Growing up in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of Jamaica, Cherie Williams was imbued with the spirit of resilience and determination that defines her Caribbean heritage. Cherie’s journey from a small island girl to a successful entrepreneur and mother has been a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and remarkable experiences. Today, she is proud to share her story, hoping it inspires other women in the Caribbean to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
My childhood was deeply influenced by my parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. My father, a dedicated mechanic taught me the importance of dedication and skill. I remember spending hours in his workshop, watching him fix cars and absorbing his meticulous attention to detail. This instilled in me a respect for hard work and the importance of doing a job well. My mother, balancing work with raising us, exemplified resilience and adaptability. She always encouraged me to follow my passions, setting the foundation for my future endeavors.
From a young age, athletics played a significant role in my life. My mother recognized my love for running at the age of three when I would race down the street with boundless energy, given I had short legs, but speedy I was indeed, Bolt had nothing on me. She supported me wholeheartedly, enrolling me in track and field. I later added netball to my activities, playing well into my 30s. Sports taught me discipline and teamwork. For instance, I recall a netball championship where our team was trailing at halftime. Our coach’s strategic changes and our collective determination turned the game around, leading us to victory. These experiences became invaluable as I faced life’s challenges, particularly when I migrated to the United States at 17.
Living independently at such a young age was daunting. I arrived in the United States with a suitcase and a heart full of dreams. I navigated the complexities of higher education while raising my children, paying my own way through my bachelor’s degree and subsequently my MBA. Balancing late-night study sessions and early morning school drop-offs required immense resilience and time management. But every challenge fortified my resolve to succeed.
Motherhood brought immense joy and new dimensions to my life. My four children are my greatest inspiration. I remember nights spent soothing a teething baby while reviewing accounting principles for an exam the next day. Balancing the demands of raising a family while pursuing my professional ambitions has been challenging but deeply rewarding. I strive to create a nurturing environment for my children, one where they feel supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
While working in the corporate world, I identified a significant gap in the market for reliable and client-focused tax and accounting services. This realization led to the birth of FIRM1040 in 2009. Starting from my basement with just six clients, I juggled building my business with my corporate responsibilities and raising my family. One memory stands out vividly: preparing tax returns on the dining table after tucking my children into bed. FIRM1040 grew steadily, thanks to my dedication and the support of my loved ones. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work, serving a diverse clientele with a commitment to excellence and personalized service.
Years later, another opportunity presented itself. The idea for Veekle came out of a personal frustration while renting a car in Jamaica. Determined to support locals, I found the process cumbersome and inefficient. One particularly frustrating experience at the airport, where I had to wait three hours for a rental car, sparked the realization that there had to be a better way. Veekle emerged as the Caribbean’s first peer-to-peer car renting platform, aimed at making car rentals safe, convenient, and smooth while empowering local car owners to earn extra income. As a female entrepreneur, securing funding and being taken seriously in a male-dominated industry are significant hurdles. I often found myself being the only woman in the room, having to prove my capabilities repeatedly. At one investors’ meeting, I was grilled on my financial projections, and the thought that someone like me would understand certain concepts was surprising to many. To overcome these challenges, I relied on the resilience, determination, and strategic thinking I developed through my life experiences. Building a strong support network was crucial. Mentors provided guidance and encouragement, helping me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Balancing the demands of running a business with personal and family life requires clear communication, time management, and setting boundaries. My husband and I work as a team, ensuring that we make time for each other and our children. Our home is a place of warmth, love, and encouragement, despite our busy schedules. I remember a particularly hectic month when both Veekle and FIRM1040 had major projects due. My husband stepped in, handling more of the household duties, and reminding me of the importance of partnership and mutual support.
Mentorship and networking have been pivotal in my success. Building and nurturing relationships with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals has provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities. I actively seek out networking events and mentorship programs and believe in the power of giving back. Mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, is something I am passionate about. I recall mentoring a young woman who was hesitant to start her own business. Guiding her through her business plan and seeing her launch her successful venture was deeply fulfilling.
To other women looking to start their own businesses or advance their careers, my advice is simple: believe in yourself and your vision. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek out mentors, and never be afraid to ask for help. Be resilient and adaptable and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The path to success is rarely linear, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals.
Looking ahead, I see a bright future for female entrepreneurs. The landscape is evolving, with more resources and support systems becoming available. I hope to see increased access to funding for women-led businesses and a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By supporting and uplifting each other, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future.
Beyond my roles as a wife and mother, I am passionate about giving back to the community. One of the initiatives closest to my heart is supporting the Franklyn Town community development project. I’ve worked alongside residents to improve living conditions in the area. The dedication of everyone involved is truly inspiring. Another significant aspect of my charitable work is my commitment to helping children displaced by hurricanes in Jamaica. Natural disasters can devastate lives, and for children, the loss of a sense of belonging and identity is particularly hard. My efforts focus on providing essentials, including clothing and school supplies, to help these young ones regain a sense of normalcy.
As a woman in tech, I am passionate about encouraging more girls to pursue careers in STEM. Speaking at the Girls in ICT 2024 Crea+her Hackathon Awards Ceremony allowed me to share my experiences and connect with aspiring young ICT entrepreneurs. Empowering young women to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams is a cause I hold dear. Looking ahead, I am excited about the future. On a personal level, I continue to strive for balance. Being a mother, wife, and advocate requires constant juggling, but it is a role I cherish deeply. My family remains my rock, and their support is the foundation of my success.
To all the women reading this, I want to say:
Dream big and work hard. The path to success is rarely smooth, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Embrace your journey, celebrate your milestones, and never forget the power of community and giving back. The Caribbean is brimming with talent and potential, and together, we can create a future filled with innovation, prosperity, and empowerment. My story is just one of many, but I hope it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Let us continue to support each other, break barriers, and rise above challenges. Together, we can achieve greatness.
Follow Cherie Williams: IG | Veekle
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