
She Looks Like Me
By Simone Cheri
Your host, Simone Cheri, is a 7-year Digital Brand Strategist, Graphic and Web Designer and Ecommerce Founder.

She Looks Like MeJun 22, 2022

Recapping Season 2: Trusting, Knowing, and Growing... What's Next?
Season 2 is officially in the books and it's been such a joy documenting my #remotework and #travel journey while continuing to share the stories and expertise of some v. litty black women across industries. I'm excited to recap the goodness of this season, share some feedback from this beautiful tribe of listeners, and give you the first sneak peek into a new thing I'm working on to help more black women business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs make global connections, scale their businesses, and lead their best life.
For first access to these new programs and events, sign up at simonecheri.com/join.

Protect Your Brand and Your Peace: A Holistic Approach to Life for High Achievers w/ Lerae Funderburg
Today's guest is Lerae Funderburg, an Attorney & Wellness Coach who protects brands and energies through her legal practice and holistic wellness company Elevate Legally. On today's episode we get the legal basics 101 version of what you should be thinking of when starting or running a business. Lerae also shares the personal journey that led her to founding her wellness company in addition to her legal practice, and the importance of releasing the baggage of what no longer or never has served you, so you can show up in the world as all that you truly are.
To learn more about Lerae's businesses or to inquire about legal services, connect with her on Instagram @zenlawyermommy.

You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup: How to Advocate For Yourself and Move Past Limiting Beliefs w/ Dr. Candace Holmes
The joy of unexpected connections is very real and today's guest, Dr. Candace Holmes, is no exception. What started as a casual connection at a networking event in Buckhead turned into a new village member whose on a mission to help others heal naturally. Dr. Holmes is a Natural Brain Focus & Attention Specialist and CEO of BrainCore of Duluth Neurofeedback... on this episode we talk about A LOT but the quick digest version of our conversation is centered in advocating for yourself and getting support on your quest for greatness. We also discuss how neurofeedback can assist those dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental challenges... AND we wrap up by addressing the subject of dream killers -- how to identify them, what to do about them and the healing process of recovering from a season (or lifetime) of dealing with negative people or having negative experiences.
For more information about neurofeedback and the work Dr. Holmes is doing to help her patients, visit braincoreofduluth.com or follow her business on Instagram @braincoreofduluth.

Protecting Our Legacies: Estate Planning 101 for Black Families w/ Jala Eaton
Raise your hand if you felt triggered by the character Molly's journey on HBO's Insecure (Season 5) in trying to help her parents through estate planning and they were just not having it?! Oh, the resistance. The invincibility. I meannn... It's me, lol... I'm the person who was triggered. But on a serious note, more than 70% of Black Americans don't have a will. We've heard the stories of celebs like Chadwick Boseman, Aretha Franklin and Prince not having estate plans in place, but what about our own families? The implications of this mean we're, as a whole, missing out on the largest wealth transfer in history. So grateful for Jala Eaton, a generational wealth expert and Founder of On My Own Financial and J. Eaton Law, PC., whose on a mission to empower black communities across the nation to build and protect their wealth in non-traditional ways. As a writer, professor, award winning certified trust and fiduciary advisor, and trust and estates attorney in California, Jala's mission is to close the racial wealth gap. She was so gracious to join me on this episode to share the tip of the iceberg of what it looks like to begin the estate planning process, how to navigate these difficult conversations within the family, why it's so important to plan before something happens and so much more.
For additional resources and content to help you navigate the estate planning journey for yourself or other family members, be sure to check out www.onmyownfinancial.com or follow Jala on Instagram @yourwealthbestfriend. Thank you, Jala!

The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Ourselves w/ Dayana Cadet
Anyone else ready to break up with the parts of their personal narrative that keep you playing small and not standing in the power of all that you are? **raises hand** I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with Certified Clarity Coach Dayana Cadet, Founder of I See You Sis. On this episode we talk about limiting beliefs, where they come from, and how to overcome them. Dayana also shares what her personal journey was like going from a self-proclaimed "shy" person to a professional speaker. If you're ready to take an honest look at the way you think and feel about yourself, and lay to rest any perspectives you've held about yourself that no longer serve you, this is a must-listen.
For support with emotional clarity, be sure to connect with Dayana at iseeyousis.co or on Instagram at i.see.you.sis.

