Meet Cherish Mullins | Small Business Owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cherish Mullins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherish, what role has risk played in your life or career?
A risk is a factor, thing, element, or course that could cause harm or loss. If you are afraid of the unknown, you might feel cautious or unhinged when considering doing something different or the thought of change in general. Life does present us with obstacles, but taking on new challenges and ventures makes you braver and brings forth new opportunities. In my experience, taking necessary risks and leaps of faith are the keys to overcoming our fears and reaching outside our comfort zones. I abruptly moved to NC in 2014 at the age of 21 with no clarity on what I wanted to do with my life at the time, so I decided to make a change. I enrolled in KJCC and graduated from Job Corps with my CMAA certification. I began a job working at an animal hospital shortly after as a receptionist, where I would eventually become a Veterinary nurse for going on now 7 years. Also, I am now going into year 2 of managing my own business. When I first began considering going into entrepreneurship, I went down every rabbit hole I could to figure out where to begin. Frankly, I still don’t have it all quite figured out, but I do have faith and know my thoughts and a positive mindset helps construct my reality. A few years ago, I never would’ve imagined that I would be writing my now 4th or 5th feature listening to “Classical Music for Brain Power by Mozart Beethoven for inspiration, let alone be a small business owner. In the last few years, I have taken plenty of risks sporadically, and some calculated however, no matter which route I chose, the result always turned out for the best. It has also helped me grow, not only in my career but also personally. I no longer live in a state of fear or anxiousness, I’ve learned not to stress or fret over things and situations I can’t control. I’ve been there, done that and I’m onto a continued brighter future with consistent positivity and standing firm on completing my goals. In life, if you want something you never had before, that often means doing something you’ve never done to make that happen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want the world to know that I’m just a woman from a small town with big dreams and big shoes to fill. I came up from nothing and I am making something and someone out of myself. If you were to ask me where I see myself in a few years, I’d say: I’m at a place that I wouldn’t have dared to think possible before. It may not all happen according to my plan, but I know that it will. In fact, it already has. In those times that I feel stuck, I remind myself that at some point in my past, I was manifesting the life I’m currently living. I often times focus so much on my future and my goals, that I often forget to acknowledge the present and how far I’ve already come. My entire mindset and being as a person has changed over the last several years and I continue to evolve. I’ve overcome many challenges and many obstacles that have molded me into the woman I am today. I’ve suffered great loss and trauma but I am now learning how to use that pain as my strength. There was a time when I was in such a dark place mentally, that I didn’t think I was going to make it. I want to inspire and show others that there is nothing in this world you can’t overcome. As long as you put god first and do what’s best for you there is nothing holding you back except for you. I had to fail a million times by doubting myself in order to see progress from trusting myself. Honestly, when it comes to my brand, that brand is still being written. I am a jill of all trades, and I haven’t even begun scratching the surface. Being a Veterinary nurse and a small business owner is just a slither of who I am. I am very versatile and there are different levels, and sides to me. I have many things that I find interesting and I have many projects in the works and I want to start showing more of those to the forefront. This business is my baby, but it is just one of the many dreams I am bringing to fruition. This is a starting point that allows me to continue living life exploring my passions, creativity, and the motivation to continue pushing myself past new limits and new goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I don’t get out very often, but on the rare occasions that I do, I love to get dolled up and hit the town. There are many spots that you can visit in uptown that have restaurants, bars, and even hookah lounges if you want nightlife. I personally enjoy going out during the daytime grabbing a nice lunch and going to an outdoor setting to take pictures or going for a nice stroll afterward. Two of my favorite lunch spots in Charlotte are Flower Child, and Ferns, Flowers of the Garden. Both locations have a great aesthetic as well as a variety of vegan options. There is also the boardwalk in University which is somewhat like an outdoor strip with several restaurants and a nice trail that you can walk on or rent a paddle boat on the water. I always make my way to that area and grab some Boba Tea from Fruiti Cup when I need my tea fix. I do most of my cooking at home, but when I want to grab something quickly, I grab a falafel wrap from Peno Medertarrian Grill or a falafel bowl at Cava The great thing about living in Charllote is that we are constantly expanding. I’ve been here going on 9 years, and there is still so much I have yet to explore. That makes the days that I do get out even more exciting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my beloved fur baby and forever companion, Gentle. Not only is he the name behind my business, but he is also the inspiration. He was a brown Golden Retriever mix who was my soulmate. He was a family dog who came into our lives when I was just a teenager, as a rescue. I took ownership of Gentle after my mother passed away in 2019, and he began living with me. I had already been in the Veterinary Field for a few years, so I knew the kind of care he would need that my mom always gave him. He passed away at 13 on March 9, 2021. He had been showing signs of discomfort a few months prior, and after doing all of the necessary testing, he was not improving. His doctors tried putting him on a prescription diet and daily medications, but his condition remained unchanged. We always had a spiritual connection and always knew what the other felt. He tried to stay strong for me for as long as he could, but despite all my efforts, along with his doctors, I couldn’t prolong his suffering and watch him decline with old age. I asked Gentle when he was ready to stop fighting, I would let him go. A few days later, he stopped eating and told me it was time. After I lost my mom, I went through a severe depression that I never would’ve made it out of without him. He gave me reason and a purpose to go about my days. I enjoyed spoiling him immensely and giving him the best life I could at the time. I’d do almost anything to have him back, but I know he is always rooting for me. I find comfort in knowing he is at peace and free from pain. After he ascended, I went to our favorite park a few days later and told him I didn’t know what to do moving forward, but I had to do something to honor him and keep his memory alive. Gen presented the idea of combining my love for him and my compassion for caring for animals into a business. On July 12, 2021, Gentle Express Grooming & Pet Care LLC was created. I promised Gentle to keep his name and memory alive, and I’ll live up to that promise forever. I will love you always, Gentle. Thank you for everything. This one is for you.

Website: http://www.gentleexpresspetcare.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cherishjesine_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherishjesine/

Image Credits
Ariel Von Photography