Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyetta Cheatum
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My daughter was elementary school age child that had gone to school one day and begin to get bullied in school. She would come home daily crying of how other students were treating her by name calling and so much more. I knew I had to come up with a program where she would be able to express herself through fashion. I wanted to let her know that no matter your size, race, and style you still matter.
Back in 2011 I was brainstorming on ideas for a youth program that youth can have to come and vent about issues that they were experiencing. I wanted to create a mentoring program that would give youth an opportunity to express their feelings through fashion. Hence, Big Sistas w/ Purpose was created.
In 2015 I begin doing pageantry. In this industry I was able to share my platform anti-bullying awareness and self-confidence.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Assembling a program has been anything but a smooth journey. The first obstacle that I had in starting my mentoring program was losing my mom. When I begin to step out of my comfort zone to put this program together my mom had passed away. Losing my mother was incredibly difficult, and it left me feeling as though I couldn’t do anything anymore. As an only child, not having my mother’s guidance while striving to achieve a goal is very challenging.
Ensuring that all the necessary paperwork was in order to start a small business was a struggle. I conducted extensive research to secure all the required documents for success.
The third struggle was trying to find finance to help create the mentoring program. I mostly came up with donations from the local community and had fundraisers to help put together events for the youth. The money that I didn’t raise came out of my own pocket.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently working as a federal employee as an Advance Medical Support Specialist. I work in various clinics assisting veterans with their care needs such as dental, primary care, physical therapy, and so much more.
Kenyetta R. Cheatum was born May 7, 1980, to the late Mrs.
Mae Jewel Wade (deceased 2011) and Robert Cheatum of Tuscaloosa, Al.
Kenyetta is the mother of two daughters. (Tatyianna Wells & Arianna Jones).
Kenyetta is a Tuscaloosa County high school graduate class of 1998.
In fall of 1998 Kenyetta attended Shelton State Community College where she
received a certificate in Cosmetology. In 2007she attended University of South
Alabama in the EMT-Basic program. She is a current student in the Master of Public Administration program and graduate of University of Phoenix Associate of Business program and bachelor’s in business management. Kenyetta is an O.E.S. of Wrights Choice #696. Kenyetta is the CEO of Big Sistas w/ Purpose LLC mentoring program. Published model of SKII Magazine in NY (2014). Adopt school partner of the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce from 2018-2021.
Kenyetta is the formal Ms. (2015) Tuscaloosa Plus America and Mrs. Tuscaloosa Plus America 2017. In 2017, Kenyetta was awarded “The Footprints in the City” award. Amazon top 100 Best Selling Author of “If These Walls Could Talk” (2018). Kenyetta is the Formal Ms. WBLEP (women business leaders and Entrepreneur Pageant (2018) Formal Ms. Ultimate Queen WBLEP (2019). Formal Ms. Lifetime Queen WBLEP (2020). Kenyetta was Awarded Proclamation by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox for “Stop the Violence Youth Rally’ (Feb 2019). Published Co-Author of “Look at Me Now” (2021). Kenyetta is Published Author of “You Are More than Enough, A Queens Cry” (2021). April (2023) Kenyetta was Awarded the National Society of Leadership and Success. May (2023) Kenyetta was published model for Voyage Magazine Atlanta. June (2023) Kenyetta was Awarded Proclamation by Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama for Community Service. Kenyetta is published model in Sept (2023) published model in Shoutout Atlanta magazine. Kenyetta is the former Ms. Crimson Woman American Beauties Plus 2023. Kenyetta is the current Ms. Alabama National Sorority 2024. Kenyetta is a member of Chi Sigma Delta Sorority Incorporated by the way of Zeta Chi Chapter. Published Model Nov. 2023 of the Canvas Rebel in California. Kenyetta is a motivational speaker, author Mentor, pageant queen, model/model coach, EMT.
What I think that sets me apart from others is my perseverance. I have been through so many trials and tribulation in my 44 years, but I never lose focus of my dreams and goals that I want to accomplish.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Reflecting on risk-taking, my mind goes to the inception of my mentoring program. I was venturing into the unknown, yet I was driven by a goal and a vision to complete this project and assist the youth in my community to reach their full potential. I was unaware of the financial implications and the legal intricacies involved. I sought advice from many, only to end up conducting my own research to navigate my path.
I can affirm that I’ve embraced considerable risks to arrive where I am today. My financial situation has not always been stable, but my commitment to making a difference has been unwavering.
Even when fundraisers for my events received minimal support, my resolve to succeed never wavered. I am determined to work even harder towards my goals and dreams. I aim to demonstrate that success comes when you remain humble, focused, and prayerful, regardless of the obstacles faced.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ceokenyetta
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenyetta.cheatum.9/
Image Credits
Photos credits Memorable Moments by Latonya Spence