Today we’d like to introduce you to April Blanchard.Hi April, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?I’m April, a millennial mother of 2 who quit corporate life for the true American dream of becoming my own boss. I love art, music and creative expression through fashion. Although I love color, I only wear black and I know I’m not alone in that. I started as a reseller ...
Today we’d like to introduce you to April Blanchard.
Hi April, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?I’m April, a millennial mother of 2 who quit corporate life for the true American dream of becoming my own boss. I love art, music and creative expression through fashion. Although I love color, I only wear black and I know I’m not alone in that. I started as a reseller during Covid. I had a bunch of nice clothing that I felt I was never going to wear again. So I started to sell my clothing on Poshmark and got an adrenaline rush every time I made a sale. I decided to start to source more clothing to sell, but found that I wasn’t able to sell as much when I was trying to buy things I thought other people would like. So I started using the rule of thumb that if I wouldn’t wear it, I wouldn’t sell it. A short time after that, I had a dream that I owned a thrift shop that sold all black clothing and I named it but I wish it was black. It was a phrase I said so much, I was dreaming about it. I jokingly pitched the idea to friends, coworkers and family, then let the idea sit on the back burner for well over a year. Then one day I had a really horrible day at work and my world kind of came crashing down because I was realizing that I no longer wanted to work in corporate America, the truth was, I was miserable. So the next day, I spent the entire day registering my business and coming up with a plan. Since then, I was able to quit my job and continue to make, but I wish it was black grow and succeed more and more everyday.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?It was definitely not always easy. I had to make a lot of sacrifices. Since I worked Monday through Friday in an office, All of my weekends were dedicated to But I wish it was black. I would travel all over New England on the weekends to do pop-up events to help get my name out there. Any free time during the week was spent trying to learn how to be successful on social media. I have definitely had to accept rejection and feeling as though I failed at times too. While getting but I wish it was black off the ground, I was also in school to become a nail tech, so at one point I was working three jobs. I also have two kids, so I was spread very thin, but I just kept thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about But I wish it was black?But I wish it was black is an all black secondhand boutique. It’s meant for the person who loves to wear black and knows deep down that it was never a phase, the person who goes directly to the black clothes on the rack full of beige and white. I personally hand pick each item in my shop, so it’s very intentional and highly curated. I strive to be size inclusive because in 2026 no one should be feeling like they don’t have options to dress the way that they want. It’s also important to me to remain affordable. Although at one point, my goal was to be like a thrift shop, the truth is I put more love and care into each piece. Every item is washed, mended, steamed, and is ready to be worn. So my price point is more mid range in comparison to a thrift shop, but I do my absolute best to keep it as low and accessible for everyone as possible.
I also source home decor and accessories that have a darker edge.My little shop is located inside a multi vendor market place called Mill st Marketplace in Wethersfield CT. It houses 90 vendors that have all kinds of specialties and creative talent and the community of vendors is truly unmatched. I also have a website where I launch collections and merch.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?Follow me on IG/Tik Tok @butiwishitwasblack story readers can find my website there as well..
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