Women’s History Month: April Winchell

In honor of Women’s History Month 2011, I’ve selected one woman to profile every day from March 1st – March 31st, 2011.

April Winchell (aka Helen Killer): Comedian, voice actor, comedy writer, Regretsy lady

Years ago when I was just starting out as an advertising copywriter, I was given an assignment I couldn’t get right. I wrote and rewrote the copy over and over again, but no matter how I tried to finesse the language, something about it just didn’t connect. Finally I brought it to my boss, fully expecting a lecture on not giving up. But to my amazement, he crumpled up the paper and told me to start from scratch.

“Hard work is one thing,” he said, “but when you find yourself struggling, there’s something inherently wrong with your premise.”

That turned out to be the best piece of advice anyone has ever given me. Sometimes you benefit from embracing your limitations and working inside the box. Wise people make the most of what they have to work with.

Of course, wise people don’t plan weddings. Emotional people plan weddings. Emotional people with a list of desires that have nothing to do with reality. — April Winchell, Brides.com column

I really don’t have to explain and describe Regretsy, do I? Love it or hate it, you gotta respect the fact that Winchell has used Regretsy to raise over $40K for various charities. As she once quipped on Club Fuckery, it’s better to talk shit and do good, than talk good and do shit.

I can’t disagree with that.

Links: Website
Wikipedia page
Brides.com columns
IMDB page
Youtube
Twitter
Regretsy Zazzle store (proceeds are used to fund the charitable projects and not lining HK’s pockets)
April’s Army (Etsy team)
Regretsy book

FBLA 20 Questions: April Winchell
Regretsy Creator Revealed: April Winchell Discusses New Book Deal