Cheryl C.C. McKenzie personifies perseverance and hard work. In My Fashionable Journey: A Memoir of Determination and Perseverance, Cheryl tells her story of growing up in Jamaica, moving to New York, and her success in becoming a fashion designer. God showed Cheryl His faithfulness many times during her life. In particular, when she first arrived in America, her friends who were supposed to pick her up at the airport did not show up. Not knowing anyone else in New York, Cheryl providentially met a lovely lady - referred to as her angel - who offered to put Cheryl up for the night. It ended up being several nights. Finally, Cheryl hooked up with her friends and continued her adventures. Job hunting, working, schooling, taking a chance on setting up her own business, plus other adventures awaited Cheryl. She stuck it out and became successful. Read this intriguing story if you want to be inspired.

One must wonder why someone who grew up in idyllic Jamaica would want to move to the concrete jungle of New York. While Cheryl C.C. McKenzie could design and make dresses in her native country, New York was the place where she desired to build her fashion career. She was fascinated by tales from co-workers who were from New York. They told her about snow which did not exist in her always summer home in Kingston. Snow was not the only new thing to challenge Cheryl on her journey to a successful career. In My Fashionable Journey, we learn about her struggles and long working hours. She marries, but that does not turn out well. She becomes a single mom but continues to work from home. If Cheryl can make it through all her difficulties with the help of God, so can you. This book will inspire you, but it will also motivate you to do your best.

My Fashionable Journey: A Memoir of Determination and Perseverance, by Cheryl C.C. McKenzie, tells the story of the author’s life. She decides to move from her native Jamaica to the United States. Once she came to New York City, she immediately ran into a problem - some friends left her stranded at the airport. Fortunately, she got help from a stranger but continued to face setbacks, both in her career and in her personal life. However, she didn’t allow anything to stop her from achieving her dream to start a fashion design company. The book includes many illustrations of some of the fashions that McKenzie has designed. Although the author says she wrote the book for young adults, she mentions that it’s suitable for anyone who’s starting a new endeavor.

I wish every young person could read this book. It’s an inspiring story of big dreams, courage, wisdom, persistence, and making mistakes and overcoming them. Cheryl C.C. McKenzie knows what she’s writing about because she’s experienced it all. I recommend My Fashionable Journey to all readers, especially young people and those who are planning a new undertaking. It would be particularly valuable for those who have doubts about their ability to succeed. The lesson that all should take away from the book is “Ms. McKenzie did it. So can I.” Furthermore, for those interested in the fashion industry, the illustrations show her talent and ability to design for any situation, whether formal or casual.