparkle Bright Edges & More, $6.58, Walmart.

My Team. “I work from home, and most of my meetings are on Zoom. My Zoom app and my HP Computer are used every single day. My executive assistant, Lianca Lyons, helps keep me together and on track day after day. In addition to Lianca, my core executive team members—Chelsea Allen, Project Manager; Askia Fountain, General Manager; and Kalea Wright, Social Media Manager—truly are the nucleus for doing the heavy lifting of the brand so I can remain a very present mom. Given the nature of my job, I travel a lot, and having the right team in place is key.”

Travel Essentials. “Speaking of travel, I carry my Afro Unicorn Luggage Set wherever I go. It makes my frequent business trips easy, as it is big enough to store clothing, shoes, and accessories while small enough to fit in an airplane’s overhead bin.” Afro Unicorn Kids’ 3pc Hardside Checked Luggage Set, $71.99, Target.

Original Titles. “As a children’s author, I try to get out to at least two or three schools a month to read my Random House titles to children of varied ages, including We Are Afro Unicorns (Little Golden Book), as well as my latest original titles Afro Unicorn: A Magical Parade (Step into Reading), Divine Makes a Splash! (ages 3 to 7), and You Are a Unicorn!: A Little Book of AfroMations (baby to 3), all of which speak to the importance of inclusivity and friendship. It is critical that I continue to be a role model and inspiration to our youth.” We Are Afro Unicorns, $4.78, Amazon; Afro Unicorn: A Magical Parade, $5.99, Amazon; Divine Makes A Splash!, $6.99, Amazon; You Are a Unicorn!: A Little Book of AfroMations, $8.99, Amazon.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on crafty mamas Erin Boyle and Rose Pearlman, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON, designer CLARE VIVIER, Miles & Milan founder SHENNEL FULLER, GRACE NA of Pistola, the designers behind MILK TEETH, photographer NICKI SEBASTIAN, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, and Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT.