Daily Inspiration: Meet Raven Cheatham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Cheatham.

Hi Raven, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In my senior year of high school, my teacher announced to the class that we had to complete a project on something we were passionate about. During that time, I was all about bettering my eating habits and becoming more active in the gym. My finances weren’t the best during this time, as well. Thinking about the project my teacher assigned, I decided to speak with mom concerning the obesity rates and how to contribute to the change. She proceeded to tell me to start a business. Before I could make a business plan, covid-19 hit in the same week but I didn’t let that stop me. On April 3, 2020, I opened up my first business, Fruit 4 You! I start selling 9 oz cups of fresh fruit for $1 to now 16 oz fresh fruit cups for $5.

Today, I have a full menu of different goodies, and just in one year of my growth in my business, I have been granted many big opportunities such as pop-up shops, setting up goodies for corporate meetings, and speaking engagements. With the help of God throughout my whole journey and the push of my mom, I can say I am an entrepreneur. I truly thank God for seeing my vision and granting me favor in the process.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a business has been moderately a smooth road. I believe that nothing comes easy in life. With that being said, I have encountered many situations where I’ve had to solve problems within my business. I can’t say I’ve had a lot of struggles because God has granted me peace within Fruit 4 You. I’m grateful that God has placed many blessings in my life to contribute to the growth of my business such as my mom, aunt, and most importantly my supporters along the way who believes in my vision,

I can say that time management has been an obstacle within my business. I’ve had to balance Fruit 4 You, school, management of myself, and my personal life. I also can say learning the basics of running a business has been an obstacle for me because I leaped out on faith with Fruit 4 You not knowing a thing about becoming an entrepreneur and what the world of business has to offer.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
7 years ago, I started modeling at the age of 13, A social worker at my school directed me to Carolyn’s Finishing Academy, a charm and etiquette school. I, then, received a scholarship to attend the Academy. Not only did I learn to charm and etiquette, I learned about acting and most important modeling.

I’ve been modeling ever since. I reside in runway and print modeling. I’ve modeled in the Dillard’s, Southern Women’s Show, Local 24 News and so much more! After walking in many shows, I finally gained the courage to create my own which is the Tea Party and Fashion Show Extravaganza. It happens on the last Saturday of July every year. I’ve recently joined the world of film and I took it upon myself to create my own documentary as a birthday gift to myself this year. A couple of weeks ago I filmed and edited a friend of mine documentary for her business as a practice for me.

I believe in having a strong relationship with Christ and doing what’s right. My friend and I, Karri recently created a bible study group to spread the Gospel. Growing in Christ is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. Mistakes are made but I believe in taking up the cross each and every day. Putting a smile on God’s face is most important to me.

I’m currently attending Middle Tennessee State University where I’m majoring in Journalism in hopes of becoming a renowned news anchor or sports commentator. There are not many African American women in the field. Making a difference in the field would definitely put a smile on my face. If time permits, I would like to earn my Doctorate.

My aspiration, mission, and goals all tie into one: Living a life that’s pleasing and acceptable to God. Being holy and separate in this world is the only thing I live for. I just want what God wants for me. As time permits, I would love to continue to give back to those in need and who are less fortunate. I plan on taking action to make the world a better place.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Qualities and characteristics such as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, focus, ambition, and organization are most important to my success. I personally believe if you have these 4 qualities then you can go as far as you want and by far I mean as successful as you would like to be in life. Christ is the reason for all of my accomplishments within my business. Putting him first in my has blessed me to see brighter days not only within my business but within my life.

The focus on understanding the mission of Fruit 4 You has been very beneficial because no matter how difficult it may become to carry a business, I’m always reminded of what changes I would like to make in this world. The organization plays a huge part in Fruit 4 You as well as in my life. Specifically, in furthering my knowledge in entrepreneurship, I have learned that if I don’t partake in an organization then my business won’t be as strong as it can be.

Procrastination is what stops that focus, organization, and ambition. Something about completing tasks the first time makes my heart smile. Once I’m organized, I focus on finishing tasks. As a growing entrepreneur, the focus is something I yearn to value now and in the future as well. Christ, focus, organization, and ambition. Don’t allow procrastination to stop your dreams. Make your dreams become a reality because that’s something you won’t regret in life.

Pricing:

• Fresh Fruit Cups (16 oz)- $5, (24 oz)- $7
• Banana Pudding Cups: (16 oz)- $5, (24 oz)- $7
• Strawberry Shortcake Cups: (16 oz)- $5, (24 oz)- $7
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: 3- $5, 6- $12, 12- $22
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bites: 3- $5, 6- $12, 12- $22

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_fruit4you/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/482861880060346
• Email: fruit4you_@outlook.com

Image Credits
My’Keria Williams, iCapture Beauty Productions, and Raven Cheatham of Fruit 4 You