Cheryl Dowling on Launching a Leading Digital Fertility Platform: IVF Warrior

Hi Cheryl! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I’m the CEO and founder of The IVF Warrior, a leading digital fertility platform on a mission to empower, support, and educate those struggling with infertility. I’m very passionate about women’s health, fertility, and mental health. I have a clinical background in counseling. After years of struggling with infertility, I made it my personal mission to change the conversation surrounding infertility and make others feel less alone. I’ve been featured in various media outlets for my work with The IVF Warrior and expertise in digital health and marketing, plus recently won the Social Storyteller Sharecare Emmy for my work in digital media.

So Cheryl, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I’m so excited to connect with other members, participate in events, and take The IVF Warrior to the next level.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

My passion for helping others and quickly realizing infertility is such a lonely, confusing thing to experience. I didn’t want others to feel alone during their journey, too. Whether it be through counseling or providing a digital health platform, it’s always been my mission to support others struggling.

So Cheryl, what was your background prior to starting your own business?

I have post-secondary education in both counseling and business. I worked previously as a women’s counselor, providing 1-1 counseling, group therapy, intake, and crisis management. I’ve also worked for many years as a digital marketing expert, helping brands build engaged communities, social strategies, influencer marketing, and overall digital strategies that drive results and make an impact. I’ve been featured in various media outlets for my expertise in digital health and marketing.

Did you always know or have a feeling you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes! Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’m so thankful I was able to make my dream come to life.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

I heavily focused on social media marketing, collaborations, and creating content that was shareable and relatable. This strategy worked, though over the years, my marketing strategy has shifted to focus on much more than just social media.

Entreprenistas overcome challenges every single day. What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way?

Navigating a constantly changing industry.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Winning the Sharecare Emmy Award, which celebrates individuals and organizations impacting health and wellness through social media. Established in 2019 in association with The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter, the program also aims to inspire and elevate the individuals and organizations whose creative use of media are empowering people around the world to live healthier. It’s truly an honor to be recognized and to have won this award.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes, though with being an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to achieve. I recommend prioritizing your mental health, including setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and unplugging from technology in the evenings and on weekends if you can.

What’s a piece of advice you can share that you wish you’d known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

Find mentors and support! It makes such a difference to have people to turn to, who inspire you, cheer you on, and support you.

Cheryl, you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Major growth overall, taking more leaps and stepping outside of my comfort zone more.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

The IVF Warrior will be offering more support than ever to those struggling with infertility. We are just getting started!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!