By: Nic Abelian
Cheri Darling, a multi-faceted entrepreneur, has been transforming lives through her work as a wellness advocate, author, and creator of Tata Darling—a unique wellness-focused Airbnb in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Combining her personal experiences and deep commitment to wellness, Cheri has created a retreat that serves as a sanctuary for rest, healing, and personal growth. Her newly released book, Me First, Darling, complements her mission, offering readers a powerful guide on setting boundaries, embracing self-care, and prioritizing their own well-being.
Drawing on her experiences with military life, Cheri understands the importance of creating spaces that allow individuals to reset and restore their energy. “True strength lies in our ability to adapt, heal, and support one another,” Cheri shares. With services such as red light therapy, leg compression therapy, sound therapy, and aromatherapy, guests at Tata Darling are able to experience a full-body renewal while surrounded by the beauty of Temecula’s peaceful hills.
Beyond her wellness retreat, Cheri also runs a photography business that captures real, authentic moments. Her passion for photography is evident in her work, whether she’s photographing celebrity events, intimate portraits, or weddings. Cheri’s photography philosophy focuses on connection—creating a space where people can be truly themselves in front of the camera.
Through partnerships with local wineries, such as Altissima Winery and Fazeli Cellars, Cheri provides personalized photography services for couples in the Temecula Valley. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a wedding, Cheri uses the calming environment of Tata Darling to create unforgettable memories for her clients.
Photo Courtesy: Me First Darling / Cheri Darling
Cheri Darling’s recently released book, Me First, Darling, continues her mission of helping others put themselves first without guilt. In her book, she explores the concept of self-care and the importance of setting boundaries. The title itself serves as both a gentle reminder and a powerful declaration to prioritize one’s own well-being.
The book is designed to help readers shift from self-sacrifice to self-preservation. “Me First, Darling is not about being selfish—it’s about self-preservation,” Cheri explains. It offers practical advice, journaling prompts, and empowering lessons on how to create space for personal healing and growth. Topics in the book include reclaiming your light, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing joy and abundance.
Chapters like “Wellness Is Wealth” emphasize the importance of taking care of one’s body and mind, while “The Boundaries Chapter” teaches readers how to protect their energy and say “no” without guilt. Cheri’s goal with Me First, Darling is to provide readers with the tools they need to reconnect with themselves, honor their needs, and step into their power.
Cheri’s commitment to elevating others is at the heart of everything she does, from Tata Darling to her book. She has built a space that’s not just a retreat but a reflection of her own values of healing, community, and personal growth. Her mission is clear: to uplift those who need it most, whether they’re healing from a difficult experience or simply looking for a space to recharge.
Tata Darling isn’t just a business—it’s an extension of Cheri’s life philosophy. Through her wellness retreat, photography, and now her book, Cheri Darling continues to inspire others to live with intention, prioritize self-care, and embrace the beauty of their own journeys. Whether through the calming environment of Tata Darling or the empowering words in her book, Cheri’s vision is clear: Me First, Darling.
Cheri Darling has carved out a unique space where wellness, creativity, and self-care seamlessly converge. As the founder of Tata Darling, a wellness-focused retreat nestled in Temecula Wine Country, and author of Me First, Darling, Cheri is committed to guiding others on a journey of healing, self-love, and empowerment.
Photo Courtesy: Cheri Darling
Tucked away in the picturesque hills of Temecula, Tata Darling offers more than just a stay—it provides an experience of restoration and connection. Drawing from her own experiences as a military spouse, Cheri designed the retreat with the intention of providing a sanctuary for individuals and families, particularly military families, who are navigating the emotional challenges of deployment and reintegration.
“Tata Darling is about creating space for healing,” Cheri shares. “It’s a place where people can reconnect with themselves and each other. Healing happens here, both inside and out.” Guests can experience a range of rejuvenating therapies, including red light therapy, leg compression treatments, and sound and aromatherapy, all carefully chosen to promote healing, relaxation, and emotional well-being.
Outside of her work at Tata Darling, Cheri is also a skilled photographer, focusing on capturing authentic moments of connection. Her work spans from personal portraits to celebrity events and weddings, with a strong emphasis on creating a comfortable, open environment for her subjects. Through partnerships with local wineries, Cheri provides customized photography services, ensuring that every photo session is a deeply personal and memorable experience.
“For me, photography is about more than just taking pictures,” Cheri says. “It’s about capturing the soul of the moment, the connection between people. It’s an art that allows me to tell stories of joy, love, and life.”
Cheri’s new book, Me First, Darling, is a culmination of her personal journey and professional mission. The book challenges readers to adopt a mindset of self-care by teaching the importance of setting boundaries, taking time for personal reflection, and putting oneself first.
“I want readers to understand that it’s okay to prioritize themselves,” Cheri explains. “Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. This book is a reminder that we can’t pour from an empty cup. We need to refill ourselves to truly show up for others.”
In Me First, Darling, Cheri discusses how to reclaim your energy, establish healthy boundaries, and embrace your unique light. Through practical exercises and affirmations, the book provides readers with the tools to cultivate a life of peace, joy, and abundance. Chapters like “Wellness Is Wealth” and “The Boundaries Chapter” guide readers to take charge of their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
At the core of Cheri’s work is the belief that healing, creativity, and self-care are integral to living a fulfilled life. Whether it’s through the restorative environment of Tata Darling or the empowering words in her book, Cheri’s mission is to help others live intentionally, prioritize their well-being, and embrace their personal journeys.
“I created Tata Darling and Me First, Darling to offer people a chance to reconnect with themselves, to reflect, heal, and grow,” Cheri reflects. “It’s about creating spaces where people can thrive.”
Cheri Darling’s work in wellness, photography, and self-care continues to inspire those who encounter it. Through Tata Darling, her photography, and her book, Me First, Darling, she provides a pathway for individuals to heal, reconnect, and prioritize their well-being—reminding us all that the first step toward healing and growth is choosing ourselves.
With love and light, Cheri Darling Founder, Tata Darling Wellness Airbnb Photographer | Military Spouse | Light Worker
For more information or to book your stay at Tata Darling, visit Tata Darling on Airbnb or explore more on Instagram: Tata Darling and Cheri Darling Photography.
