Cheryl J.
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
"I'm a catalyst for change and a champion of comebacks. I am a vehicle through which the glow and favor of God flow. I am a lover of life and a proud mother. I believe all things are possible to them that believe!!"
What is your favorite OWN show?
Oprah's Lifeclass and Oprah's Master Class (it's just brilliant television). I like Deion's Family Playbook because I know him personally, and he has used his life to help me raise money for my charity. He's not acting; he is genuine about helping kids in our community.
What are your three favorite things?
(1) Spending time with family, (2) feeding the hungry and (3) speaking and being on television.
What would your superpower be?
My superpower would be reading people's minds. To know what people are really thinking when you are talking to them would be powerful.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup...I say a little prayer for YOU.
What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?
I give thanks, put my computer down and curl up on my hubby's chest to let the beat of his heart put me to sleep.
What is the one item you can't live without, and why?
I can't live without my Bible. I find comfort, strength and hope in its pages.
Who is your hero?
My hero is a triangle of people that raised me up: my mother, Minnie Ewing, who is the wind beneath my wings; my husband, Artis Jackson, who is my strength; and my deceased father, Robert Hawthorne.
What do you like that most people dislike?
I like speaking in front of huge crowds. I also love cheering for the underdog. I love seeing someone thrive in a place they barely survived.
What are you proudest of?
(1) I am proud of my daughters; I adore them. (2) My charity, Minnie's Food Pantry, has distributed more than 3.2 million meals. (3) In one year, my Facebook fans donated over $43,000 on my page to my charity. (4) I was interviewed by Dr. Maya Angelou. (5) I met Oprah and interviewed her as my first interview. (6) I am proud that my friend Erica trusted me to come work with me and that six years later she is still here. (7) I am proud of this moment: to be a Featured OWNer.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My pet peeve is people not washing their hands after using the restroom. Really? Really? Then they try to shake my hand. I don't think so.
What would you like to learn to do?
I would like to learn how to produce my "OWN" television show.
What are you particularly bad at that your friends tease you about?
I am bad at taking no for an answer. I keep going when I BELIEVE in something, and, usually, I get what I want.