Healing Through Physical and Mental Mindfulness w/ Oyah Kheperu
This episode is extra special because physical fitness and mental mindfulness has personally been lifechanging on this entrepreneurial journey for me. I'm excited to have Oyah Kheperu, Founder of WellKhep, join me to talk about her personal journey from employee to business owner. We got a chance to talk about the benefits of physical fitness, managing the resistance to consistently being active, and the connection between the physical and mental aspects of ourselves. We also chatted about Oyah's personal experience with sound therapy and the power it has in healing from the inside out. ANDDD, as a bonus, Oyah was so gracious to share a 15(ish) minute sound bath experience at the end of the episode... so light a candle, find a comfy seat and prepare to feel the vibrations... thank you Oyah!
Be sure to connect with Oyah on Instagram @wellkhep.

Flying High at the World's Busiest Airport w/ Jai Ferrell
I'm excited to welcome Jai Ferrell, Assistant General Manager of Commercial Development & Head of Marketing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). On this episode, we dive into her journey from her upbringing as an Atlanta native to her present day role at the world's busiest airport. Her light is infectious, her support is very real, and as her star continues to rise she remains committed to pouring into those that seek her counsel. Jai shares some of the pivotal moments in her career, the value of networking across over networking up, and changing your perspective on dark seasons (like getting laid off). This episode is for you if you're ready to make the choice to not be defeated and instead get up to try again, or if you need a little encouragement to know you're not alone and it will get better as long as you continue to move through the world in your uniqueness and light.
Follow Jai on social media @JaiFerrell or check out her website flywithjai.com. Thanks, Jai!

Run Your Race and Do All The Things: Part 2 with Delisha Grant
In the second installment of my chat with Delisha Grant — corporate attorney, host of December 26er podcast and speaker — we talk about what it means to do 'all the things.' On this episode we talk about discovering (and re-discovering) your voice after valley moments, what doing all the things looks like when navigating life and loss, and how to do what you can until you have the capacity to do more.
This is the episode for you if you're going through it and need a little encouragement to see your way through trying times... we've got you, sis!

Run Your Race and Do All The Things: Part 1 with Delisha Grant
Whoever said entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart was right! I got a chance to connect with Delisha Grant, a corporate attorney, podcast host and speaker, to talk about the importance of defining success for yourself and your life, the ebb and flow of starting your own business and what it means to run your unique race and be all that you are meant to be in the world. In part 1, Delisha shares her post-college journey into entrepreneurship and what that experience looked like for her as a black woman in business. If comparison to others is stealing your joy or you just need encouragement to know you're not alone, this is the episode for you.
Follow Delisha on Instagram @delishajgrant and be sure to check our December 26er podcast @december26er

And The Category Is... New Season, New Adventures and (still) Black Girl Magic
Season 2 is here! We're back and I'm excited to start my sophomore season with you and share what I've been up to since the end of season 1. We're talking words of intention, life epiphanies, and doing THE WORK to manifest opportunities that align with our desires. I'm also up to a new thing that has me in these #InternationalStreets, living my best black girl traveling life and making an impact within a startup company. Wanna know where in the world is Monie San Diego? Tune in to hear where I've been for the last month and where I'm headed next... it's lit!

We Made It! Reflecting on Season 1 of SLLM
Just 10 episodes ago, this show was all a dream. On the season finale, I'm sharing my high and low of this experience, what I've learned (or re-learned) during the process and revisiting my top 3 favorite guest moments.
Special thank you to each guest whose unique perspectives blessed this space, brought the best energy and dropped gems we can all use a little more of. Thank you to every person that helped in bringing She Looks Like Me to Life: my podcast coach bae @SoaInspired, theme music by @JuztPlay, vocals by @KeyonneStar, and @heyheathermae on the artwork.
Season 2 coming soon!

