Meet Cherry Dukes | Entrepreneur & Promotional Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cherry Dukes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherry, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My business, *A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie, helps the community by creating unique, elevated experiences that bring people together. Through the events I cater or the charcuterie boxes I offer, I help foster moments of connection, whether it’s for a family gathering, a date night, or a celebration. I focus on making these moments special and memorable, which contributes to building a stronger sense of community. Plus, by sourcing quality ingredients and showcasing different foods, I help introduce people to new tastes and cultures, supporting local suppliers and encouraging a shared appreciation for good food and creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been a blend of passion, creativity, and perseverance. I’ve had the privilege of working as a promotional model for the past ten years, building long-term relationships with major companies and consistently growing within the industry. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and bring a genuine sense of care and enthusiasm to everything I do. Whether it’s modeling, curating events, or sharing my love for fashion and lifestyle on Instagram, I’m always focused on creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the launch of my charcuterie business, *A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie*. It’s allowed me to blend my love for food, creativity, and hosting into something truly unique. Getting to this point wasn’t easy—it took countless hours of research, experimenting, and refining my craft, especially when it came to learning about different meats, cheeses, and presentation styles. There were moments of doubt and challenges, like navigating the logistics of running a business while balancing my roles as a wife and mom of three, but I kept pushing forward.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself and my vision, even when the road is tough. Overcoming the fear of stepping out on faith has been key to my growth. I’ve learned that challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re opportunities to level up.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that *A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie* isn’t just about food—it’s about creating moments that matter. Whether it’s a date night, a family gathering, or an event, I strive to make each experience unforgettable. My journey has been one of resilience, faith, and creativity, and I’m excited for what’s next. My story is about bringing people together through beauty, taste, and connection.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Greenville, SC, I’d make sure they had an incredible week filled with delicious food, exciting activities, lots of drinks, and plenty of relaxation.

Day 1: Welcome to Greenville
– Brunch at BrickTop’s: We’d kick off the week with a chic brunch at BrickTop’s, enjoying their classic menu and stylish atmosphere. The avocado toast and mimosas are the perfect start!
– Explore Falls Park on the Reedy: After brunch, we’d walk through Falls Park, taking in the beautiful waterfalls, gardens, and views from Liberty Bridge.
– Lunch at Gather GVL: For lunch, we’d head to Gather GVL, an outdoor food hall with a variety of local vendors, offering everything from poke bowls to burgers.
– Dinner & Drinks at Juniper: For the evening, we’d head to Juniper, a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views. We’d enjoy craft cocktails and small plates while watching the sunset over downtown Greenville.
– Dessert at Carmelo’s Dessert Bar: To wrap up the night, we’d indulge in some decadent desserts at Carmelo’s, known for their gourmet pastries and desserts.

Day 2: Art, Culture & Wine
– Morning at the Greenville County Museum of Art: We’d spend the morning diving into Southern art and culture at the Greenville County Museum of Art.
– Lunch at The Lazy Goat: We’d have a Mediterranean-inspired lunch with views of the Reedy River at The Lazy Goat, enjoying small plates and fresh flavors.
– Afternoon at City Scape Winery: For the afternoon, we’d take a short drive to City Scape Winery for a relaxing wine tasting experience, paired with a charcuterie board.
– Cigar Lounge at Cigar X in Mauldin: We’d end the evening unwinding at Cigar X in Mauldin, a cozy cigar lounge perfect for relaxing with a fine cigar and great conversation.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
– Day trip to Paris Mountain State Park: We’d spend the day hiking the beautiful trails of Paris Mountain, enjoying nature, and having a picnic by the lake.
– Lunch with a Custom Charcuterie Spread: I’d bring one of my signature charcuterie boards from *A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie* for a picnic, featuring artisanal cheeses, meats, and fresh fruit.
– Dinner at Husk: After a day of adventure, we’d have a farm-to-table dinner at Husk, celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 4: Day in Travelers Rest
– Breakfast at Tandem Creperie: We’d start with a cozy breakfast at Tandem Creperie in Travelers Rest, enjoying sweet and savory crepes with coffee.
– Swamp Rabbit Trail: After breakfast, we’d rent bikes and explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a scenic path connecting Travelers Rest to Greenville.
– Lunch at Farmhouse Tacos: We’d stop for lunch at Farmhouse Tacos, enjoying fresh, locally sourced tacos in a relaxed setting.
– Dinner at Topsoil Kitchen & Market: We’d wrap up our day in TR with a farm-driven dinner at Topsoil, known for its fresh ingredients and rustic charm.

Day 5: Shopping & Self-Care
– Morning Spa at River Falls Spa: We’d treat ourselves to a luxurious spa day at River Falls Spa, complete with massages and facials.
– Lunch at Pomegranate on Main: After our spa session, we’d head to Pomegranate on Main for some delicious Persian cuisine in a charming setting.
– Shopping at Haywood Mall: We’d spend the afternoon shopping, making sure to check out all the fashion finds and, of course, Coach for some cherry-themed accessories!
– Dinner at Larkin’s on the River: We’d finish the day with dinner at Larkin’s, a riverside restaurant known for its top-notch steaks and seafood.

Day 6: Lake Jocassee Adventure
– Day trip to Lake Jocassee: We’d take a day trip to the breathtaking Lake Jocassee, where we could rent a boat, swim, and relax by the crystal-clear water.
– Picnic Lunch with Charcuterie: I’d bring another beautiful charcuterie board for our picnic by the lake, filled with gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit.
– Dinner at Halls Chophouse: After a relaxing day at the lake, we’d have a memorable dinner at Halls Chophouse, known for its incredible steaks and Southern hospitality.

Day 7: Farewell Day
– Brunch at Brick Street Café: We’d wrap up the trip with a laid-back brunch at Brick Street Café, where we’d definitely try their famous sweet potato cake.
– Explore the Peace Center & Riverwalk: We’d spend the afternoon walking along the Riverwalk and maybe catch some live music at the Peace Center.
– Evening Drinks at Cigar X: To end the trip on a high note, we’d return to Cigar X for one last relaxing night with cigars and drinks, reflecting on an amazing week together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my dad. He was truly my Superman. Losing him to murder was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but his strength, love, and presence have stayed with me. He always believed in me, pushed me to be my best, and taught me the importance of standing strong, no matter what life throws my way. His spirit continues to motivate me every day, and I carry his lessons with me in everything I do. This journey wouldn’t be the same without his influence. He deserves all the credit and recognition in my story.

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