Cherise Barkley

Cherise is an advocate for solid Financial Education and Solutions. As a young child Cherise witnessed first-hand some of the struggles and challenges that come from the lack of financial knowledge and not having adequate life insurance. As a young adult in college then as a young mother during college the same challenges and struggles existed.

What propelled Cherise to take control of her future was when she lost her job. She was not provided a severance package or other retirement monies to fall back on. She as well as her husband and two children began to experience tough financial times. There was also a recession brewing and she nor her husband Tony could find a job. It was then that they made a life changing decision to take control of their financial future by making it their life’s purpose and passion to teach others how to survive in their financial wilderness and to achieve their financial goals and dreams. Shortly after losing their jobs, they walked into the office of a Financial Services Company they were once a part of and told the Manager, “We signed up a year ago part-time... We are both now unemployed… give us a shot and we’ll go to work full time as a Power Couple in building a Successful Team and Business!”

At the time the Company was the distribution arm, marketing financial services and products for one of the most successful Financial Services Company in the world. They were given a second chance. It took a couple years for them to learn the business and how to effectively market, educate and sell the products as well as learning how to develop, lead, train and motivate their sales team. Cherise also had to study and test to obtain all the necessary licenses in the Financial Services field (i.e. Life and Health Insurance, Investments-Series 6, 63 and 26, Variable Annuities, Mortgage Brokers and Property/Casualty).

Cherise relocated with her family in January 2002, after accomplishing the licensing milestones. She began educating and providing financial solutions in a stellar manner. They both also began to recruit, train and develop leaders for the new team. In a new city starting from scratch with no initial market, client base or team base, they began to build a business and team that would eventually go on to become one of the Top in the state and nation in production.

On July 4th, 2002, after six months in a new city, they were promoted and inducted into the Financial Independence Council as they earned their first $100,000 (personal rolling 12-month income). During the next 3 years, they went on to develop, train and promote Five Vice Presidents and numerous Regional Managers, Division Leaders and Sales Associates within their organization. They then earned their promotion to Senior Vice President, as well as earned the Third Diamond ($380,000 Personal Income Level). 

Cherise and Tony were inducted into the Field Cabinet, African American Leadership Council and inducted into the Prestigious Financial Independence Council. Tony was also honored when selected to become a key-note speaker at the company’s Recognition Convention in Boca Raton FL, Nashville TN and on the Entrepreneurial Public Network TV Station, as well as other Leadership Schools throughout the country. He was also selected to visit several organizations within the company: coaching, sharing and motivating other representatives towards their success.

After 10 years of service and success, Cherise and Tony continued Coaching, Mentoring and Developing people. During the next 2 years they went on to work with other Marketing Companies, all positioned on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). While doing so they also earned the highest levels of leadership within these companies.

January 2009, after 12 years of working within the Financial Services, Sales & Leadership Industry, in training and coaching associates and representatives for other companies, they decided to launch her company - Tidewater Wealth Solutions.

Cherise with her husband made the commitment to their family and Inner Circle that their primary focuses will consist of providing Financial Training and Solutions to individuals and Entrepreneurs on how to accomplish their Financial Goals and Dreams based upon their personal and professional experience. After many years of service to others, Cherise knows what is required "Before (B4) Success" and is well seasoned, qualified and positioned to assist others on their journey.

Cherise has gone through the struggles and sacrifices while not seeing success materialize right away. She knows that diligence and hard work mixed with great advice and wisdom from Financial Advisers and Consultants are the Keys to Financial Success. Cherise serves as a Beacon of Hope assisting those wanting more out of life.

Cherise has been married for 25 years, to her best friend and business partner, Tony. They have three beautiful children and three adorable grandchildren.

When she is not training or providing financial solutions and services to her clients' she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, relaxing and traveling throughout the country.