Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Pope.
Hi Cheryl, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of being an author. In 2006, I published my first book, a parenting book entitled 25 Ways To Make Your Child(ren) Feel Special. Three years later, I decided to venture into the children’s book genre. I created a series called The Adventures of Princess Zaria. Zaria is actually my daughter’s name and the book series is inspired by her. Last year, I published the second in the Adventures of Princess Zaria series called Best Friends and The Bee. The story follows best friends who enter a spelling bee together.
In 2010, while I was awaiting my book illustrations to be completed, I created a nation fan club for girls called The Princess Zaria Fan Club. The fan club was inspired by the main character in my children’s book. The fan club is a mail order membership where girls receive a princess-inspired package filled with a tiara, membership card, wand, princess stickers, and tattoos, and special princess treats. The girls are eligible to remain members from ages 3-11.
In 2012, we hosted our very first Princess Ball. We made sure the girls who attended were the featured princess. No Disney princesses. We honored girls who have their own businesses, or who manage a nonprofit or provide service to the community. This year will mark our 11th year of hosting the Princess Ball.
Our other signature event is our Chocolate Party. The event takes place in October between Sweetest Day and Halloween. Girls get ‘chocolate wasted.’ They feasted on chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-dipped potato chips, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, and more. One year we served chocolate-dipped bacon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road but it has always been enjoyable. I enjoy creating memories for girls. One year we flew a teen entrepreneur from New Jersey to motivate and encourage the girls. One of the biggest struggles is letting the community know about our products and services. A struggle is finding girls in the particular age groups we service.
Another struggle, as it related to self-publishing the books was finding an illustrator. In the beginning search, some illustrators wanted a portion of my book sales or they wanted to charge outrageous prices to create the project. Luckily, I found an outstanding illustrator who I have been working with for over 10 years.
We’ve been impressed with The Princess Within Boutique and The Princess Zaria Fan Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Princess Zaria Brand offers children’s books, special events for girls, and a national princess fan club. I am most proud of creating a space to teach girls that they can be whatever they choose to be-that they don’t have to reach adulthood to make an impact on society. I think what sets us apart from other businesses is that we truly care about the girls. We know when they make the honor roll or when they have a track meet or when they exceed their girl scout cookie quota. We truly care about them.
This year marks our 11th year of hosting our Princess Ball. This year we are hosting a Black and White Princess Ball. The guests will wear either white or black formal attire. Girls will receive special treats. There will be dinner, dancing, and giveaways. The event will take place in April.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important lesson is to never give up. There will be times when you may not sell a book or a vendor may pull out of the event. You must always keep your ‘why’ in the forefront of your mind. You must remember why you started your business. For me, it’s to leave a legacy to my family and the community.
Pricing:
- Princess Ball $45 per person
- Children’s book $12.99
- Princess Fan Club $19,99
Contact Info:
- Email: Pope.cheryl@yahoo.com
- Website: http://www.princesszaria.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorcherylynnpope
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cheryl40
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/princessz313
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/theprincesswithin313
