by De’Juan Galloway
Atlanta-based, media entrepreneur Neko Cheri jump started her brand-building efforts by adopting technology as a vehicle for her business strategies. This proved to be the winning formula.
She holds the titles of: writer, publisher, radio personality and activist and individualizes each one well. Her successful online publication, Neko Cheri Magazine illustrates her entrepreneurial skill and emphasis on women empowerment. Ms. Cheri’s following of listeners, readers and fans on social networks are evidence that this brand will not fade anytime soon. Discover a distinguished brand builder as TAP goes Behind The Click with Atlanta’s Neko Cheri.
Favorite website: Facebook.com
Favorite read: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Recent read: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
2010’s ultimate goal: To Broadcast Neko Cheri Live in FM format
Quote Governing Neko’s Mission: “What you think you are, you are.”
Twitter handle: @nekocheri
How did you begin developing your business online?
I began the branding process by writing my book entitled, “It’s Not Him, Its You,” based around life experiences. I have always had a desire to help women because when I was younger I had a low self-esteem. Everything my brand offers is to uplift, encourage and inspire women. I began with the e-book, so if people wanted a quick read it was readily available. It is now available as a hardcopy as well.
Developing my brand using the digital space in a tough economy was the most practical way to brand myself. It doesn’t cost much to create a brand online. It does require you to be very specific about where you want to be and who you want to be.
How has the reception been for “It’s Not Him, It’s You?”
It has been very good. I finished the book in thirty days and self published it. The odd thing is I haven’t marketed my book much; it was more of an introduction to Neko Cheri. Often times, when one authors a book, people consider them an expert–that is how people look at me. Writing the book and becoming an expert was the strategy I used to create my brand.
Are there any challenges your brand has faced online?
Yes, there is sometimes a challenge between who you are and who people want to see. I am a very fun, outgoing person and sometimes people want to see a very serious business woman. I am very serious about my business. However, my personality is very outgoing. It is difficult to find a balance between people’s perception of you and who you are. Online you must cultivate the two very carefully.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur on developing his or her brand using new digital media?
I would suggest seeking advice from an expert. Find consultants who specialize in the digital realm. Professional advice will assist with your brand’s image online and give it life. Finding these professionals can be challenging but it will save a lot of time.
Your digital product Neko Cheri Magazine is extremely innovative–what is the purpose of your online magazine?
The purpose of Neko Cheri Magazine is to motivate, uplift and motivate women. It is a publication for women by women.
What content do you provide to fulfill those purposes?
I focus on all women owned businesses. If a woman has a business or is attempting to build a successful entity–I will promote her. My job is to motivate and uplift these women. If she is willing to put herself out there, I am here to assist through my free online magazine.
Instead of focusing on African-American women solely, women of all shades are featured in your publication. Why did you choose an all inclusive approach to empowering women through your magazine?
All inclusive is my personality. I am an African-American woman but I was raised in a white community and I have friends of all different races. My choice to include all women is an extension of who I am. I consider myself to be a well-rounded women. I can go from Ya’ll Street to Wall Street.
Has your presence on Twitter and Facebook furthered your entrepreneurial mission?
Absolutely, I have been granted so many opportunities because of my presence on these platforms. I have been requested to be featured in other publications, radio interviews and an offer to broadcast Neko Cheri Live in FM format. I have also connected and worked with writers, stylists and photographers. It has been unbelievable.
Interestingly, The Tyra Bank’s show requested me to be a guest from my presence on the social web. Unfortunately, the topic of the show didn’t align with my brand, so the appearance never happened.
Social media has unquestionably been instrumental in shaping your brand, what does social media mean to Neko Cheri?
It is the core of my business, it means a lot. I am currently reading, “The Tipping Point – How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell. I believe that Facebook and the social media outlets are my tipping points. I have basically become an overnight success by captivating people’s attention in a very strategic way.[Gladwell] refers to a David and Goliath type scenario, where a huge marketing firm spent millions on an ad campaign and lost to a man who spent hundreds on the same campaign. His tipping point was that he was more in touch with people and understood the consumer better and he won a substantial contract because of it. I feel like David in the social media realm because I understand the motivations of others.
You cover love, relationship, family and society on Neko Cheri Live, what can people expect when they tune in?
People can expect real people and the truth. It’s a sophisticated and proactive forum featuring diverse topics and opinions.
What conversations would you like to see more of in African-American online publications?
I would like to see more African-American women having conversations about technology. When I am researching information, I rarely see African-American women addressing those issues. It’s a male dominated industry and I think African-American women need to open more dialogue about the topic.
The digital divide indicates African-Americans lag behind our white counterparts in technology; will you ever open conversation about African-American digital awareness on Neko Cheri Live?
I am definitely open to it. I will air all new shows in April where I can address this. I will have experts on to give people information on how to utilize the digital space to market their businesses or as a hub for information.
When I did my research for my book, I did it all on the internet. I didn’t have any experience as an author or publisher. So I look forward to having the conversation on digital awareness.
Historically, women were denied a wide range of privileges in society, how are new technologies giving women the opportunity to strengthen their voices?
New technologies are strengthening womens’ voices because they are open forums. For example, the internet is an equal opportunity space. If you have the ability, it doesn’t matter that you’re a woman. A female blogger can be an overnight success by having powerful words and being able to grab an audience.
Are digital media such as social networks, blogs, blog radio and online magazines defining today’s modern women?
Yes, digital media is defining today’s modern woman. Women using technology and being savvy enough to brand themselves, enhance their businesses or create an online persona are all examples of how technology is defining women today.
What do you consider indicators of success in your business ventures?
The growing recognition of the Neko Cheri brand is certainly an indicator of success. I have two incredibly talented interns that work with me. When they do outreach on my behalf to companies and publications people are familiar with me. I have worked extremely hard on building my brand, so the recognition is always appreciated.
What is next for Neko Cheri?
There is so much in the making. Neko Cheri Magazine will continue to improve and grow. I have had many requests for hard copies of the publication and we are exploring producing them. We are also working on a Neko Cheri Live television show. I am planning to broadcast the show on my own online channel.
Want more Behind The Click? Check out more profiles of the behind-the-scenes black media professionals fueling the ever-evolving 2.0 space.
![Why Actress Amber Iman Calls 'Goddess' A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]](https://ionemadamenoire.staging.go.ione.nyc/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/05/17468188616796.png?strip=all&quality=80&w=102&crop=0,0,100,153px)
