Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cheryl Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cheryl, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Everyone has a purpose and finding it gives our unique presence in this time and space, meaning. Purpose and I first became aware of each other when I left Inglewood, California, my hometown to attend college in San Fernando Valley, California. I can still recall how I felt as I walked into first-year students orientation seeing no one who looked like me, thinking “What have you done?” My inner voice encouraged me to walk over to a young lady who had a similar expression on her face and introduce myself. I did and uncovered a jewel of a friendship. I did not know then the power of purpose and how it guides your life. But in this very scary moment, I took my first step toward it by listening to my inner voice.
I recently concluded a thirty plus year career in tax auditing and accounting with the Federal government. I got the job as an internship in my sophomore year in college and was offered a full-time position upon graduation. Finding purpose is like this. You listen to your inner voice, trust when it says, ‘go for it’ and know that there is a divine purpose giving each step meaning. When I finished my civil service career, my plan was to leave business completely and focus on my charitable work and being a mom. But, one afternoon about four months into my sabbatical a neighbor approached me in my father’s driveway. After catching up, he proceeded to explain that he needed to replace the bookkeeper in his medical practice. Purpose had found me again. I quieted myself and listened to my inner voice. We worked out an amicable schedule and with the doctor’s encouragement, I started a bookkeeping business. Today, I have clients encompassing nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and seniors (legacy transitioning).
I have had countless angels (people) criss crossing my path and traveling through life with me. Teachers, parents, friends, colleagues, family friends, friends of friends, and total strangers who have helped me to accomplish my goals and continue my dreams. In fact, being considered for this interview is another example of how purpose touched someone on my behalf to encourage me to continue following my entrepreneurial dream. I always want to be someone who empowers others by sharing knowledge, tools, and lessons learned. I have found my purpose in doing this as an entrepreneur and a faithpreneur. Looking back over my life, I see a divine thread that has knitted my journeys together like a tapestry. Finding purpose gives the tapestry of my life meaning.
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?
I stepped into the entrepreneurial space as a Life Purpose & Discovery Coach launching my business, Mindset Divine Coaching & Consulting. I designed a 90-day program to move a product or service from concept to implementation. After some years of working with solopreneurs and micropreneurs (small businesses with less than 5 employees), I began to see a weakness undermining their growth and success; they were unprepared to maintain the day-to-day business responsibilities i.e., bookkeeping, recordkeeping, contracts, and filings. I expanded my business by starting Windom Davis Personal Business Solutions to provide bookkeeping services including monthly account reconciliations, quarterly financial reviews, Excel pivot tables for annual budgeting analysis, and accounts payable. I work with tax preparers at the year-end in preparation for income tax filings, but I do not prepare tax returns. I am currently engaged in discussions to expand my team to include cybersecurity seminars. I work primarily by referral which enables me and the client to have a mutual level of trust and confidence from the onset. To learn more visit MindsetDivineCoachingandConsulting.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, don’t get locked into a vision rather remain open to embrace the wonder of purposeful living. Second, trust yourself. You have to be your own cheerleader. Having the support of others is wonderful but never diminishes your own voice and self-confidence. And lastly, live in grace, meaning don’t be too hard on yourself. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes and move forward.
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?
Both of my parents were college graduates and they earned advanced degrees. My dad was one of the first Black Certified Public Accountants working for the IRS in the early 1960’s. My mom was a defense contract administrator which was like an auditor. They were kind, loving, and giving people of faith. My mom passed away March 29, 2019. In her honor, I started a faith-based nonprofit organization named the Celestine Foundation. We bring together caregivers and professionals who work with individuals living with chronic illnesses to share knowledge and lessons learned. You can learn more by visiting CelestineFoundation.org. The most impactful thing that my parents did for me was give me permission to be myself. They allowed me to explore faith and to grow into my belief system. Faith is valuable especially when you find it for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: MindsetDivine.com
- Instagram: Mindset_Divine
- Facebook: Mindset Divine Coaching and Consulting
- Linkedin: Cheryl Windom
Image Credits
images were compiled in CANVA.
