Baltimore residents, husband-and-wife duo, Empower by GoDaddy alumni Tyron and April Harper, harp vision, a wellness brand that creates all-natural products that help relieve pain and improve quality of life. Through starting the business, Mr. and Mrs. Harpers hope to make life better for themselves and her two sons, Phoenix, 6, and her Kaden, 16. But while most small businesses can struggle to get started, Harper’s faces additional adversity: chronic pain.
“We both live with chronic pain. I have endometriosis and Tyrone has fibromyalgia,” April said. “Because every day we have to get up, pray and work.”
“I learned that my mother lived with chronic pain, that her mother had it, and that her mother’s mother had it. “Now we need to make sure we can do something about it so we can do it,” Tyrone said. “My body is killing me, but there is still work to be done.”
In addition to living with fibromyalgia, Tyron contracted COVID-19, COVID-19 being new and deadly for so many. He was very ill and, despite overcoming COVID-19, continued to suffer from subsequent health problems. Tyrone decides it’s time for him to live life to the fullest. He started eating healthier and taking care of his body, which helped him lose 100 pounds. “COVID was like holding out a mirror to me,” he said.
start fresh
Tyrone also quit teaching at Baltimore City Public Schools and decided to work with April to create a product that helps people “get back to themselves.” Their company manufactures and sells premium body scrubs, aromatherapy candles, bath teas, and all-natural soaps that Harpers handcrafts at home. We started by selling our products in markets and pop-ups. But starting a business, becoming a parent, and working 24/7 has its challenges and limitations.
As Tyrone devoted himself to the children and their fledgling business, April worked two jobs, both full-time and part-time, seven days a week, in addition to the time devoted to Harpvision. I entered college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. April was cramming in time for her schoolwork in her free time. Not only did the Harpers work overtime to build products and drive business success, but they also worked in constant physical pain.
It is estimated that 20% of American adults suffer from chronic pain, resulting in approximately $560 billion in health-related costs each year.In addition to chronic pain conditions, most 20% of American adults experience a mental health disorder.
influence of empowerment
Empower by GoDaddy, GoDaddy’s global social impact program launched in 2017, provides entrepreneurs in underserved communities with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their journey To do. Empower by GoDaddy works with nonprofit partners around the world to understand the context of communities and small businesses, identify gaps, and develop customized, region-based programs.
Harpers applied when Empower by GoDaddy expanded to Baltimore in early 2022. This eight-week program of hers partners with local organization Impact Hub to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and training to master digital presence skills. The program confirmed to Harper’s that online selling can help businesses become more sustainable, reach more people, and reduce the number of in-person events needed to grow their business.
“We meet them where they are and speak their language, so it feels like they are coming to us,” said April. “Shortly after our GoDaddy website went live, we received messages on social media from people who had purchased our products from pop-ups asking how they could get more. Within a minute, she bought it from us. It feels great to turn a conversation into a sale.”
pursuit of growth
In May 2022, April quit her part-time job to pursue the growth of Harp Vision.
“I’ve worked hard for a long time to advance the dreams and visions of others, and now it’s time to push my own family’s dreams,” April added. “It’s not selfish to give yourself energy for your children. It’s not selfish to give yourself energy and pour it into yourself.”
Harp Vision applied to be a kiosk vendor this summer. Lexington Marketis the nation’s oldest continuously operating public market, a 240-year-old home to small businesses and a community staple for fresh produce and locally grown produce.
“We recognize that many people in inner-city areas may not have the time or resources to participate in self-care rituals. Our goal is to build communities that prioritize health and well-being,” said Tyron. “We don’t just sell products. We help people change their lives. If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help your family.”
Mr. and Mrs. Harper want to remind Americans that self-care is not selfish. Now is the time to make the mental and physical health of all people a global priority.
“It’s as easy as doing something big or small for yourself every day. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” April said. “Light a candle and let her sit for 15 minutes or end the day with an aromatherapy bath. We all deserve to feel better.”
April and Tyrone appear in Season 4 made in usais a GoDaddy YouTube documentary series featuring small businesses participating in the Empower by GoDaddy program. As part of his GoDaddy commitment to promote opportunity for all, Made in America’s purpose deliberately focused on the gaps in access to opportunities and resources for underserved communities. To promote the company’s mission by showcasing everyday entrepreneurial stories. The fourth season tells the inspiring story of how Baltimore entrepreneurs overcame hardships.
see harpers Story Full season 4 now streaming Youtube.
Empower by GoDaddy Spotlight Series: Empower by GoDaddy partners with nonprofits in different regions of the world to reach previously inaccessible people by providing skills training, resources and mentoring to accelerate their business journey We aim to This article is part of our Empower by GoDaddy spotlight series that shines a light on the individuals who make this unique initiative possible.