Video Shorts

The Real 50 over 50 | Cheri D Andrews, Esq

About me

Cheri D. Andrews, Esq, Small Business and Trademark Attorney, is licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Using flat rate and subscription pricing models that take the fear out of legal fees, she partners with small businesses and solopreneurs so they can move forward with confidence, knowing their business is legally protected and positioned for success.

Cheri received her BA magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College and her JD from Temple University School of Law. She has over 30 years’ experience in both law firm and corporate settings and earned the prestigious inhouse counsel certification from the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2021 her firm was honored by the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts as Law Firm of the Year.

Cheri’s practice areas include business formation, contracts, policies, copyrights and trademarks, and other business needs. While some of her services are limited to her licensed states, Cheri can provide copyright and trademark services (which are based on federal law) nationally.

Cheri is the author of Smooth Sailing, A Practical Guide to Legally Protecting Your Business. Smooth Sailing which is available in both eBook and paperback anywhere books are sold.

When she’s not crossing her t’s and dotting her i’s, Cheri enjoys reading, traveling, hanging with her family, and getting messy with mixed media art.

What do you do and why do you do it?

I provide accessible and affordable legal services for solopreneurs and very small businesses. I saw a terrible gap in the legal services market. Small business owners were either DIY’ing their legal work or not addressing it at all because they simply didn’t have the budget to pay a big firm’s hourly rates. It breaks my heart every time I hear about a small business closing shop or filing bankruptcy because they got mired in legal issues that could have easily been avoided. My mission is to make sure every small business owner I know is legally protected and running their business the right way so they can grow and thrive!

What changed for you after age 50?

So many things! Once my children were all successfully out on their own and I was no longer in the corporate world, I essentially had to rebuild my identity from scratch. It’s been an interesting journey full of personal growth and a deeper understanding and acceptance of who I am at my core.

What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?

Just like my Mom told me growing up to NEVER rely on a man to take of me, I would tell that younger version of myself to NEVER expect an employer to recognize and reward your talent and hard work. I would explain to myself the importance and value of networking and building a community of friends and colleagues who DO support you and your professional growth. I came to that understanding far too late in life.

 

What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?

I’m guessing I would say you should have spent less time working and trying to prove yourself to others and more time just engaging in life and new adventures and doing the things that bring you joy.

What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?

I actually talk about this! Visibility is key tor your business growth and longevity. If you are not out there sharing who you are and what you do, how do you expect your ideal clients to find you??? Of course, being an attorney, I preach about doing this in a way that is safe for you and your business (trademark). For me personally, increased visibility would allow me grow faster and with less “hustle” so that I actually spend more of my time serving clients and making the world a safer place for small business!

Who or what inspires you and why?

Brené Brown – I LOVE every book she’s ever written (my favorite is The Gifts of Imperfection) and I love that she is unapologetically herself and has reached a point in her journey where she will no longer negotiate who she is and how she shows up just to land a gig. I find that confidence and self-awareness inspiring. On a less well-known level – my clients inspire me. They are each, in their own way, trying to do some good in the world with their business. I’m honored to be a part of their team, helping them to reach their vision and potential.

Something else I’d like to share

My entire legal career I’ve had side-hustles. My legal career paid the bills, the side-hustles allowed me to scratch my creative itch. Because of this I know and understand the concerns, fears, and frustrations of small business owners. I GET where you are coming from. And I want to partner with you to help you get to where you are going.

“Let’s get visible but do it safely.

Cheri D. Andrews, Esq.

The Brief

I’m thrilled to share highlights from the Real 50 over 50 interview with Cheri Andrews, a small business and trademark attorney who’s truly making a difference for heart-centered entrepreneurs.

We covered so many important topics about having a solid legal foundation for small businesses. Cheri has recognized a significant gap where many small and solo business owners simply fall through the cracks because they don’t have the legal and business counsel they need. She’s provided a brilliant solution with affordable flat-rate and subscription packages, making legal protections accessible for everyone.

One standout moment was when Cheri shared her journey through her diagnosis with fibromyalgia, which forced her to reassess her career. “I had to create the next career for me,” she said, highlighting the resilience many of us can relate to, especially as we navigate our 50s and beyond.

We also discussed various essential aspects of running a business, including The Business Council Membership, which has been a game-changer for many entrepreneurs looking for ongoing support. Cheri emphasized that while many focus on the big picture, they often overlook the nitty-gritty details, like the need for collaboration contracts when partnering with others. There’s too often a casual approach to these agreements, which can backfire if not properly documented.

Another vital point was the role of affiliate programs. Cheri stressed the importance of having clear agreements in place that outline everything from commission percentages to what happens in the event of disputes. Having these frameworks solidifies our business and protects our interests.

Visibility came up as well—how being seen in the right way is essential for growth. Cheri believes that when entrepreneurs are not clear about their messaging, it ultimately confuses their audience, leading them to lose potential customers.

Cheri’s passion for helping small businesses thrive is infectious, and her insights are invaluable. It’s all about empowerment through knowledge and ensuring that every entrepreneur feels equipped to protect their dreams.

If you missed the interview, I highly recommend checking it out for all the pearls of wisdom that Cheri shared!

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