Meet Cheran Leapheart

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

Cheran , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic was instilled in me by my parents. My father was a Sales Manager at IBM and my mother was the Contracting Officer for the US Army Corps of Engineers. They worked very hard for everything they had. They grew up in times where segregation was real, women’s rights were limited and a college degree was not necessary to be successful. While they may not have obtained formal degrees, they learned a lot by trial and error. They always challenged me and my brother to be the best, learn more, set goals and that rewards will come from hard work.

When I was in high school, my father said we could get a swimming pool built at our house if I got straight “A”s for the year. Well, I was determined and got multiple 4.0s that year and one 3.9. I got my swimming pool! When I got older, my mom would speak with me about the general nature of work environments and the discriminatory treatment she experienced to prepare me for the world. She told me how her salary was impacted because she did not have a degree even though she has many years of experience in her field. My mother encouraged me to obtain my degree to ensure I did not experience the same obstacles she faced. When I graduated from Michigan State University in the recession of 2008, I was determined to find a job in my career field of choice, Human Resources (HR). I was able to obtain a temporary Labor Relations Assistant position in Michigan which only enhanced my love for HR and the law. While I enjoyed my role as a Labor Relations Assistant in Michigan, I realized that to secure a full-time position and advance my career, I needed to expand my knowledge through graduate education. I decided to attend graduate school at Dominican University in River Forest, IL, to expand my knowledge. I dedicated myself to building transferable skills to obtain positions in HR. In an interview that I had with a placement recruiter, I was told, “I would NEVER get the position I was looking for and would NEVER make the salary I was requesting”. Hearing that from someone who was responsible for assisting me with finding a new role added fuel to my fire. I started attending networking events, utilizing LinkedIn more often and reaching out to previous mentors as I now had a challenge to overcome. As I hope you guessed, I was overcome that challenge as well. I have been able to work for large and small institutions, help them save money, reduce employee concerns, grow their organization with the best talent and bring new insight to the human resource departments. These experiences have not only shaped my work ethic but also fueled my commitment to mentoring others and driving meaningful change in the HR field.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In 2020, I co-founded The FixHRs HR Consulting Firm with my Soror (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) to support individuals and businesses navigating unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. We began by offering resume consultations to help displaced workers regain hope in their careers. Since then, we’ve expanded our services to assist small businesses with hiring, compliance, and employee management. In 2023, I streamlined a client’s hiring processes, revamped their employee handbook to ensure compliance, and successfully recruited key employees during a period of growth. In 2024, I took on the role of managing all HR functions for a small business, serving as their strategic partner in building a thriving workplace. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to launch training programs and resource documents designed to empower individuals, small businesses, and HR professionals to succeed.

I lost both of my parents in my 30s—my father shortly after receiving SHRM’s “30 Under 30 in Human Resources” award and my mother soon after I accepted a Site HR Leader position at a startup food manufacturing company. Their passing impacted me, inspiring me to think differently about life. My father, a veteran, had the chance to explore parts of the world, but my mother always dreamed of going to Paris. Sadly, she passed away before we could take her on a planned trip to fulfill that dream. Reflecting on her unfulfilled wish and the dreams of others, I launched AuClaire Travel in 2022 in honor of my parents. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of clients create memorable travel experiences from bucket-list adventures to first-time journeys and luxury escapes. Helping others see the world and achieve their travel dreams is one of my greatest joys.

In addition to these ventures, I assist my husband with managing his premium liquor brand, Zawadi Vodka. This sugar cane vodka is 100% Black-owned, created in partnership with the first Black female master distiller in New York. Zawadi Vodka is truly unique, with exceptional ingredients and a dedication to quality that stands out in an industry where Black ownership remains rare. Supporting the growth of this brand is a source of pride, as we work to expand its reach and make a lasting impact in the spirits industry.

As you can see, my life and businesses revolve around helping others achieve their goals, whether it’s building successful careers, creating unforgettable travel experiences, or introducing a one-of-a-kind vodka to the world. I’m excited for what the future holds as I continue to grow and expand these ventures, always with the goal of making a difference in the lives of others.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most important qualities I’ve cultivated are perseverance, agility, and flexibility—and they remain skills I work on every day. Early in my career, I had a clear vision of how my life would unfold: achieving “X” in five years, landing “Z” position in ten years. However, when the recession disrupted those plans, I initially felt defeated.

Through reflection and persistence, I realized that my path is uniquely mine, it’s not bound by anyone else’s timeline. I’ve learned that dreams can be delayed, but they’re never denied if you remain committed to them.

This mindset has taught me to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life inevitably brings. When challenges arise, it’s essential to adapt and view redirections not as roadblocks but as opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge, and perspectives. These experiences often provide the tools that set you apart from others.

My advice to anyone striving toward their goals is to remain focused on your dream while being open to change. Life may lead you to unexpected places, but every detour can offer valuable lessons that ultimately guide you to success.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

For The FixHRs (HR Consulting)
I’m seeking collaborations with companies, startups, or entrepreneurs in need of remote HR services, particularly those navigating compliance, culture-building, or team development.

For AuClaire Travel (Luxury Travel Concierge)
I’m looking to partner with businesses seeking curated corporate retreats or team-building travel experiences. I’m also looking for travelers that have a travel adventure on their bucket list or those looking for 5 star travel services. If you also want to start your own travel business, I can assist with that as well.

For Zawadi Vodka (Premium Sugar Cane Vodka)
I’m excited to partner with restaurants, bars, event planners, and lifestyle brands that align with our mission of celebrating premium quality and authentic experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thefixhrs.com, www.auclairetravel.com, www.zawadivodka.com, https://cheran.my.canva.site
• Instagram: @thefixhrs @auclairetravel @zawadivodka @justcheran
• Facebook: @thefixhrs @auclairetravel @zawadivodka
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/cheranmdavis

Image Credits

Headshot completed by Painted Light Photography