Meet April Uchitel: Mada Mentor and Muse

When people ask me how I built my company, Mada, at such a young age, my answer is always the same: my mentors. The fashion industry can be a difficult world to navigate, and start up life is full of it’s up and downs. It’s important to intentionally surround yourself with people that have done what you want to do in life. And to build a support system that guides you, grounds you, and inspires you. April Uchitel is one of them.

When I first met April, I had just moved to NYC and launched Mada. She had recently left her role as CEO at Violet Grey, and was building up her new venture, The Board, a coveted collective of top-tier experts and dream teams in fashion, beauty, wellness, CPG, innovation, & sustainability. April is a rarity in the industry— she leads with warmth, generosity, and kindness (and doesn’t tolerate any BS). Plus, she can do something most people can’t— she can pull off a red lip.

Anyone that knows April will tell you that her superpower is bringing people together, and helping them discover their own superpowers. I’ve learned so much from watching April grow The Board. And I’m honored that she took me under her wing and helped me grow Mada into the platform it is today. We did a Q&A with April, so Mada’s community can learn from her too!

When do you feel most confident? What are you wearing in that moment?

When I am in conversation with bright, confident, and curious people - be it family, friends, colleagues, or clients. When there is an open dialogue and true desire to connect - I light up!

In those moments, I’m usually wearing jeans (Mother Denim is my favorite), a cozy sweater layered over a striped mens shirt, sometimes a blazer over my shoulders, a necklace stack (Clare V.), my signature red lip, and suede/shearling Birkenstocks (I have 4 colors in rotation!)

What does personal style mean to you?

Knowing what works on you, “feels like you,” flatters your body, serves your lifestyle, and enhances your confidence. Life is too short to be uncomfortable!

How did you build your network in the industry, and what advice do you have for young women trying to do the same?

I was in sales for most of my fashion career which is super relationship driven. I started in my early 20’s and at one point sold to over 700 specialty stores and all the majors. Built teams, traveled, lead product knowledge for hundreds of associates… and when I went into tech A.I., I onboarded 1600+ brands to a new shopping platform.

I looked at all of these meetings as opportunities to connect beyond the pitch. They built the foundation for the business I have now.

My advice is to join clubs, create events, host meet ups, mentor, and say yes to invitations to gather and learn. From there so many things can happen!

Fashion is sometimes a cutthroat industry– do you have any tips on how to stay true to yourself and your values while growing your career?

Fashion can be brutal. It’s having a tough time right now with many challenges and the tariffs will only make it harder. I think the best way to stay true is to be generous (even when others are not) and be helpful. People remember those who help along the way.

Try to remind yourself that many mean girls in high school stay mean… so navigate by taking the high road and remind yourself that unhappy people try to make others unhappy. So fill your cup in all the ways (health, education, friendship..) to support the entire journey.

What’s one piece of career advice you wish you received earlier in your journey?

To be a life long learner. To not get caught in a safe situation that ultimately keeps you from growing.

What are your most loved pieces in your wardrobe?

A fairly shredded pair of ACNE jeans, a thrifted black men’s bespoke blazer I got for $9.99 (always hit the men’s jacket/blazer rack first!), black Celine eyeglasses, a perfect animal print pointy toe kitten heel pump from Loeffler Randal, a leopard Saint Laurent rain coat, my Clare V. Grande Fanny in black and striped lightweight knits from KULE.

What’s currently in your Mada shopping cart?

A new black belt, fashion sneakers, and I am always looking for something leopard!