The Ladder We Ascend: A Fascinating Family History and Business Success Story
The Ladder We Ascend chronicles the ascent of the Waldron clan, a family dominated by strong women who overcame tremendous obstacles to become a family of successful entrepreneurs, professionals and academics.
Among them is Cheryl Bowles, and the book includes fantastic insights into how she started a thriving beauty and wellness business that includes the famed Cher-Mère brand.
Here's a little excerpt from Cheryl's cousin and business partner, Leslie Bowrin, on how they got started:
"In my pitch, I would emphasise that we were selling a product designed by a local chemist, that it was not one of those imported products created for Eurocentric bodies. People tend to like to help out a local brand—that is, once it can stand on its own. Fortunately, our products worked. Even if people purchased out of sympathy, you'd find them slowly buying into the quality. I'd return and they'd say, 'All right, let me try a few more.' Sometimes, I would even give them a discount, just so they would try it; I knew they would come back to me. If they were dissatisfied, I would take whatever comments they had to Cheryl to discuss the emerging issues. Ultimately, though, the biggest selling point was the story behind the brand: here is this young Black woman who was Chief Chemist at Nestlé—a very nice job—but left and started a product that was standing the test of time. She was building something unique to us. The Hair Food was a great seller. It moved."
But this book is not only about Cher-Mère.
It begins with a poignant memoir written by the family matriarch, Margaret Waldron, shortly before her death in the 1980s.
It also includes archives and fun anecdotes, such as this recollection by Cheryl of her grandfather, Percival Waldron:
"Grandpa was strict, but only outwardly. When I was seventeen, I threw a party in the backyard because I was leaving for Canada. A few other friends were migrating too, so the party was going good. At around one in the morning, Grandpa came downstairs, ‘Party done. Everyone go home!’ Well, nobody bothered with him. The party geared back up. He came back down, and the same thing happened. Third time downstairs and he switched off the electricity at the meter. We put it back on and this time the DJ played a song called ‘Here Comes the Meter Man’. Finally, Grandpa returned with a stick and shut us down. I remember abusing him from afar, ‘Why yuh embarrass me so?!’ But the following day, Grandpa was up early cleaning the yard. That’s the kind of person he was."
The Waldron Family commissioned us because they see the book as a means to transfer knowledge and values across generations. They see this as a prerequisite for ensuring intergenerational wealth.
They also hope to inspire other families with their stories of commitment, determination and resilience.
If you are a family business with a story to tell, reach out to us — we'd love to help you share it.