Meet Britney Cooks | Ginger Me Events LLC, Owner

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

Hi Britney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I reached a point in my life where I felt unsatisfied with the widespread depreciation of community engagement, increase of mental health issues and prevalent systematic social injustices occurring in society. I realized that I was responsible for creating the world that I desired to live in. I decided that I would need to start being vulnerable if I was going to create a business that provides a safe emotional space for minorities.

I began to express to my close friends that I felt disconnected from society, craved community involvement and struggled to maintain meaningful dating relationships as a Dallas transplant. The most revolutionary event occurred thereafter; the world opened and embraced me! I began to meet others who shared the same feelings and experiences. My circle grew larger than I could have ever imagined! I started hosting small events with my friends just to promote togetherness and have a designated space for expression. The events grew with more people and thus my company, “Ginger Me Events LLC” was born. “Ginger” means “to make something or someone lively.” My ultimate goal is to invigorate the social and emotional complexities of the black psyche through love, healing, and culture.

A popular event that I host frequently in the DFW is “Speed Dating for Black Professionals.” Though we are making great strides towards equality and diversity in the workplace, there is much more work to be done. Dating in an urban region may be quite cumbersome for professionals especially if there’s a lack in ethnic representation at their place of employment. Our speed dating events foster a place of belonging for professionals. It allows professionals the opportunity to seek other prospective singles through speed dating in a comfortable and inclusive setting.  Author Dianne Stewart outlines the methodical oppression of black love throughout American history in her the book, “Black Women, Black Love: America’s War on Africam American Marriage.” Hence, we need safe spaces and fertile grounds for the cultivation of love and relationships in the Black community. Ginger Me Events LLC is more necessary today than ever.  I am proud of the emotionally safe place I carved for African Americans and allies.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? 

I currently work as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) for a local school district. An Orientation and Mobility Specialist instructs people with visual impairments and blindness to travel safely in their environment. I enjoy working with students and being a part of their journey to independence.  My typical workday varies. One day may require me to teach a baby with blindness how to explore his / her home. Another day may consist of me monitoring a teenager as they attempt their route to a job site using public transportation for the first time. One day at work is never identical to another. I love the spontaneity, hands on interaction with students and access to various settings in my career.

Many people are amazed at what students with low vision / blindness can achieve solely due to them having a visual difference. I am always stunned at how people with differences are viewed as specimens and not human beings. But I thoroughly believe that it should be expected that people with blindness can achieve the same goals as anyone else. My profession has taught me that development is vital and inevitable.The brain and body will do exactly what it is meant to do with the right nurturing and ideal environments. The essence of the brain and body is to compensate for loss, acclimate to new conditions and survive.

My career has taught me that you do not need eyes to “see.” Stevie Wonder once said, “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.” I believe that learning is the great agent for perception and progress. My students with blindness  have been able to accomplish many goals and accomplishments.  My goal is for Ginger Me Events to awaken the eyes of the soul for people of color to view emotional and spiritual growth as necessary notions for holistic living.

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?
I love to venture out to new places in DFW. I LOVE the Dallas Farmer’s Market! It’s a “go to” spot any day on any day of the year. I normally go to Klyde Warrren park several days out of the week. I enjoy laying out on the lawn with a great book.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Resources and assistance can be sparse as a small business owner. Business owners are lucky to have supportive people in their lives to help them. Entrepreneurs are fortunate if the person assisting them does not expect anything in return and sole purpose is to see the business thrive. My dear friend, Jessica Thomas, has been a relentless supporter of Ginger Me Events LLC. She has helped me in every capacity from assistant, receptionist to record keeper depending on the need for the day. I am honored to have her in my life.

Website: www.gingermeevents.com

Instagram: @gingermevents

Facebook: @gingermeevents

Image Credits
Tyevisuals