Meet BobbieCheri Gobert | Chef & Cookbook Author

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

Hi BobbieCheri, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I am naturally a perfectionist and an over thinker. When you work for yourself you have to catch what you eat so you always want to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward to get the results you are looking for. When I started my first business there was no office hours. People would email us after midnight and we would reply, going back and forth to solve the problem. As a small business, you can’t really afford to have bad reviews so you go above and beyond.

Most times entrepreneurs at the beginning stages are a team of one ( even though the word we is used often) This means that we wear many hats. They aren’t always fitted caps so we get overwhelmed and frustrated more than not. This causes us to overthink and overwork, It is my experience that most mistakes are made when you are tired, frantic or rushed.

With my latest business Don’t You Dairy, I have a set schedule to ensure that I am not giving it 100% of my time. The #teamnosleep mentality is unhealthy and unproductive. Yes, there are times when you may need to work longer than normal to meet a deadline, but that shouldn’t be a daily occurrence.

Social Media will make you believe so many things. Most aren’t true. I always say, All the rules are fake, do you. I don’t post on my Instagram everyday. I don’t feel like I am missing out on money or opportunities by not being on IG everyday. If social media was to go away a lot of businesses would as well. Balancing how & where my money is made is important.

Balance is essential for my mental and physical health. I don’t let customers pressure me into doing things simply because they are supporting me. Nordstroms says they will get back to you within 48 hours, and so do I.

What should our readers know about your business?
I think what sets me apart is me. There is nobody like me and that’s my ace in the hole. I am known in general for being loud and not easily embarrassed. This comes in handy when I’m eating and there’s food all on my face. First of all, we wipe at the end over here! Grabbing the napkin in between bites is a waste time.

Most people make their decisions based off of the opinions of others. I only ask for opinions when I’m unsure of something. Everyone can say what they would or wouldn’t do but the thing is they aren’t me. They won’t execute like me. They won’t deliver it the way I would. It probably won’t be successful for them. It will be for me. Having that mentality forces me to make sure my ideas are well thought out. I have no one to blame or give credit to but myself. It’s easy to say something didn’t work out because you listened to someone else and didn’t follow your first mind.

This hasn’t been an easy road. It’s unfamiliar but I am learning on the job. Taking the road often traveled is safer but ‘nothing new is discovered there. Doing something out the box or risky has always paid off for me. I will continue to be my most authentic self through my brand and hope that people continue to support it. So far, so good.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I just moved to a new area right by the beach so we would ride bikes and stop at every placed that caught our attention. We would definitely have food and a 32oz cocktail from Seabirds Kitchen. It’s my new favorite vegan restaurant. If Jo Jo visits when the weather is good, we would rent a boat with a few friends and day drink like it was 1999.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My tribe is the reason I have gotten to where I am. Imagine 65 women ( this is not an exaggerated number) cheering you on and encouraging you. I have been so blessed to have family and friends who never questioned why I never had a ” real” job. Most likely because I have never asked anyone to borrow money! I digress. I surround myself with bad ass women who keep me motivated when I don’t feel like I am doing enough.

Website: https://dontyoudairy.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontyoudairy_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2upbLyqdjwet0LqhxwaGuw

Image Credits
Photos by Ezra Thorne