Most people admit that love is wonderful and necessary. And yet, no one can agree on what it is. The problem is, when we don't have a working definition for something, people can do great things or horrible things in its name.

And that's exactly what has happened in our world. Our lack of defining what love is has led us to use it in such a sloppy way that it eventually means almost nothing.

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Ideally, our family is meant to provide a foundational definition of what love is when we are children. They model it for us in both action and intention. Demonstrating affection, care, respect, commitment, trust, honest and open communication, and last but not least, the ability to see and be seen by another. This definition of love is VITAL because it encompasses every type of relationship: business, romantic, friendship, and family.

But what happens when the definition of love modeled for a child contains abuse? Where they are shamed verbally or physically? Emotionally neglected? Exploited? Manipulated?

Even if there were moments of care, delight, and affection, abuse and neglect are, by definition, the opposite of nurturance and care. Thus, it is reasonable to state that abuse and love cannot coexist. And yet, for these children, love and abuse become enmeshed.

For most of these children, many of the negative practices they were subjected to in childhood continue in their romantic adult relationships. Cheri was one of them.

She endured two domestically violent marriages that employed every kind of abuse under the sun.

Until one day, when Cheri could no longer overlook the dysfunction and abuse by focusing good moments. Instead, Cheri grabbed her three beautiful children by the hand and broke free from all the abusive people in her life.​

The three traditional periods of a woman’s life are the maiden, the mother, and the matriarch. Sadly, mothers have a tendency to hang on to the role of mother as caretaker for too long, or longingly look back on their time as the maiden, instead of looking forward to their life as a matriarch.

This is unfortunate because THE LIFE STAGE OF MATRIARCH CAN BE THE MOST CREATIVE, FREEING, AND REWARDING OF ALL THREE STAGES OF A WOMAN’S LIFE. This is when a woman learns to know herself the best, grows strong in self-confidence, and is the most willing to challenge or disregard what she does not care for or believe in. And, that's exactly what Cheri did.

Simply Elegant by Cheri began in July of 2018. The first store was 1,200 sq. feet and Cheri was the only employee. She handled every bridal appointment, all shipments, and all communications with clients and designers. Every social media post, every email, every phone call, every sale was HER.

This was not just a time, effort, and financial commitment but an emotional one as well. Cheri had to consistently keep her own fears and anxieties in check so as not to limit the growth of her child, the store.

Within 3 months, Simply Elegant by Cheri hired their second employee.

In the early stages of letting go, a mother can struggle with losing her role as she knows it, but seeing her business baby grow wings, and the promise of enjoying her new freedom as a matriarch is a tremendous reward. Because of her attunement with her clients and employees, Cheri embodied the boldness and bravery necessary to do it.

Eventually we grew out of our old building and we bought the one we are currently in. It started out at 6,500 sq ft. We are humbled and thankful to say that post COVID, we were still able to add on another 1,500 sq ft. And just added another 1,500 sq ft in 2023. Our store now equals a grand total of 9,500 sq feet and our family, the SE family, has grown to include 11 others. All thanks to Cheri.