Hi, I’m Cheri!

Simplifying the complex, amplifying the story…

I’m passionate about the intersection of design, language, and psychology—because when it comes to user experience, every detail matters. With over a decade of experience in research and communication, I specialize in creating user-friendly content that blends clarity with creativity. Whether it's crafting concise navigation labels or developing dynamic, engaging copy, I thrive on making things not just functional, but delightful.

I have a deep understanding of how design, language, and even color choices can influence a user’s interest and behavior. My background in writing, paired with a degree in psychology, gives me a unique perspective on human behavior, enabling me to create experiences that resonate with users on both a cognitive and emotional level. Research is my forte, and I’m all about diving deep to uncover insights that inform impactful solutions.

Beyond UX, I’m a storyteller at heart. I’m the published author of a 105,000-word memoir and have contributed to publications like Helpful Living Magazine, Wellness on Time Magazine AU, The Parenting Portal, and Write a Catalyst. I also built my own social media platform, Tangled in Toxic, on TikTok, where I’ve grown a community of over 10,000 followers. There, I educate on topics like covert abuse, recovery, and self-love—proof that words, when thoughtfully chosen, can empower and inspire.

I believe that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and I love making complex ideas clear and actionable. Whether I’m writing, designing, or strategizing, I bring enthusiasm, precision, and a user-centered approach to everything I do.

UX Writer, content strategist, and user experience alchemist…

As a UX writer, content strategist, and user experience alchemist, I specialize in transforming complex user insights into intuitive and compelling content. With over a decade of experience, my work is rooted in meticulous research and understanding what draws users in and keeps them there. I excel at uncovering user needs and behaviors through independent analysis and applying this knowledge to design content and experiences that resonate and engage. My personal projects reflect this dedication, showcasing my ability to blend storytelling, strategy, and design to create meaningful, user-centered interactions.

Cheri Shandra actively pursues continuing education and certifications to stay updated in a rapidly evolving field.

My portfolio of work:

  • Project Overview: Conducted comprehensive user research to enhance the onboarding experience for an e-learning platform.
    Research Activities: Led user interviews and usability testing to gather qualitative data on user challenges and preferences. Analyzed findings to identify pain points and opportunities for clearer, more engaging content.
    Outcome: Developed content guidelines that streamlined onboarding instructions, making them more concise and actionable, resulting in a 15% increase in user completion rates.

  • Project Overview: Worked as a UX writer for a health and wellness app under NDA, focused on improving user engagement through content updates.
    Research Activities: Collaborated with the research team to review user analytics and conduct A/B testing on different content variations. Utilized findings to craft messages that better aligned with user motivations and needs.
    Outcome: Implemented microcopy and instructional content that improved user task completion and boosted overall satisfaction as reflected in post-interaction surveys.

  • Project Overview: Created and launched Tangled in Toxic, a social media platform and resource for mental health education, focusing on covert abuse, recovery, and self-love.
    Research Activities: Conducted independent research on audience engagement, content preferences, and trending topics within the mental health space. Used this data to refine content strategy and create relatable, informative posts.
    Outcome: Grew a dedicated following of over 10,000 on TikTok and fostered an active community, showcasing the power of targeted UX writing and strategic content development in user retention and education.

  • One of the most insightful aspects of my research is user journey mapping, which helps me visualize how users interact with my content during pivotal or emotionally charged moments. I create detailed maps that trace the user experience from the first touchpoint to their end goal, identifying key pain points, motivations, and needs at each stage.

    Case Example: When users come to Tangled in Toxic seeking information on recovery or understanding abuse, I map out their journey from initial discovery to engaging with content that offers support and clarity. This process reveals moments of frustration, such as difficulty finding specific resources, and moments of connection, like when users find content that resonates with their experiences.

    By mapping out these journeys, I can refine the content structure, optimize navigation, and ensure that the language used aligns with the emotional state of the users. The result is an experience that guides users smoothly through their path, providing them with the support and information they need at the right moments.

  • Project Overview:
    Goal: To create a content strategy that effectively addresses the needs of users seeking support and information during emotionally pivotal moments, such as recovery from abuse and self-love.
    Context: As the creator of Tangled in Toxic, I recognized that users come to my platform at different stages of emotional readiness. Whether they’re beginning their recovery journey or seeking reassurance, the content needed to be both empathetic and informative.

    Research Phase:
    Methods Used:

    • User Surveys and Feedback: Collected responses from followers to understand their preferences, emotional states, and how they engage with content.

    • Sentiment Analysis: Analyzed comments and messages to gauge the emotional tone and themes that resonate most with the audience.

    • Competitive Analysis: Reviewed similar content platforms to identify best practices for tone, structure, and topic selection.

    Key Findings:

    • Users often seek content that acknowledges their emotional pain while providing practical steps for moving forward.

    • Posts that shared personal stories or relatable experiences led to higher engagement and fostered a sense of community.

    • Clear, concise language was preferred, especially in times of stress, to avoid overwhelming the reader.

    Strategy Development:
    Approach:

    • Content Segmentation: Created different types of content tailored for various stages of emotional readiness (e.g., introductory content for those just starting their journey and deeper, actionable advice for those more advanced).

    • Empathy-Driven Language: Crafted content using language that shows empathy and validates the reader’s feelings while offering hope and solutions.

    • Visual Design: Incorporated calming colors and clean layouts to reduce stress and ensure easy readability.

    Implementation:

    • Content Types: Developed a mix of posts, including short informational captions, personal stories, and step-by-step guides.

    • Posting Schedule: Planned a balanced schedule that varied in content type and emotional intensity to provide users with a continuous, supportive experience.

    • Engagement Strategy: Included call-to-action prompts encouraging users to share their thoughts or stories, creating an interactive community.

    Results and Impact:

    • Growth Metrics: Achieved a 25% increase in average engagement per post, with longer viewing times and more interaction on supportive content.

    • User Feedback: Positive feedback from users expressing appreciation for content that felt personal, relatable, and helpful.

    • Community Building: Noticed a growth in user participation, with more followers sharing their own stories and contributing to the sense of shared experience.

    Reflection:
    Creating an emotional content strategy required more than just writing—it was about connecting with users and understanding their journey. The insights gained from this case study have informed my approach to UX writing and content strategy, proving that empathy and research are foundational for creating meaningful content that supports users through pivotal times.

Here are some examples of projects:

EXAMPLE #1

My client requested a basic website design that is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and simplistic in appearance. and design.

EXAMPLE #2

Website Sketch Design.

EXAMPLE #3

Journey Mapping for Mental Health Site.

BY CHERI SHANDRA

EXAMPLE #4

Paper Wireframe For Recipe Creation Mobile Site.

Creative Inspirations, Explorations, and Previous/Current Projects

Creative professional, personal, and experimental projects by Cheri Shandra

Four Fires Clothing
Logo and Apparel Design.

Year
2019

Naked Earth Soap Co.
Advertisement Banner and Logo

Year
2020

The Shandra Company, LLC
Author, Book Cover Design

Year
2024

The Shandra Company, LLC
Author, Book Cover Design and Watercolor Art

Year
2022

MON CHERI BEAUTY
Branding and Packaging.

Year
2022

Private Company
An artistic design was requested for a unique addition to a restaurant's website.

Left side- Hand sketch

Right side- Procreate

Year
2025- CURRENT

Children’s Book Illustration
27-page illustration, formatting, and cover design for two-time author.

Left side- Watercolor paint

Right side- Procreate

Year
2025- CURRENT

Some of my commissioned art pieces:

Cheri Shandra

Author of

TANGLED IN TOXIC…

In Tangled in Toxic, Cheri unveils a deeply personal and gripping journey through the shadows of abuse, betrayal, and self-doubt. From surviving childhood trauma and navigating toxic relationships to confronting emotional scars and reclaiming her identity, this memoir is a raw and unflinching exploration of resilience and healing. With honesty and courage, Cheri not only shares her struggles but also her triumphs, offering hope to others entangled in their own toxic cycles. Tangled in Toxic is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of self-love to break free and thrive.

Healing Workbook, Written by Cheri Shandra

Selected Work & Featured Publications
My writing has been featured in various publications focusing on wellness, personal growth, and storytelling. Some highlights include:

  • Helpful Living Magazine

  • Wellness on Time Magazine AU

  • The Parenting Portal

  • Write a Catalyst

Additionally, I am the proud author of a 105,000-word memoir that dives deep into resilience and recovery. This body of work is a testament to my dedication to powerful, impactful storytelling and highlights my diverse writing ability.

Nutritional Guide, Written by Cheri Shandra