Meet Amber Martin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I decided to start Creating Opportunities Offering Knowledge Information and Education (C.O.O.K.I.E.) out of a need in Wylie, Texas. After doing initial secondary demographic research, I met with some local service agencies and government officials to learn about gaps in services. I learned there was an immediate need for financial education because many people are having financial difficulties due to the pandemic that haven’t had them before. Service providers are seeing an influx in repeat individuals needing services; in particular, monetary services.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should our readers know about your work?

I am a Texas Licensed Social Worker and I am re-certifying as a HUD-certified Housing Counselor. The first program C.O.O.K.I.E. is having a free six-week financial education seminar in partnership with Wood Forest Bank. From there, we are kicking off our gardening program where we teach people how to garden and how to create recipes from the food they grow, a garden to table program. Also through our garden program, we plan to bring a community garden to Wylie who is currently experiencing a rapid population increase.

I want to share the name Cookie is my father’s, Pastor Louis Gene Martin, Sr.’s nickname. He cared about and tirelessly served people and he always advocated for what was right.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

The first spot I’d take them to is to play a game of Knockerball at Knockerball Wylie. Then we’d visit downtown Wylie and grab some good food and do some shopping. I’d check the Wylie Recreation Center to see what cool classes are being offered like Painting With A Twist or wall climbing. Then, of course we’d visit surrounding areas like Plano, Garland, Richardson, Dallas, etc. and catch a museum or concert or play or some amazing event DFW has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out Mike Agnew from the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. He has been an amazing go-to person as I start businesses in Wylie. I’d also like to thank the DFW community as a whole. I am not from here, but I have had some great jobs and met some really wonderful people. I truly appreciate all the opportunities DFW has given me.

Website: https://creatingopportunities.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookienonprofit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COOKIEnonprofit/