Cheryl Brown began competing in fitness competitions after years of training in high school track and field and competing in a bodybuilding competition. She made competing her goal after making a New Year's resolution in 2008, where she won her first NPC show. She then went on to win several major IFBB competitions between 2009-2011, including the New York Pro and placing 11th at the 2010 Olympia, as she pursued her pro card.