UNCOVER YOUR STYLE
Meet Cheryl Nomdarkhon, a Certified Personal Stylist and the proud owner of Uncover Your Style, based in Toronto, Ontario. With a passion for helping people dress with ease and confidence, Cheryl embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in September 2020. Her story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a deep-rooted love for fashion.
Cheryl’s path to becoming a stylist has been diverse and filled with valuable experiences. Prior to starting her business, she worked in various industries, ranging from IT and health and wellness to retail and styling. After being laid off from her role as a Personal/Professional Training & Development Manager during the early stages of the pandemic, Cheryl found herself reflecting on her future. It was during this time that a black and white photo of her late father caught her attention, evoking memories of his impeccable style and their shared shopping experiences. This nostalgic encounter with her father’s fashion influence reignited Cheryl’s love for fashion and fueled her desire to help others discover their own style sensibility.
In pursuit of her dream, Cheryl sought to refine her skills and knowledge. She enrolled in online courses at the Style Academy Int’l and obtained her certification as a personal stylist. To gain practical experience, Cheryl began by offering her services to family and friends, witnessing the transformative power of fashion and witnessing her clients’ newfound confidence. She particularly enjoyed educating her clients about finding clothing styles that complemented their unique body shapes.
“My goal is to help people dress with ease and confidence and discover their style sensibility.”
Starting a business is never without its challenges, and Cheryl faced the hurdles head-on. While some may assume that being a female entrepreneur poses significant obstacles, Cheryl’s primary challenge arose from launching her business during the pandemic. However, she remained undeterred and focused on her goal. Cheryl’s determination and passion propelled her forward, and she emerged as a resilient entrepreneur ready to make her mark in the industry.
Recognizing the importance of networking and mentorship, Cheryl actively engaged in both to foster her business growth and personal development. Attending virtual networking events during the early stages of the pandemic allowed her to connect with fellow female entrepreneurs, forging valuable connections that opened doors for collaboration and support. In addition, Cheryl found mentorship through the Style Academy Int’l and became a member of an online mentorship group called Black Women Who Style. These experiences provided her with a platform to share her challenges, receive guidance, and gain valuable insights into the business of styling.
To stay ahead in a competitive market, Cheryl embraces innovation and adaptability as vital elements of her business strategy. Even before the pandemic, she offered virtual styling services, which proved invaluable during times of physical distancing. Utilizing platforms like Zoom, Cheryl continued to provide consultations, wardrobe editing, and online shopping experiences for her clients. She also dedicates time to staying informed about fashion and business trends through online articles, ensuring that her expertise remains fresh and relevant.
“The biggest challenge was starting the business during the pandemic.”
Like any entrepreneur, Cheryl faced obstacles and setbacks throughout her journey. One notable challenge was dispelling the perception that styling services are exclusively reserved for celebrities or seen as a luxury. Educating potential clients about the value of a professional stylist and convincing them that they, too, can benefit from expert guidance posed a unique challenge. Cheryl overcame this by persistently networking and marketing herself, relying on word-of-mouth referrals to reach new clients. Her dedication and passion gradually broke down barriers and built trust within her community.
Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for Cheryl, especially as she runs a successful business. To achieve this balance, she prioritizes rest and dedicates at least one day each week to self-care and rejuvenation, refraining from booking any client appointments. Cheryl also understands the significance of mental health and incorporates meditation into her daily routine, disconnecting from her phone at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Regular exercise, whether it’s going for a walk or engaging in stretching and yoga, is another essential aspect of her self-care practice.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Cheryl has learned invaluable lessons that she believes can benefit aspiring entrepreneurs. The most significant lesson she emphasizes is the importance of asking for help and actively engaging in networking. Through networking events, she met professionals and experts who provided valuable support in building her website, creating her business logo, and developing marketing materials for social media platforms. Building and maintaining relationships with others, whether they are friends, colleagues, or fellow entrepreneurs, has been instrumental in her growth.
For young women considering entrepreneurship, Cheryl offers the following advice: start with a solid business plan. Either seek professional assistance or initiate the process yourself and have someone review it for you. Attend networking events to establish connections and seek out a mentor or mentorship group to provide guidance and accountability throughout your journey. Remember, being an entrepreneur can be daunting, and having a support system of trusted peers and colleagues is essential.
Looking ahead, Cheryl has ambitious goals and aspirations for both herself and her business. She envisions opening a styling boutique that serves as a one-stop-shop, featuring a diverse range of stylists, hair and make-up artists, and designers under one roof. Cheryl believes in creating a space where individuals feel valued and can easily access the services they need. Furthermore, she aims to expand her reach, potentially starting a podcast and giving back to the community by volunteering to help young professionals entering the workforce enhance their appearance and confidence.
Cheryl Nomdarkhon’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of personal style. With Uncover Your Style, Cheryl continues to make a lasting impact by helping individuals embrace their uniqueness, empowering them to face the world with confidence, one outfit at a time.
“Being a solopreneur or entrepreneur can be daunting, and you can’t do everything alone. Find peers or colleagues whom you trust.”
