Fun Facts

1. What’s your coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee, but the only exception was in college (Clark Atlanta University). A friend and I would go to Jazzman's Cafe and get frozen caramel lattes with extra whip and a caramel drizzle.

2. Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Church first. Afterwards, either dinner with family or cozy clothes and a good movie with my husband. I love a slow Sunday.

3. Three words friends would use to describe you?

Creative, driven, encouraging.

4. What makes you laugh without fail?

I definitely have an offbeat sense of humor (think: The Office ... Stan was my favorite character).

My Story

5. Why did you start Cheriss & Company?

I started this company as a stationery line to create illustrated products that celebrated the softer side of women, especially African American women I didn’t see represented. While our range of products has grown to focus more on life balance for busy, ambitious women, the heart of what we do remains the same: encouraging you to slow down, find joy, and truly enjoy the life you’re building.

6. What kept you building for 11 years before making the leap?

The customers. Their stories and encouragement always reminded me this work mattered.

7. Biggest lesson from your product management career?

No matter how appealing an idea or product looks, if it doesn’t solve a real problem for someone, it won’t last.

8. One “aha” moment that shaped the Priority Guide®?

I heard a church message about honoring time, and I really wanted a way to practice it daily. That’s when I realized the Priority Guide® had to be about more than time, it also had to help transform how we live it out.

The Brand & Mission

9. How would you describe Cheriss & Company in one line?

The friend that'll call you out (with love) when you're doing too much, and lift you up when you need a little push.

10. What’s your favorite product right now?

The Priority Guide® notepad. It helps me clear my mind in the morning, focus, and make sure I’m working on the right things at the right time.

11. The phrase you live by when designing?

Always think about the woman who'll be using the product and the job she needs it to do.

12. What do you want every woman using your products to feel?

Cared for, supported, and in command of her day.

Faith & Purpose

13. How does faith influence your work?

Faith drives what I choose to create and even my process. I’ve been known to pause projects that didn’t feel aligned, pray over ideas before moving forward, and push for substance over trends because I believe the work should really have purpose.

14. What does “living well” mean to you right now?

Looking back at the end of the day, month or year with confidence that I gave the best of my time and energy to what mattered most.

Just for Fun

15. One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

People assume I've been a lifelong planner girl, but I could never stick to one more than a month. the Priority Guide is literally the ONLY one that can keep up. I guess I just had to design one that actually worked ;)