💪 A New Role, New Lessons: Stepping into Ownership as a Woman, Veteran, and Learner
Taking over Meyer Brothers has been one of the most exciting — and humbling — experiences of my life. I didn’t just step into a business; I stepped into a legacy. And while I’m incredibly proud to be leading this next chapter, I’ll be the first to admit — I have a lot to learn.
Learning as I Go
No one hands you a playbook when you become a business owner. There are spreadsheets, production schedules, marketing plans, and a thousand small details that all need attention. Some days I feel confident and energized; other days, I’m Googling answers and calling mentors for advice. (thank you so much Adam and Christal) But each day brings progress, and that’s what matters.
Finding My Place in a Male-Dominated Industry
Coming into a business that’s long been run in a traditionally male industry has had its challenges. There are moments when I’ve had to work a little harder to be heard or taken seriously — but that’s nothing new. As a veteran, I learned the value of persistence, grit, and proving yourself through action. Those lessons are serving me well now as I grow into this role and learn the business from the ground up.
Balancing Business and FamilyÂ
Owning a business doesn’t pause the rest of life — and life certainly doesn’t pause for business. Balancing long hours, family commitments, and the constant mental to-do list can be a juggling act. But having the right people beside me makes all the difference — my husband, family, and the amazing professionals who have stepped up to help me learn and lead.
Embracing the Unknown
If there’s one thing I’ve learned already, it’s that you don’t need to have all the answers to lead — you just need the courage to keep learning. Every day at Meyer Brothers is a new lesson, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to grow.
Trust Your Instincts
It’s easy to second-guess yourself when there’s so much at stake. I’ve learned that trusting my gut (we were given this amazing gift and we have to use it) — whether it’s choosing a new packaging design, launching a promotion, or reaching out to a potential partner — often leads to the best outcomes. Your intuition is one of your most powerful tools.
Here’s to learning as we go, leading with heart, and embracing the beautiful chaos of new beginnings.
Cheers,
Cheri Meyer
Meyer Brothers