Conversations with Cheri Regis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheri Regis

Cheri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While my artistic journey formally began in 2003 when I was 10, my small business journey formally began in 2012 at 19 when I began selling my art and crafts at craft fairs and other events. I was at community college getting my associate’s so I had to balance my business with my studies at the time. Fast forward to 2021, and I had launched a new website dedicated to my practice. The following year, I had left my job in retail to go back to school to pursue both a fine art and business degree. The transition was tough, but I knew deep down that it would help me grow and evolve as an artist and small business owner.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To say that the road has been smooth would be a gross misunderstatement. Rather, the road for me has been rocky and full of uncertainty. Aside from the fact that I’m currently in college (which comes with its own set of challenges), I would say that one of the major struggles that I’ve encountered is trying to scale my business under severe financial constraints. As a nontraditional commuter student, this is especially acute for me. But I’ve learned how to operate under a scarcity mindset, which made me more appreciative of “less is more”.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary visual artist, designer and writer specializing in painting, drawing, textiles, crafts and sculpture. I am best known for designing and making soft toys such as teddy bears and cloth dolls, which I’ve come to be the most proud of. My love and passion for soft toys goes back decades all the way to my childhood. I believe what sets me apart from the rest is the fact that I’m a Jill-of-all-trades — that is, I do anything and everything! In this day and age, I believe it isn’t enough to specialize in one area or subject, but rather it will be enough if one diversifies across disciplines. In other words, don’t stay in your own lane too long!

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I would say that my most memorable childhood memory is when me and my mom went Christmas shopping at Ames (a department store) one day and I saw a special holiday edition of Barbie on the shelf. It was 1999, and I was 4 years old at the time. I asked for the doll and of course, Mom said no because she believed I didn’t need her. I threw a fit and tantrum and insisted that I have this doll by way of screaming and crying, “I want Barbie doll glow glow!” As a matter of fact, that moment would be the inspiration and driving force behind my toy making practice!

Pricing:

• Drawings & Illustrations (3″ – 20″) $65 – $125
• Cloth Dolls (5″- 30″) $120 -$500
• Stuffed Animals (5″-30″) $120 -$500
• Paintings (3″ – 20″) $150 – $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cheriregisworks.com
• Instagram: cheri_regis_works
• Facebook: Cheri Regis Works
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/cherbear
• Other: https://joinentre.com/cherbear