Cheryl Weldon
Q: Where did you attend college?
A: Georgia Tech
Q: What degree did you receive?
A: B. Chemical Engineering
Q: Did you go to your dream college?
A: Yes!
Q: Do you think your college education was necessary for your success in business?
A: Absolutely
Q: Who or what led you to your current career path?
A: After I retired from my corporate career, I decided to follow my passion for fashion and become a wardrobe stylist.
Q: Was your current career your first choice, or did you switch?
A: I switched 20 years ago.
Q: Was mentorship significant to your business journey?
A: Yes, especially when I switched careers.
Q: How do you approach networking and the building of professional relationships?
A: I intentionally engage in networking and approach it with a mindset of building relationships, not selling.
Q: What is the ratio of males to females in your business?
A: My business is almost 100% females, due to the nature of my industry (women’s clothing).
Q: Have you observed or been affected by a wage gap between men and women in your field?
A: No
Q: How have you asserted yourself as a powerful woman in your field?
A: I frequently share my wisdom with fellow stylists, and I also actively seek to recruit other women into my field.
Q: What has been your biggest tool in gaining credibility in the business world?
A: I think the most important thing is keeping your commitments all of the time. It sounds easier than it is. Also, it’s very important to achieve positive and meaningful results, and to share with others (without bragging). Demonstrating fairness, integrity, and respect for all people in your organization (regardless of the level of the organization) is also critically important.
Q: How does social media, if at all, impact your business?
A: Social media plays a big role in my business, especially given the nature of my industry.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A: Never burn bridges and listen more than you talk.
Q: Lastly, what would be the number one piece of advice you would give to your high school self?
A: Don’t be afraid to fail or to make a change. Find the intersection of your passion, your talents, and your (career) marketability.
