We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dede Cherie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dede below.

Dede, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up my parents were extremely supportive. Paying for private dance lessons, recitals, taking me back and forth to rehearsals and competitions I mean they were the epitome of a “Dance Mom and Dad”. Anything that I wanted to do in life then and now, I know without a doubt I could count on them and that within itself is a blessing I do not take for granted.

One thing they both instilled in me is to keep going no matter what. My mom still to this day reminds me of (Luke 12:48) “To whom much is given, much will be required”. Whenever I’m having a rough day or feeling the need to give up.. I know I can always count and depend on my  parents and I’m so blessed to have their support. Their prayers has always covered me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Dance/Fitness Instructor. I currently teach at Inner Me Studios and have been there for a little over a year now. I am a certified Women’s Fitness Specialist (NASM), and a full time Student and Mom. I started Dance Fitness in 2016 . I have always had a passion for dance since the age of 3. From ballet, modern, tap, praise dance, hip hop, lyrical I pretty much did it all and my played a major role in that. Over the years, I knew that I still wanted to dance, but I wasn’t quite sure of how to go about it. Once I started getting into fitness and working out, I discovered the world of Zumba (which is a fun aerobic workout that mixes in dance moves)instantly after taking one class I knew that was something I wanted to do.

After having my son in 2019 and battling PPD, my focus really went to postpartum fitness which inspired me to write and publish on Amazon, a “fitspirational guide” for all new mommies who were struggling like me.

I am also a full time student at the University of Houston-Downtown majoring in Sociology with a double minor in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. , Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and the Black Student Association.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

You can have all the training and knowledge in whatever field you like, but if you DO NOT possess the heart and aren’t passionate about what you are doing it will show in your work.

Also be yourself, get out there network and never stop being a student!

I feel this is so important!

Heart, dedication, authenticity and consistency

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My faith was really tested when I gave birth to my son right before the pandemic in October of 2019. I had him at 31 weeks he was 2lbs 13oz  and had to spend about 2 months in the NICU . Shortly after that the world completely shuts down at a time where I physically needed both my parents and family . We all had to make a conscious decision to isolate for the sake of my son’s health condition, and there I was alone raising him as a first time mom. Struggling to breast feed, learning motherhood, and everything else that occurred in between that was challenging itself. I kept asking God why me ? Why are these things happening? But through it all I understood he never took his hands off me and carried us through that situation. My son is now 3yrs old with a smile that brightens up a room. He still has some health complications that require different therapies but things are getting so much better for him , and for us. I couldn’t be happier, glad that I’m staying strong and not giving in to adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/innermestudios
• Instagram: dede__cherie
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08G9L6Z6G/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1597948043&sr=8-1