Cherry Gong on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Cherry Gong and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherry, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, traveling has been bringing me so much joy. Just two weeks ago, I spent a few days in Dubai, and being in a new place reminded me how much there is to explore. From the local street food to the little moments that make each place unique. It’s inspiring to see how much the world has to offer and always motivates me to grow and seek new experiences.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! My name is Cherry, and I’m currently working full-time in financial advisory at Deloitte while pursuing modeling here in Atlanta. I first did an interview with Voyage back when I was at the University of Georgia, and it’s amazing to see how things have come full circle. At the time, I shared my “big plans”: studying abroad, enjoying college life post-pandemic, and balancing modeling with my career. Fast forward, I’ve fulfilled my dream of studying abroad in Paris, graduated, and worked full-time for two years. Today, I’m focused on growing personally, cherishing the people I care about, and discovering new hobbies and destinations along the way.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As I shared in my previous interview, I was born in Shenzhen, China, and moved to the U.S. when I was six. Growing up, I was always the quiet student in the back of the classroom, full of self-doubt and convinced I would never succeed. I tried ballet, piano, and violin, but I was never the best, never the most popular, and never considered the prettiest.

Everything began to change when I discovered modeling. It pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected, sometimes shaking my confidence even further, but it also taught me the power of presence – how carrying yourself with intention can transform how you feel and how the world sees you. While I may not be at my final destination yet, I’ve learned that with dedication, hard work, and belief in yourself, anyone can achieve what they set out to do.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Honestly, I’m not going to lie and say I’m still not young. Being 24, I still have a lot more life to live, but if I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be that things get better. No matter the hardships, heartbreaks, or challenges that feel impossible to overcome, keep going. Even when it feels like the sky is falling, pick yourself up, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is only part of the story. Modeling and corporate work expect a certain type of confidence, but at home, I’m still the girl who looks like she just rolled out of bed and needs multiple takes to get that one picture right for Instagram.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had only 10 years left, I would immediately stop procrastinating and being scared to take the leap! Too often, we get stuck in our own heads, afraid to take risks, and end up putting off the things we truly want to do. I’m guilty of that myself. Knowing my time is limited would force me to chase my dreams without hesitation and live life like it’s my last.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xcherry4869/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xcherry4869/

Image Credits
@brittneymullins @sabo24fps @millsappmedia @vasilisdarkroom