This is Cheri (pronounced with the "SH" sound")

Today we feature Cheri Hirschmann, our Director of Retail Sales. Here is a picture of the Hirschmann family:


Back in November 2006, we were gearing up for the holiday rush and she was referred to us by a mutual friend. At that time, we both thought she would be with us through the end of the year and then go on her merry way. However, we could tell right away her loyalty to the company would ultimately create a place for her for the long haul.

There were a couple nights during the holiday season where a few of us stayed until long past midnight, and there was Cheri right alongside us doing what needed to be done. She has always been assertive, giving input where necessary to improve processes and help us grow.

After the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, our store business started to grow and we needed someone to handle store relationships – rolling out the program to them, and handling questions that might arise in the process. Cheri was more than willing to try her hand at this. When we got so busy last Christmas, the need arose to create a division of the company that solely handles retail stores. Cheri was a natural fit, and her knowledge, customer service mentality, and upbeat, positive attitude made it a no-brainer.

I decided to let everyone get to know her a little better through this interview:

SnS: What do you like best about working with Sticks and Stones?
CH: There are a couple of things that I really love about working with Sticks and Stones . . . I have always fancied myself a creative person and I love the product!! I was a big fan before I ever thought of working with this energetic, constantly growing company. How could I not want to share a keepsake with everyone I knew?
Secondly: (feel free to grab a tissue) I absolutely love working with Brad. Since day one I have felt like a contributing person to Sticks and Stones. He is an idea junkie and will entertain even the craziest thoughts. I have learned through working with him that you just do it – No excuses!! I have learned to become my own devil’s advocate, constantly working through the stops in my head to make things happen. His energy, enthusiasm and encouragement to others are contagious!! We have had some of the most interesting conversations that have always made me think, learn and grow just a bit. We share the same dry sense of humor. One word could send us over the edge for a good 2 weeks – you delicate bird, you!!

SnS: What is the biggest challenge for you?
CH: Early on, it was to try not to be so sensitive. If someone didn’t love everything that I or we were doing, I took it so personally. Now I would say, just keeping everything I do straight in my head. I take A LOT of notes. I’m even starting to keep them in my laptop which is a far cry from my 10 notebooks last year.

SnS: What is the best and worst feature of working from home?
CH: PRIORITIES!! I am constantly trying to be the best for my family and the best for the company, in perfect balance. When you do work from home, I find that everyone seems to think you have tons of extra time to do whatever they may need. Just arriving into my late 30’s I am learning to live by the creed, “I am capable, but am I called?” I guess it’s pretty common for women to feel like they are dropping the ball somewhere on a regular basis. It’s all worth it though. I feel so blessed to be able to be with my kids and still have a pretty cool job.

SnS: What’s the strangest thing that has happened to you while working with Sticks and Stones
CH: Well, following a day at the Women’s Lifestyle Show last October, I fell like I have never fallen before. We were so busy that day. Our table was surrounded by women who wanted to see their name spelled “Sticks and Stones Style.” No time for lunch!! I met my husband at a pub across the street following the event. When I got up to go to the Ladies Room, I got so light-headed and fell one of those horrific, slow motion, strung out falls that only those of us not particularly known for our grace would know. One year later, I could still use the surgery on my knee, but most days are pretty good. FYI: Only 2 drinks of a beer were taken!!

SnS: Tell us about each of your children.
CH: I am going to be brief only in the interest of who ever may be actually reading this, but I could go on and on.

Meghan at 16 . . . genius!! Together with us, she has begun her own company this year. Please take a look at http://www.bezales.com/. She has had a business plan in her mind since she was 13 with a small company called Megnets. Selling to friends and family became a bigger and bigger circle. Magnets became necklaces and so it goes. Did I mention http://www.bezales.com/ to get the rest of the story? She will be a junior in high school this year. She also runs track, works in the theater and is overall fabulous.


Savannah at 14 . . . brilliant!! She is just one of those girls that make you want to be a better person. Savannah is kind, sweet (when the rest of us may be laughing at another’s expense she will bring us back home to their good qualities), ambitious person. She is fluent in soccer, basketball, even cheerleading and flags. Especially flags!! The girl can spin!!

Eli at 11 . . . interesting!! He is the only kid I know that can tell me anything I would ever want to know about any kind of reptile, start fire with nothing but a piece of flint, and play the violin that will make a girl’s heart swoon one day!! I love the old fashioned words such as swoon. He reminds me of Bear Grylls on the Discovery channel. If I were ever deserted anywhere I would want to be with Eli.

Ruby Tyler at 8 . . . fascinating!! She is so smart and talented and in for a world of hurt one day, as she is a groupie in her heart. Any place – any band, she is in front, ear to the speaker, with a sharpie in her back pocket ready for them to sign her arm. I absolutely adore her spirit!!

SnS: What is your favorite food?
CH: I wish I was so much more couth, but seriously, give me a cheeseburger and fries any day of the week!!

SnS: If you could spend one day doing anything you wanted, what would it be?
CH: A day away with my husband anywhere would be great. If it were 2 days: I would spend one with him and one by myself just to hear the quiet.

SnS: If you were a car, what make and model would you be and why?
CH: I would definitely be a mini. After 4 kids, I’ll take anything that seems petite!!

SnS: How many fingers am I holding up?
CH: None – they never leave your laptop.

SnS: What strength do you possess that best prepares you for handling the retail sales division of Sticks and Stones?
CH: I am a talker!! I absolutely love each one of the stores that I work with and know most of the owners well enough that we talk about other things as well as the store. I genuinely want to see them succeed and will do whatever I can to help them. I admire their attitudes for running a business that they love.

SnS: As a music industry insider, you’ve been to many concerts over the years. Which one was your favorite?
CH: Prince!! Hands down!! I love that little fella!! Even if you think he is not for you . . . one show and I bet you would change your mind.