THANK YOU, FOR EVERYTHING.
To my cherries
I would have been so happy and excited if you had told me at 15 that I would finally open my own business at 19. Finally, that moment happened. Cherry Apparel opened to the public on June 21, 2021. Full of hopes and dreams, I truly felt like I'd done one of the biggest things of my life. I remember exactly where I was when I launched the website, got my first order, and decided to close down. It's been 3 years of being open, and I couldn't be happier with how much we have grown; in reality, It was me building this business behind the scenes—no marketing education, no business degree, just me trying to continue the growth of Cherry Apparel. I've given Cherry my teenage/young adult life, worked on her since I was 15, and completely self-funded the brand from 18 until the end. I've worked my retail jobs, come home to work on her, and better the journey of Cherry Apparel. The main question that everyone has is why are we closing. If I am happy with my work, why don't we remain open? Building this brand, something I wanted someday to become my legacy, has created resentment in my personal life. It has hurt the relationships I've had and the way I view some people. For the outsiders looking in, I'm tired of being hurt. With all my successes, even though they're small successes, it doesn't feel like a success when I have people who I have loved who are not happy for me. Just because one door is closing doesn't mean it's the end. You know how stubborn I am regarding my dreams if you know me. This isn't the end for me; we have to rebuild. I will have to start over at 23, learn how to drive, learn something extra, and try to figure out my world one day at a time. It's been a fantastic journey from 15 to 22, building something that only a few people can say they've built. I can't wait for the future because you can always create something beautiful if you smile through your fear and sorrow. - Isaiah (Zaya)
To my dolls...
Nicole, Linda, Isaiah, Bella, Jamiya, Joss, Alyica, Dory, Viv. Jade, Dylan, Gilly, Alexis, Karina, Emma, Andrea, Tyus, Zenaida, and J.
For many years, I have waited and dreamt about moments like this. I had imaginations and daydreamed about all the photos, clothing, and energy that would be brought to the stage. I cannot express my absolute appreciation and gratitude for you all. Without you, I couldn't imagine another way to stay true to Cherry's mission—to bring out the version of yourself you never believed in or thought was missing. Thank you for making my dream come true; every moment I saw you in a cherry piece, I died! Please never lose that confidence you had during the gatherings and photoshoots. You are all beautiful and belong in this world; never forget your existence helped bring joy to mine and each other's hearts.
Juan, Mom, Grace, Dylan, and Destiny.
Typing this out makes me cry because I truly couldn't have a better Behind-the-scenes team. You made my world go round and have helped me so much during this very rough phasing out of Cherry, but during the most crucial and prosperous times, I've had during our time together. I'll always remember the late nights, the sleepovers, the crying, the demos, the before and afters, the makeup, the mood boards, the visions, everything. The energy you brought to the table made me feel unlimited in anything I did; there was genuine kindness and passion for what I created that WE created together. I'm very thankful we all got to hold space for creativity, love, passion, and serving cu*t until the end. We have been together for 3 years, but I can always see you in my heart forever.
Thank you for an amazing three years I truly wish things were different, see you again one day!