We had the good fortune of connecting with April Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started out as a deep rooted passion for the outdoors and nature. I feel a magnetic pull toward the natural world and to be immersed in it’s beauty, peace, and raw energy. I love the smell of nature, the sound of leaves and pebbles underfoot, and especially the vastness of the mountains and quiet solitude that just stirs something up in me. It’s a calling.

I grew a desire to escape the corporate world and the stresses of everyday life to reconnect with something greater. Hiking is the perfect outlet for exploration and to challenge yourself physically, but also finding a sense of inner peace.

My hiking career is my way of living authentically; to challenge myself physically and mentally, while nuturing my soul with every step. It’s a path of growth and reconnection with the outdoors and nature itself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Senior Executive Assistant to the President/CEO, your career revolves around providing high-level support to one of the most critical roles in an organization. I have a strong work ethic, driven by passion and discipline.

What sets me apart is my focus, commitment, and determination to keep growing and overcoming challenges. I take pride in the effort I put into every task, valuing the process as much as the result. I worked alongside a Miranda Priestly figure, taking on the role of her Emily. From her, I learned a tremendous amount, facing tough challenges head-on and navigating obstacles along the way. Through those experiences, I discovered that success is built on consistent, steady progress, and that resilience is key to overcoming the most demanding situations. It was far from easy.

Resilience and adaptability have been key lessons, teaching me to embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow. My story is about persistence, hard work, and the belief that with dedication, anything is possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is an interesting question because my best friend doesn’t share my love for hiking—she’s more comfortable on flat terrain. I remember inviting her to hike to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Mountains, and she still swears I nearly killed her! It was a brutal hike for both of us, but I’ll never forget reaching the summit and thinking, “Wow, we did that.” For me, it was an incredible accomplishment, but after that experience, she was definitely done with mountains!

For her sake, I’d keep the itinerary within San Antonio. The city is a vibrant, artistic hub with a colorful atmosphere, diverse food options, and a rich historical backdrop. We’d definitely visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site—San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. It’s an absolute must-see.

The Alamo—everyone loves the Alamo. I’ll make sure we check that out. And, of course, we can’t skip the River Walk, a San Antonio staple featured in the famous Selena movie.

There are a ton of restaurants along the River Walk, but I’d steer clear of a few. Mi Tierra Café y Panadería is a local favorite for great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Right behind it is El Mercado (Market Square), with tons of little shops, imported goods from Mexico, art galleries, and even folklorico dancing—it’s a fun, colorful experience.

La Villita is another local gem with charming shops and art galleries. For a unique dining experience, The Pearl Brewery has some of the best restaurants and bars in San Antonio. It’s a great spot with a laid-back atmosphere, and it’s family- and pet-friendly. Southtown is a trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries, unique boutiques, and coffee shops—perfect for a casual afternoon.

If we want something peaceful, I’d take her to the Japanese Tea Garden for a serene walk through beautiful gardens and koi ponds. Right nearby, there’s the San Antonio Zoo and Brackenridge Park, which even has a fun little train ride.

There’s so much to see and do in and around San Antonio that a week wouldn’t be enough. We’d definitely have to explore outside of the city, like Fredericksburg, Texas, Enchanted Rock, and Wimberley, Texas. South Texas is simply extraordinary—it’s a region full of surprises!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shoutout to my husband for being the unwavering rock of support and encouragement behind my journey. He believes in me, he’s patient, and he continuously lifts me up, and it makes all the difference. It’s the kind of encouragement that turns dreams into reality. He’s the ultimate partner in this adventure.

Instagram: @Texas_Road_Trips

Other: Email: 1storyn2009@gmail.com

Image Credits
Matthew Bueno

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.