Profiting From Your Purpose w/ Averri Simone
Are you skilled at something that comes so naturally to you, it barely feels like something special at all? My guest Averri Simone, Founder of Black Women Moguls, and I got a chance to talk about the journey of discovering your purpose and creating a profitable business using the innate skills and passions already within you.
On this episode we talk about:
How to discover your deepest desires by defining your ideal lifestyle Building a business that fits into your dream life instead of building a life around your business How tapping into your childhood can help uncover the patterns of your natural giftsBe sure to follow Averri Simone and the Black Women Moguls brand @blackwomenmoguls on social or by visiting blackwomenmoguls.com.

It Starts With You: Centering Yourself in the New Year w/ Dr. Gimel Rogers
It's a new year! After the rollercoaster that was 2020 we need all the new, feel-good vibes. Many of us are looking for ways to find balance in our lives, relationships, careers and within ourselves. Maybe you've been overthinking, overreacting, or overperforming, and the concepts of peace and calm seem just out of reach or unfamiliar altogether.
If you're anything like me, you always welcome some sage advice, and our first guest of 2021 did just that! Dr. Gimel Rogers, Psy.D., ABPP is a licensed therapist and is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. We got the opportunity to discuss all things mind, body and spirit in the name of finding your center, getting grounded and living your best life (on your terms) in the new year..
On this episode, we talk about:
The 4 signs someone lacks centeredness and share helpful tips to regain your center and discover balance again The importance of putting your mental state first and what taking care of your mind, body and spirit ACTUALLY looks like Strengthening your mind to strengthen your discipline so you can become more intrinsically motivated to do the things you love Identifying the big vs. small bags in your life and knowing what's worth your energy (Spoiler alert: Ms. Badu already told us, all you must hold onto is you) Responding vs. reacting and staying centered when people or circumstances are seemingly getting in the way of your greatness Why saying affirmations out loud can have a greater impact than simply reading them to yourselfTo connect with and stay informed on the latest in Dr. Rogers' world or either of her brands, F.I.R.E. Igniting Lives and One Temple Fitness, follow her @_f1r3 on social platforms or visit 7fire8.com.

Preserve Thy Self: What It Means, What It Doesn’t and Tools for the Self-Preservation Journey w/ Gabrielle Morton
Today's guest, Gabrielle Morton, is a trauma-informed licensed therapist whose challenging us to consider how we define self-preservation. As black women, we're historically known for putting everyone and everything before our own needs. Couple that with life experiences, childhood traumas and generational patterns, and you've got a whole case for booking your next therapy session. As the curator of safe spaces for Black women navigating the process of healing the relationship they have with themselves, Gabrielle helps us look at how we've looked at self-preservation in the past, what it really is vs. what it's not, and how it manifests in our bodies and relationships. We also talk about a few tools for your mental health toolbox that can help you preserve yourself during challenging moments in your life and in business.
Stay connected with Gabrielle online @iamgabriellemorton on social, consider supporting her nonprofit @culturalkinks and if you need someone to talk to — insert, a black woman who gets it — visit gabriellemorton.com.
Thanks your energy, Gee!

Partnerships, Pivots and Profits as Told by a Beauty Boss w/ Tiffini Gatlin
Imagine going from a corporate role in banking leadership to creating a business that brings in per month what you used to make in year? This week's guest did just that, making the transition from her role as Assistant Vice President of Consumer and Small Business Banking at Bank of America into her first creative endeavor, the Atlanta Go To Girl. Nearly 11 years later, Tiffini Gatlin -- now the Founder and CEO of Latched + Hooked Beauty -- recently celebrated the first six-figure year in her business... in a pandemic... as a black woman-owned business (when "they" said 40% of us wouldn't be in operation after this year). On this episode, I got to sit down with Tiffini to talk about her road from corporate to creative entrepreneur, what she's learned along the way, and how she approaches challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Tune in for an inspirational story on what it looks like when you don't give up, lean in to your natural talents and lead with pure intentions as you solve problems for the community you serve.
To stay connected with Tiffini, follow her @TiffiniGatlin across social platforms and make sure to support @LatchedNHooked this holiday season! #ShopBlackOwned

