Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cherie Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cherie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

When I reflect on what my parents did right, I am filled with gratitude for the foundational lessons my mother imparted to me, which have profoundly shaped my life.
My mother played a pivotal role in teaching me the importance of self-worth. This lesson has been instrumental in my journey as an entrepreneur, fostering a strong sense of independence and confidence.
Growing up, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of unconditional love. My mother’s unwavering support has been a constant in my life, providing me with the strength to pursue my dreams. Even now, as a grown adult woman, I know I can always count on her to have my back. Her love has taught me the power of supportive relationships, a core value I strive to promote within the community I am building through my business.

Another invaluable lesson my mother imparted was the importance of learning from mistakes. She was open about her past missteps, encouraging me to do things right where she had gone wrong. This transparency nurtured a growth mindset within me, allowing me to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

In addition to these life lessons, my mother taught me practical skills, such as cooking, which symbolizes nurturing and hospitality—qualities she embodies beautifully. Her honest and hospitable nature has inspired me to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in my business, where every woman feels valued and cherished.

In summary, my mother, laid the groundwork for who I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Poise & Paper is a story of transformation and empowerment born from the chaos of life’s daily demands. As a woman who intimately understands the whirlwind of balancing multiple roles, I embarked on this journey to create something meaningful for women, especially mothers, who are often at the epicenter of such chaos.
The inception of Poise & Paper came during a time of global uncertainty—COVID-19. With my corporate job transitioning to remote work and my son attending school virtually, I was engulfed in a tidal wave of responsibilities. While prioritizing my family’s needs, I realized my aspirations and self-care were being sidelined. Writing became my refuge, a therapeutic outlet that ultimately inspired the creation of Poise & Paper.

Our mission is clear: to offer luxury stationery and other products that serve as an oasis of calm and inspiration in a busy life. We aim to provide a safe space for women to express their needs and goals without losing sight of their identities. By focusing on moms, who often juggle countless responsibilities, we strive to remind them of their self-worth and potential.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women and mothers. We craft products that not only help in organizing daily chaos but also serve as constant reminders of the importance of self-care and personal growth. Our community is built on the foundation of support, motivation, and inspiration.

I am incredibly proud of the community we are building and the impact our products will have on our clients’ lives. We are committed to empowering women to be their best selves, never forgetting that amidst wearing multiple hats, their dreams and well-being are equally important. At Poise & Paper, every mom is unique, and every woman deserves her piece of peace.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I took this leap of faith, I launched my business in December 2022, filled with hope and anticipation. However, reality soon set in when my pre-orders amounted to zero, and the orders that trickled in were far from the influx I had imagined. The year 2023 was not the prosperous beginning I had envisioned; instead, it was a year of learning, reflection, and perseverance.

Faced with the possibility of shutting down my business, I was tempted to abandon the venture altogether. Yet, deep down, a spark of resilience refused to be extinguished. I decided to give my dream another chance by participating in vending opportunities and attending women’s business networking events. Here, I found a lifeline—feedback and encouragement from fellow entrepreneurs navigating similar paths. Their words fueled my passion and determination to keep moving forward.

In the process, my product line started to expand. While developing another planner is still on my horizon, I discovered a new creative outlet: producing stickers. This unexpected pivot turned out to be a significant victory, marking a turning point in my business journey. As I entered 2024, equipped with the lessons learned and a more robust foundation, my business began to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Vending became a strategic cornerstone, enabling me to connect with customers and establish a presence in the market.

Through this journey, I have learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about embracing change and seizing opportunities. My entrepreneurial path is teaching me the importance of adaptability and the power of community. As I continue to navigate this ever-evolving landscape, I remain committed to expanding my horizons and realizing my vision, one step at a time.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In 2023, I took part in the Purse Pitch Competition organized by the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum. One of the guest speakers, Takia Ross, emphasized the importance of visibility by stating, “If no one knows you exist, how do you expect people to buy your services or products?” Inspired by her words, I embarked on a journey to break out of my comfort zone and actively engage in networking. This led me to connect with individuals in the stationery industry. I began attending numerous events on my own, initiating conversations with strangers. Participating in planner and journaling-specific events and registering as a vendor have significantly contributed to building my reputation within my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poiseandpaper.com
• Instagram: @poiseandpaper
• Facebook: poiseandpaper

Image Credits

Robert Tyree
Kfinch Photography