Sometimes it’s not easy to strike up a conversation with that good looking stranger from across the room. Lori Cheek knows this and has come up with cheekd.com, an easy and less intimidating way for singles to connect and flirt. Read below to find out more about Lori and her unique business. Enjoy!
Hometown: Taylorsville, KY
Current Residence: New York, NY
Education: Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Kentucky
Professional Background: Architecture, Design & Furniture Project Management & Sales for 15 years
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A Performer
What you are: An Entrepreneur
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Cheek’d is a savvy online social circuit which draws on the age old custom of networking with business cards. The company designs personal cards with clever catch phrases and unique ID numbers which direct card receivers to an online profile to learn more about the card giver. It’s like online dating, only backwards.”
Company Website? www.cheekd.com
What inspired you? A few years ago, I was at dinner with a guy friend of mine. I had excused myself to make a phone call and when I returned, he had written on the back of his business card, “want to have dinner?” and handed it to a woman at an adjacent table as he and I were leaving the restaurant. There was an immediate light bulb above my head. Two years later, I launched Cheekd.com– It’s like online dating, in reverse and the flirtation is performed via a business card sized introduction minus the personal details.
How long have you been in business? May 2010
How did you fund it? Self Funded
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? On a weekly basis, I attend startup & tech mixers in NYC.
Current Business Challenge? As mentioned earlier, I’m self funded and need funding to scale the business.
What are you doing about it? I’m actively seeking a seed round of investment and am currently pitching the idea to investors.
Favorite motivational quote: Build your dream.
Family? My parents, brother & his family all live in Kentucky.
If so, how do you balance family and business? I speak to my parents on a daily basis. They’ve been a major mental support from many miles away.
Favorite book? City Mouse and Country Mouse
What do you do to relax? It’s been a while since I’ve really relaxed, but I work out daily, which is where I seem to find tranquility at the moment.
What do you want to change most about your world? I want to bring people together. I love romance and now I’m connecting people that may not have met otherwise.
What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I came up with an idea that has taken off. The New York Times coined my idea as “the next generation of online dating.”
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Dream big and don’t give up. Make your idea happen.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My interns and the internet.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Sapphires—my birthstone and Diamonds—a girl’s best friend!
