Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Dorsey aka Cherri.
Cherri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For twenty years plus, I’ve worked for a corporation in the private sector and feeling unfulfilled in my career path. As a single mother of three, I envisioned a dream bigger than my current choices in life. One night I clearly recall becoming frustrated while working on a project for my employer and felt as if I was building/supporting someone else’s plan and vision. My goals felt dormant and unfulfilled; I immediately felt the need to embrace my own independence and step away to build my own dream. I prayed to God asking for guidance to reveal my talents and my calling. I wanted to create an empire of my own, but I just didn’t see the vision of my future at that time. I prayed about my next move, which led me to a huge bag located in my closet that had swimsuits overflowing. I noticed that every single swimsuit had what I considered a flaw and didn’t support the physique of a plus women.
I was passion driven to build something. It was not until the moment I saw this overflowing bag of swimsuits that led me to dream big. At that moment, I realized how obsessed I was about swimsuits and dove into the thoughts of creating my own swimsuit line, the perfect swimsuit. I immediately made the decision to create a brand full of designs that would highlight the physique of full-figured women like myself.
Where I am today was sparked by three important steps. First, I started by surrounding myself with like-minded people. Second, I attended fashion shows, photo shoots and connected with other plus-size designers. Lastly, I became highly engaged within the plus size community to become more aware of our needs which gave me even more inspiration to build the brand of Cherri Cheeks.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No.
• Creating innovative designs because there are so many other amazing brands out there, needed to figure out what would set Cherri Cheeks and my creations apart from other designers
• Marketing the brand and introducing it to the right audience.
• Becoming the brand by stepping out of my comfort zone, modeling styles I created, and finally owning what I considered flaws all of my life.
• Recruiting unexperienced models so they would also view themselves as beautiful full-figured women to represent the brand, build their confidence. Resumes and self-esteem. These women can finally embrace themselves and have a safe place, with no judgment and the ability to chase their dreams.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The CEO and Designer of Cherri Cheeks SwimAttire, I specialize in creating swimwear for full-figured women. I am known for being the Swimsuitologist as my specialty is looking at the figure of a women and styling her in a swimwear that accents her physique. Over the last few years, I have created over thirty designs that have grabbed the attention of not only full-figured women but others as well. I have been able to create designs that are innovative to make full-figured women feel beautiful, secure, and sexy.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes- First…
• There are no mistakes, only learning lessons.
• If what you’re doing is something that you love, put your all into it.
• Stay out of your own way.
Yes.
• How to build business credit and manage finances
• To be patience with the process and outcome, most businesses are not successful in first three years.
• Not everyone in your audience will support you, so learn to support yourself, believe in you, and secure your own success.
Always stay humble and honest during your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cherricheeks.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cherri.cheeks?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherri.cheeks
Image Credits
Aston Hart
Brian Ceballos
