Cheryl Nelson is a four-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist, TV host, and FEMA-certified natural disaster preparedness expert. She is also a certified travel preparedness expert through Johns Hopkins University. With a talent for cutting through the chaos, Cheryl delivers clear, actionable tips to help people stay prepared—both in everyday life and during emergencies.
“Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just start. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, but progress comes from taking action, learning as you go, and trusting your gut.” – Cheryl Nelson
Cheryl Nelson Founder & CEO of Prepare with Cher, LLC
I’m Cheryl Nelson, Founder & CEO of Prepare with Cher, LLC, a boutique media and preparedness consulting agency specializing in natural disaster and travel preparedness. I’m a meteorologist, TV host, and FEMA-certified preparedness expert who is passionate about educating the public on how to stay safe during emergencies.
My journey took an unexpected turn in 2022 when I faced a life-threatening illness. After spending a total of eight weeks in the hospital battling Epstein-Barr virus, sepsis, and multiple complications, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever fully recover. That experience gave me a renewed sense of purpose—to live life to the fullest, educate as many people as possible, and embrace every opportunity. Now, I combine my expertise in weather, disaster preparedness, and media to help individuals and businesses prepare for the unexpected while continuing my work as a national TV contributor, speaker, and entrepreneur.
We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My career has been a mix of broadcast meteorology, media, and disaster preparedness education. I’ve been fascinated by the power of nature (snowstorms were my favorite weather phenomena) since the age of nine and the impact of inclement weather on people’s lives. That passion led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Penn State University and later work as a TV meteorologist, host, FEMA-certified instructor for the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC), and spokesperson. I was a shy child, so I took theatre classes in high school and competed in pageants in college and beyond to gain more confidence and stage presence.
In 2013, I competed in the Mrs. Virginia International Pageant with my platform – natural disaster preparedness. I won the title of Mrs. VA International 2014 and went on to make over 100 appearances – not just in Virginia – but all around the country in 2014. I’ve been fortunate to appear on major networks like The TODAY Show, Fox News, News Nation, and The Weather Channel, where I share critical preparedness information. In 2019, I created Prepare with Cher, LLC to bridge the gap between weather, media, and natural disaster & travel preparedness.
What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
I wanted to create a platform where I could blend my expertise in media, meteorology, and disaster preparedness in a way that truly makes a difference. Traditional media outlets have time constraints, and I wanted the flexibility to educate, speak, and consult without limitations.
By launching Prepare with Cher, LLC, I’ve been able to work with brands, government agencies, and individuals to provide customized disaster preparedness and travel safety strategies. It has also given me the freedom to continue my work as a freelance TV host/broadcast meteorologist/traffic anchor and spokesperson while expanding my reach through public speaking, consulting, and digital content creation.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
I leveraged social media, conference/trade show networking, and media appearances to establish my brand. My experience as a TV personality and meteorologist helped me build credibility, and I used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to share valuable preparedness tips. While my @CherylNelson social media accounts have more traction, I recently established @PrepareWithCher social media accounts to add to my brand.
I also focused on collaborations—partnering with trusted brands, disaster preparedness organizations, and media outlets to expand my reach. Consistency, authenticity, and showcasing my expertise in a relatable way were key to growing my business.
What is a typical day like for you?
Every day is different! Some days, I’m on TV as a meteorologist, host, traffic anchor, or preparedness expert, while others are spent filming content, consulting businesses, speaking at conferences, or on a Delta airplane for a work engagement. I also dedicate time to creating educational resources, preparing social media content, and engaging with my audience.
When I’m not working, I prioritize self-care, travel, and spending time with my supportive husband, family, friends, and rescue cats—they keep me grounded!
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Resilience – There will be setbacks, but learning from failures and pushing forward is key.
- Adaptability – The business landscape is always changing, and success requires the ability to pivot and embrace new opportunities.
- Tenacity – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Staying determined, working through challenges, and never giving up are essential to achieving long-term goals.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just start. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, but progress comes from taking action, learning as you go, and trusting your gut.
Absolutely! Prepare with Cher, LLC focuses on disaster and travel preparedness education, ensuring individuals and communities have the tools they need to stay safe. I’ve worked with local organizations and businesses to help them develop disaster plans and resilience strategies.
Every entrepreneur has a goal and problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?
I learned at an early age that meteorology is an inexact science. I watched all of the local meteorologists on TV and I wanted to learn how to forecast too – to help people plan and prepare for their day and stay safe. I also have a deep love for the beauty and magic of snow and I wanted to know more! After years of working in broadcast meteorology and my reign as Mrs. VA International, I realized that preparedness education was often lacking. That’s what inspired me to start Prepare with Cher, LLC—to empower people with life-saving knowledge in a way that is engaging, practical, and accessible.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
I’ve learned that burnout is real, so I prioritize self-care by:
- Traveling – Exploring new places fuels my creativity. I’ve been to all 50 US states, 6 continents and almost 50 countries.
- Spending time with my rescue cats – My pets pick up on my energy and have an incredible way of bringing peace.
- Practicing mindfulness – I remind myself to slow down and be present.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
Surviving my near-death experience in 2022 and making a full recovery while rebuilding my business and career. It taught me that life is a gift, and every moment matters.
A year after my illness, I was given the opportunity to do a stint as a broadcast meteorologist at Fox5NY in the #1 TV market – New York City. I jumped at the opportunity, and was even nominated for a NY Emmy for my work as a meteorologist!
We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was nearly losing my life to a sudden illness in 2022. I was hospitalized for weeks, unable to work for months, and had to rebuild my strength from the ground up. That experience changed my perspective on time, resilience, and what truly matters. It reinforced my passion for preparedness—not just for disasters, but for life’s unexpected turns. In business, one of my greatest challenges has been carving out a niche in a historically male-dominated industry. As a woman in meteorology and disaster preparedness, I’ve had to prove my credibility time and again, but my persistence, knowledge, and ability to connect with audiences have helped me earn respect and establish myself as a trusted expert.
What challenges have you faced in the workplace, especially your experience in male-dominated environments?
As a female meteorologist and entrepreneur, I feel that I’ve sometimes had to work twice as hard (especially early in my career) to prove my expertise. I’ve faced adversity, but I let my knowledge, confidence, and passion speak for itself. I’ve also learned to advocate for myself and other women in the industry.
Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?
- Authenticity wins – People connect with genuine passion. When I started my business, I stayed true to my mission, and that’s what built trust with my audience.
- Adaptability is key – The world changes fast, and so do industries. Being flexible and willing to evolve has been crucial for my success.
- Failure is feedback – I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t the end; they’re lessons. Each failure has pushed me to refine my strategies and come back stronger.
What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?
- Mentorship & Representation – Women need to see other women in leadership roles. Mentorship programs can help elevate and support aspiring female entrepreneurs.
- Equal Opportunities & Pay – Advocacy for fair wages, funding opportunities, and leadership positions for women is essential.
- Encouraging Confidence – Women often hesitate to step forward or take risks. Creating spaces where women feel empowered to share ideas and lead is critical for inclusivity.
What advice would you give to a new business owner? Or to your younger self?
To a new business owner: Build your brand with authenticity, be patient, and never stop learning. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and the most resilient entrepreneurs are those who adapt and persist.
To my younger self: Believe in yourself sooner. Be confident. You are enough. You are more capable than you realize, and setbacks are just stepping stones to something greater. Don’t be afraid to take risks—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
I bring a unique combination of expertise, credibility, and relatability. As a certified broadcast meteorologist, TV host, FEMA-certified instructor, and disaster/travel preparedness expert, I break down complex information into engaging, actionable advice. My background in broadcasting allows me to connect with audiences in a way that makes preparedness feel accessible rather than overwhelming. My brand, Prepare with Cher, is not just about facts—it’s about empowering people to take control of their safety in a way that feels doable, relevant, and even fun.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful high performer or leader?
The traits I listed above to be a successful entrepreneur and Empathy. The best leaders understand the needs of their team and their audience. Whether in business or life, the ability to connect with and uplift others fosters loyalty, trust, and long-term success.
What social media platform is the best for business growth and why?
LinkedIn – Great for networking and B2B growth.
Instagram & Facebook – Ideal for building a brand and engaging with an audience.
YouTube – A powerful platform for long-form educational content.
What are three websites or podcasts you can’t imagine your day without? Why those three?
- NOAA.gov – As a meteorologist, staying updated on weather forecasts, climate trends, and severe weather alerts is essential for my work.
- LinkedIn.com – Networking is key in my industry, and LinkedIn allows me to connect with professionals, share insights, and stay on top of industry trends.
- PrepareWithCher.com – I’ve got to support my brand! 😉
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
Meredith Vieira resonates with me because of her resilience, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences. Like me, she has a background in journalism and television, has navigated both news and lifestyle programming, and is known for her warmth and authenticity. She’s also faced personal challenges with grace, including balancing a demanding career while supporting her husband through his health struggles. Her ability to pivot, adapt, and remain a trusted voice in media aligns with my own journey of perseverance and reinvention.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Life is short—take chances, express your feelings, and embrace every moment.
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