Inspiring Conversations with April Wendel of Roberta Gene

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Wendel

Hi April, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been passionate about the benefits of organic and all-natural products. For years, I made my own daily essential products (soap, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc.) to avoid harmful chemicals. Additionally, I hold a strong commitment to minimizing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices. I was driven by a desire to make healthy and eco-conscious product options more accessible to everyone. I started my company as an ecommerce store, while also doing local pop-ups. The opportunity to open a local shop inside Painted Tree Boutiques presented itself and I thought it was a great way to grow. I am overjoyed that my boutique can offer so many wonderful natural products that are made by USA owned small businesses.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I think with trying anything new, there will always be challenges. For over a decade I dreamed of starting this company. After my son graduated high school, I knew I had to take the leap. Initially, I thought that starting the company was going to be the hardest part, but I quickly realized that was not the case. I originally believed that offering high-quality products at a great price would naturally attract consumers. However, I’ve come to realize that shoppers don’t always recognize the value in products that are better for them. How can they make informed decisions if they aren’t aware of how certain ingredients can negatively affect their health? Raising awareness about the harmful chemicals found in everyday essentials has been a challenge, especially because I want the products to speak for themselves. Although it hasn’t been easy, I am grateful for the lessons these struggles have taught me. I truly believe that maintaining a positive mindset, being adaptable, and having drive and determination enable us to achieve anything we set out to accomplish.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Roberta Gene is a boutique based in Kansas City, Missouri and was established in August 2023. Roberta Gene specializes in natural and eco-friendly products that are handmade. We are inside Painted Tree Boutiques. We currently have three locations: Kansas City, Overland Park and Des Moines. We are excited to announce the opening of our fourth location in Fort Lauderdale coming summer 2025.

Roberta Gene is named after my grandparents, Roberta Irene and Denzil Gene. The logo is their combined signatures. My grandparents helped my mother raise my four siblings and I, so they were a crucial part of my upbringing. They helped shape the woman I am today and I still strive to be as wonderful and loving as they have always been. My grandma now rests in heavenly peace, and my grandpa (88) travels across the country with Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief. https://modr.org

At Roberta Gene we are committed to being environmentally friendly and offering all-natural, handmade products. We select items that meet rigorous standards, and each item has a story of care and attention to detail behind it. We focus on the daily essentials because they have the biggest impact on not only our health, but our environment’s health as well. Our products will never include pfas, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, petrolatum and many more harmful chemicals that are found in most products today. Our products do include plants and herbs that are healing and safe for our body and home. Some of our customer favorites include: tallow, essential oils, non-toxic laundry detergent, handmade organic soap, elderberry tincture and swedish dishcloths. If you’re looking for a shop that provides organic, vegan, cruelty-free or non toxic items, you’ve just found it!

In today’s world, being conscious of our environmental impact is crucial, and our boutique offers an easy way to make a difference. By choosing our eco-friendly and all-natural products, you support small businesses and promote sustainability, all while reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I used to feel like I could never catch a break, as if bad luck was always following me. I’ve come to realize that this mindset was holding me back. Everyone faces challenges, some more than others, but how we choose to handle these obstacles makes all the difference. Our mindset shapes our reality, and while it’s tough when things don’t go as planned, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve learned to be grateful for both the good and the bad, trusting that every experience is leading me toward something better. I have faith that everything will work out in my favor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robertagene.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertagenellc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertagenellc/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertagenellc