We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherry Dukes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Cherry with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my dad. He was the definition of resilience. He was a preacher, ran a car lot, owned a car wash, and was always hustling to make things work for our family. Watching him juggle so much with determination and faith taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. He’s the reason I go so hard in everything I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Cherry Posey Dukes, a career woman, entrepreneur, wife, and mom, juggling multiple roles with purpose and passion.
Professionally, I work at Duke Energy, focusing on environmental safety and customer service. I also own two businesses that allow me to express my creativity and connect with others. My charcuterie business, A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie, specializes in crafting beautiful and delicious boards for events, date nights, and celebrations. It’s all about bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences.
In addition, I’ve been a promotional model and brand ambassador for over 12 years, working with major brands like BMW, Lexus, and T-Mobile. My love for fashion, lifestyle, and connecting with others fuels this part of my career.
What excites me most is the opportunity to blend creativity and connection in everything I do. Whether it’s designing a charcuterie board or leading a team at a high-profile activation, I love elevating moments and making people feel seen and celebrated.
As for what’s new, I’m focusing on expanding A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie, possibly into a storefront concept offering charcuterie and wine pairings with a trendy event space. I’m also working on collaborations with brands I admire, to align my passions with professional growth.
At the heart of it all, I’m passionate about inspiring others to step out on faith and go after their dreams while staying true to themselves.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and relationship-building. 1. Resilience: Life and business will throw challenges your way, but having the determination to push through is everything. I learned this from watching my dad, who juggled multiple roles and always found a way to make things work for our family. My advice: embrace setbacks as learning experiences. Every “no” or failure is a stepping stone to something better if you keep going.
2. Creativity: Whether it’s designing charcuterie boards or solving problems at work, creativity has helped me stand out and find joy in what I do. For those starting out, I recommend exploring what truly lights you up and leaning into it. Never stop learning—take a class, study your craft, or just allow yourself to think outside the box.
3. Relationship-Building: Connections have been pivotal for me, whether it’s collaborating with brands, networking in my career, or building trust with my customers. My advice: nurture genuine relationships. Show up for others, stay authentic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship.
For anyone starting their journey, I’d say be patient, stay open to growth, and don’t be afraid to fail. Your journey is uniquely yours, and with time, resilience, and the right connections, you’ll see the fruits of your hard work. Keep the faith and stay focused!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents were the epitome of hard work and determination. They didn’t just talk about going after what you want—they lived it every single day. Growing up, they taught me the value of resilience, dedication, and staying true to my goals. The most impactful lesson they taught me was that nothing worth having comes easy. Watching them juggle responsibilities, overcome challenges, and still find ways to make things happen for our family showed me what true perseverance looks like. They taught me to never give up, no matter how hard things get, and to always approach life with integrity and purpose.
Now as a wife and mom, I carry these lessons with me every day. I strive to lead by example for my own family, demonstrating the same work ethic, determination, and faith that my parents instilled in me. Their example pushes me to go after my dreams with confidence and reminds me that with hard work, anything is possible. Everything I do is rooted in the foundation they built for me, and I am forever grateful for the values they instilled in me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__thecherryontop?igsh=MzBwdmRkYjBrc3M3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/128L3WHsRMA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cherry-dukes-a2454198
