Hi! I’m Cheree, the founder, CEO and Creative Director of Cheree Berry Paper & Design, a graphic design firm that visually brands and communicates the highlights of life!

Cheree wears the Valeria Mini Dress in Peony Garden

I was enamored with paper as a child, especially greeting cards and pop-up art. Our local Hallmark store was my heaven on Earth, and I poured over books like Griffin and Sabine or anything by Robert Sabuda. I loved the constant surprise and delight of these interactive books. Fast forward to college, graphic design was a good fit for me. I was working toward my BFA at Washington University in St. Louis, and for my senior thesis project I created a pop-up book on the history of the brasserie called Hoorah for the Bra which really set me on the course to become the tactile-driven visual storyteller I am today.

They contributed immensely to the creation of Cheree Berry Paper & Design. Going to work for Kate and Andy Spade was like a daily masterclass in imagination and authentically building a lifestyle brand. At kate spade, I was tasked with designing the label’s first wedding stationery line. It was during this project that I nurtured my love for paper and when I first realized that you could even design invitations for a living! kate spade was the full package – a whole world you wanted to be a part. I returned to St. Louis, not long after, opened up shop in my apartment and set out to create that same feeling. My career trajectory has felt very full circle rather than linear in that respect.

And speaking of full-circle – how fun to be collaborating with my former student! It should come as no surprise that Alessandra had not only one of the best portfolios in class, but also the best fashion sense. There was something very chic yet effortless about her collegiate wardrobe. The connections I’ve found and the counsel I’ve received within the WashU community has profoundly added to the growth of my career and business as well as my personal growth.

Shop the Cheree Berry x Mestiza New York x Pink Ribbon Girls Gift Tags where 20% of proceeds benefit Pink Ribbon Girls 

I love color and whimsy and infusing that aesthetic into all areas of my life, from my home with my pink couch and blue piano to my wardrobe – if you see me in black from the waist up on a Zoom call, you can be sure to find a pair of patterned or metallic sneakers on my feet. I always consider presentation from head to toe and looking for moments to add an unexpected detail.

Flirty, functional (emphasis on the FUN!) and fitted!

What are you waiting for?! Dive in headfirst, but make sure you’re making money while doing it! Acknowledge where your shortcomings are in business and find people who complement you. Above all, you want to love what you do (most) days. If a creative passion brings you bliss, it would be a shame to not put those efforts into your day job.

Its sophistication and flattering silhouettes – it’s not easy to find fashionable pieces that agree with my 5’2”-ish frame. The unique palettes, the feminine touches, the fun embellishments, the elevated features. The line is so aspirational!