PleaseNotes
Cheryl Sutherland has embarked on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and transformation. Her entrepreneurial venture began when she realized there was more to life than her 9-to-5 job, which left her feeling unfulfilled. Drawing from her deep-rooted passion for personal growth and empowerment, Cheryl decided to create a company that would empower women to embrace their true potential and find confidence, clarity, and creativity within themselves.
Having spent over 2000+ hours in the realms of personal development, coaching, and reigniting her inner creativity, Cheryl founded PleaseNotes – a brand dedicated to transforming lives through self-affirmation and positive mindset shifts. Her journey kicked off with a simple yet impactful product, the PleaseNotes Sticky Note, which resonated with people worldwide. Subsequently, the brand expanded, encompassing a suite of products catered to individuals from Spain, UK, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Cheryl’s passion for making a difference goes beyond her products, as she now engages in keynote presentations and workshops, helping people rediscover themselves and become the best version of themselves.
“Believe in yourself, embrace authenticity, and let positive action create ripples of empowerment in your life and beyond.” – Cheryl Sutherland
Cheryl’s inspiration to start her own business came from a desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, aligning her personal values with a purpose-driven venture. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges, as she encountered self-doubt and negative self-talk, which she eventually conquered by recognizing that those barriers weren’t reflective of her true potential. As a Black female entrepreneur, Cheryl faced additional hurdles due to stereotypes and a lack of representation, but she rose above these obstacles, proving that success knows no boundaries.
At PleaseNotes, Cheryl and her team are dedicated to empowering individuals and nurturing a culture of self-love, gratitude, and personal growth. The PleaseNotes Clarity Journal, a luxurious guided journal, is one of their flagship products, encouraging individuals to cultivate a positive mindset and overcome challenges. Their product range also includes affirmation cards, sticky notes, pens, online courses, and more, creating an environment of daily empowerment reminders.
For Cheryl, success as an entrepreneur isn’t just about financial achievements. Instead, it’s about witnessing the transformative impact of her work on people’s lives. Helping others step into their potential and live fulfilling lives fuels her passion and purpose. To achieve success, Cheryl stays resilient in the face of setbacks, maintains a positive mindset, remains open to continuous learning, and thrives on collaboration and networking with like-minded individuals.
Through PleaseNotes, Cheryl not only aims to empower individuals but also strives to promote diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the wellness space. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment for people from all backgrounds and identities, she seeks to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of those she touches.
“Unlock your full potential and live a life you love. Cheryl Sutherland’s journey inspires us to embrace our true selves and make a difference in the world.”
Networking and mentorship have been pivotal in Cheryl Sutherland’s entrepreneurial growth and development. She acknowledges the power of connections and believes that trying to navigate the business world alone can be unnecessarily challenging. Networking provides opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who genuinely care about one’s success, fostering collaborations and word-of-mouth marketing that can be incredibly effective. While Cheryl didn’t find a mentor doing exactly what she wanted to achieve, she emphasizes the importance of having the right coach. Working with a coach who understands her goals and helps her embrace her natural gifts and talents has been a transformative experience, challenging her in ways she hadn’t previously explored.
Innovation and adaptability are essential aspects of PleaseNotes’ continued success in a competitive market. Cheryl’s team remains attentive to their clients’ needs and feedback, ensuring they continuously provide value and relevant products and services. By staying in tune with their target audience, PleaseNotes stays ahead in an ever-changing landscape, adapting their offerings to meet the evolving demands of their clientele.
Cheryl has faced various obstacles and setbacks throughout her entrepreneurial journey, with the most significant being her internal struggles. Overcoming self-imposed limitations and challenging herself has been an ongoing process. Moreover, she has dealt with issues such as unpaid invoices and choosing to rebrand or pivot her business. However, through a resilient mindset and an unwavering belief in her vision, Cheryl has managed to push forward and grow her business despite the challenges.
In terms of social and environmental initiatives, PleaseNotes actively supports mental health advocacy initiatives and empowerment for women. Destigmatizing mental wellness, particularly in the BIPOC community, is a cause close to Cheryl’s heart. By partnering with organizations focused on mental health awareness and uplifting women, PleaseNotes aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Maintaining a work-life balance has been a continual challenge for Cheryl, especially given the distractions of lockdowns. However, she has adopted various strategies to prioritize self-care and personal time. These include scheduling meditation, workouts, and appointments for relaxation, as well as delegating tasks to her team when needed. By honoring what energizes her and setting boundaries, Cheryl ensures she can juggle her entrepreneurial responsibilities and personal life effectively.
As a female entrepreneur, Cheryl has faced gender-related biases and challenges in securing funding and receiving the same level of recognition as her male counterparts. She emphasizes the importance of finding places that value and appreciate one’s worth and expertise, rather than trying to convince others of one’s value. Despite the obstacles, Cheryl remains determined to make a significant impact with her business.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Cheryl shares valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. She emphasizes that failure doesn’t exist, reframing it as a process of learning and growth. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be patient, as success often takes longer than anticipated. Celebrating even small victories along the way can provide much-needed encouragement and motivation.
To young women considering starting their own businesses, Cheryl encourages them to ask for help and seek support from mentors or coaches. She advises against solely using personal funds and recommends spreading the word about their business to gain support and collaborations.
Cheryl Sutherland’s entrepreneurial journey serves as a powerful testament to the significance of self-belief, authenticity, and empowering action. Her inspiring story continues to resonate with women and individuals worldwide, fueled by her unwavering vision for PleaseNotes – to unlock the full potential within others and enable them to lead fulfilling lives. Looking ahead, Cheryl’s ambitions include expanding her company’s reach, spreading the message of personal growth across the globe, and inspiring positive change. With her passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication, Cheryl Sutherland is a trailblazer empowering women to embrace their potential and make a positive impact on the world.
“In the pursuit of personal growth, resilience, and passion pave the way for success. Cheryl Sutherland’s vision for PleaseNotes empowers us to create a positive impact and inspire change on a global scale.”