A Glam CEO's Guide to Public Relations and Working with a Publicist w/ Lillie Mae Williams
Fellow Carolina native Lillie Mae Williams is a 10-year veteran in the PR industry and Founder of the Glambitious brand -- and GlamCEO.com --, a platform for entrepreneurs to secure exposure opportunities and educational tools to help them accomplish their dreams. We got a chance to catch up and talk about how a series of career layoffs motivated Lillie Mae to start her own business, her perspective on the PR game and how things have changed from when she first started her career as a PR strategist more than a decade ago. We also spend some time talking about the benefits of hiring an experienced Publicist, what to expect and consider, and Lillie drops several DIY GEMS if you're not quite ready to add to your team but want to get some momentum going for your business.
Lillie Mae has shared her expertise on platforms including Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, TMZ Live, Huffington Post and XoNecole, among others, and she was even a cast member on Netflix's popular reality dating show 'Love Is Blind.' Now she's sitting down with me to share her knowledge of public relations and our shared belief in a strong PR strategy for your business.
To stay connected with Lillie Mae and the Glambitious brand visit TheGlamCEO.com or follow @GlambitiousIAM and @iamLillieMae on social platforms.

Your Story Matters: A Crash Course in Self-Publishing w/ April Sheris
Have you ever wanted to share your story or expertise through storytelling?
Maybe you've had a book idea but you're not sure how to get started?
On the fourth episode of She Looks Like Me, April Sheris and I discuss the importance of sharing our stories and how they can be healing and helpful for both the writer and their audience. We talk about the major differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, celebrating the small wins along the way, what to expect when working with an editor and how brand partnerships can build relationships and create unique avenues to promote your book. As the Founder of Upland Avenue Productions, April shares why she recommends self-publishing to those she works with and how her brand, Books Are the New Rich, supports self-publishing authors through resources, community and support on the journey.
For literary marketing tips and the latest in publishing trends, follow April @aprilsheris and Books Are the New Rich @BooksAreTheNewRich across social platforms.

Finding Tribe and Curating the Energy Around You w/ Malkia 'Milk' Hornsby
How are the people in your circle adding to your life? How are you adding to theirs?
In this episode, I have a heartwarming conversation with my dear friend -- Kenyan-American beauty, wife, mom, and 1/2 of 2x Grammy Award Winning, Multi-Platinum husband and wife production duo Milk + Sizz -- Malkia Hornsby about the importance of tribe and navigating self-awareness, healing and leading with love on the journey to finding community. We discuss challenges we've experienced along the way in finding tribe, setting boundaries that create healthy relationships and protect your peace, what to consider when going into business with friends and when it may be time to shift away from unhealthy relationships that don't serve where you're headed.
To keep up with Milk and all of the amazing things she's always up to, follow her at @milknsizz on social media platforms.

Start That Sh*t Anyway w/ Shawntel Asemota White
On episode 2 of #SLLM, we're encouraging you to get started!
Along with special guest, Shawntel Asemota White, we're diving into the importance of starting projects fueled by the things you're passionate about and sharing actionable habits you can incorporate into your routine to position yourself for success. If you've been looking for a nudge to start that thing you can't stop thinking about or the idea that keeps you up at night, this episode is for you.
It's time for you to start that -ish!
About the guest: Shawntel Asemota White is a leader in experiential marketing and project management with over 12 years experience in large scale event productions and community programs. After working with some notable corporations, brands, celebrities, and organizations, she made the decision to transform lives and small businesses by becoming a Wellness Coach and Business Strategist equipping entrepreneurs with mindfulness techniques and business strategies so they can confidently launch successful businesses and be well. She is the creator of The Soa Inspired Podcast which shares transparent stories of entrepreneurship, candid interviews with influencers, and wellness tips with the hopes that listeners will find inspiration to be well and be better. When she’s not consulting or coaching, Shawntel enjoys soaking up the local culture, reading, and finding joy in everyday moments in Atlanta with her husband and daughter Jayla.
You can find her online @soainspired and @thesoabrand on all social media platforms.

Who Is Simone Cheri?
SLLM is live! In this first episode, I'm sharing a bit about who I am, the inspiration behind the podcast and what to expect on future episodes. She Looks Like Me will feature guest interviews with amazing black women and women of color who are pursuing their passions and living life on their own terms.