Cherie Monson '85

CEO and FounderB.S.B. ’85 (Carlson School of Management)Alumni Association Member About CLM CREATIONS GentleStyle Brush CLM CREATIONS was founded by Cherie L. Monson, a breast cancer survivor and passionate entrepreneur dedicated to innovative hair tools. Her journey began 15 years ago when she transitioned from permanent waves to coloring her hair. In her quest to recreate her wavy hair-style, Cherie discovered a volumizing diffuser attachment that added volume to her thin, straight hair. However, she struggled to replicate the look while traveling without lugging around her heavy hair dryer and clunky diffuser. This challenge sparked the idea: “How can I replicate the results of a diffuser without the hassle?” After ten years of perfecting a travel-friendly volumizing diffuser hairbrush, Cherie applied for a patent. Inheriting her late father's inventive spirit, she knew it was time to bring her creation to life. Then, a surprising breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 became a turning po