Cherie Monson '85
CEO and Founder
B.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 point. Determined not to be a victim, Cherie fought through radiation and a weakened immune system with resilience. This journey fueled her determination to launch CLM CREATIONS and manufacture her patented hairbrush.
During her recovery, Cherie faced hair thinning and breakage, which led her to discover that her new hairbrush could detangle gently and minimize further damage while adding volume. The GentleStyle Brush isn’t just another styling tool; it's a game-changer for hair lovers everywhere. Say goodbye to the hassle of multiple tools—the GentleStyle Brush massages the scalp, evenly distributes product, detangles without stress, diffuses using any hair dryer, and volumizes thin hair, all in one sleek design that's easy to clean and compact enough for travel.
Two years after her diagnosis, Cherie retired from her 26-year career as a Sales Consultant with CenterPoint Energy in Minneapolis to dedicate more time to her new company, CLM CREATIONS, and her patented GentleStyle Brush. Cherie and her husband, Mark, live in Hopkins, Minnesota.
About Cherie
My name is Cherie Monson. I am the founder of CLM CREATIONS and a breast cancer survivor who transformed my experience into innovation with the GentleStyle Brush. It's a multi-use hair care solution that gently massages the scalp, evenly distributes products like dry shampoo or mousse, detangles without stress (including wigs and extensions), diffuses using any hair dryer and volumizes thin hair--all while being easy to clean and compact enough for travel.
