Five Minutes with Cheryl Hickey: Celebrity Host and Entrepreneur

As host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, Cheryl is used to being in the spotlight. As an entrepreneur, she’s still on the learning curve. The co-founder of Ours by Cheryl Hickey shares her ups and downs so far—and advice on making the most of failures.

You’re a veteran TV host, but this is your first go at entrepreneurship. How has this new experience been, so far?

I’m learning as I go with this entrepreneur thing in all honesty. This past year has been my own personal “business school”—and I’ve learned so much and am still learning. What has helped me survive is keeping a network of people that allow me to make smart, conscious decisions while not sacrificing my personal beliefs.

Every learning process inevitably includes a few mistakes. How have you handled it?

Failure is a big part of success. Meaning, I’ve fallen down and failed and things have been cancelled. There have been times where it’s been crushing because you want it so badly or you want it to work. But business is harsh—and I’m realizing that! Sometimes I handle it well, and sometimes I don’t. And I think that’s ok; it’s a part of it.

You seem to keep it light and fun on your social channels and in your career. What is your trick to staying positive?

What I’ve learned from my career at ET Canada and all throughout my own business is that you can’t take yourself too seriously. If you don’t take a moment to laugh at yourself, then you’re doing it all wrong. I really like what I do because it’s fun, and allows me to be myself. Laughing at your pitfalls is incredibly important, even if you’re walking down the hall with your dress unzipped.