Story & Lesson Highlights with Cheryl R. Dunbar of Irving, Texas

We recently had the chance to connect with Cheryl R. Dunbar and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl R., thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! I had a recent moment that made me both laugh and feel proud, simultaneously. My cousin Barbara and I were meeting for dinner. When she walked to the booth where I was sitting, she said I already knew you were in here because I passed two ladies talking about you. Barbara said one lady said to the other; “did you know who that was”? That was Cheryl with a C., as I’m fondly known. As I was entering the restaurant, two ladies were exiting and I held the door open for them. During this time, we said friendly hello’s and complimented each other’s shirts. She was representing the Dallas Cowboys and I had on a Fall glitter pumpkin shirt. I never thought anything of it, like them knowing who I was and I didn’t know them. So when my cousin shared that with me, it was an another moment that revealed people are watching and following me on various platforms. I have no idea where they know me from, but the reference of “Cheryl with a C” is a social media clue. While I was laughing in a fun good way, my cousin would not let me get away without feeling proud for the seeds I’ve been planting that are now blooming.

After a little break, I’m looking forward to hosting my signature event, Girl! Come Get Your ZEST Back! again and building that community. I’m also building Shopping/Dining on a Dime, where I share tips on how to look good and eat out and not break the bank.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Cheryl R. Dunbar. My brand is LemonSpirations with Cheryl, a platform that encourages people to add sugar to sour situations and turn them into sweet results.

Although, a setback is a setup for a comeback is a popular catchphrase, it is real life for me. I’m a person who has experienced several setbacks and do-overs in life. Pretty much each and every time I rebounded better.

First, I think God blessed me with a positive attitude and a generous amount of resilience. When something dark happens to me, I’m always looking for the silver lining.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional”. And I choose not to be miserable. That doesn’t mean my life is not without challenges, I just try and successfully navigate them.

Something special about my platform is that it uses lemons to spread positivity. Seems kind of like an oxymoron. We all know the first thought that comes to mind about lemons is sour and bitterness. But when people think of my platform they don’t think of sour. Countless testimonies say the first thing they think of is sweet. I love to encourage and inspire others that it’s not the lemons that life throws us, but how we squeeze them. So I guess I give them a little lemon-aid so to speak.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I credit being a military brat, spending two tours for a total of five years in Germany, under the age of twelve, for shaping how I see the world. It’s really a different life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It gave me the foundation for my broad thinking and well-roundedness.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear of failure held me back most in my life. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had many great ideas that I’ve talked myself into and out of, only to see them carried out by someone else. The what if it doesn’t work out syndrome held me captive. Thankfully, I think I’ve overcome that – for the most part – but it has taken time. And honestly, sometimes fear still pays a visit, but I press on.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say yes! A funny story I will share in short form. Awhile back a friend guy and I were talking about relationships. I told him it seemed the same things that attracted men to me were the same things they tried to tear down once we got to know one another. He told me that I had a Disney World attitude and thought life was one big adventure, but most people didn’t see the world that way. He said yeah, it’s fun to them at first, but then they realize, dang, this ain’t no act. She’s like this 24/7, 365 and they just can’t keep up. Disclaimer: not saying that it’s true but I thought it was an interesting observation. But to answer the question yes, the public version is the real me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
At this point in my life, I definitely feel that I am doing what I was born to do – encourage and inspire people to live their best lives.

It’s as if all my ups, my downs, and my crazy turnarounds has landed me here.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: CCherylwithaC
• Facebook: Cheryl R Dunbar
• Youtube: Cheryl R. Dunbar
• Other: Also on Facebook as: LemonSpirations with Cheryl