Meet Rochelle Davis-Cox | Philanthropist, Community Advocate, Social Media Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rochelle Davis-Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rochelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am originally from Broward County, Florida. I eventually moved to Tampa, Florida to attend the University of Tampa where I became the President of UT-NAACP collegiate chapter and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

As a member of NAACP, I remember the Hillsborough County-NAACP organized two charter buses for community members to tour local black-owned businesses nearby. I had not realized there were so many black-owned businesses near the campus for products and services I needed such as a beauty supply store, candle store, a salon literally walking distance, and much more. That experience not only informed me of where they are but I was able to network, share stories, and appreciate the culture during the tour.

Years later I returned to my hometown. On June 17, 2016, I made a post on Facebook asking for suggestions on black-owned restaurant I could support for the night. Unfortunately, I ended up dining at a fast food restaurant. After a few days, and conversing with my childhood friend, Donovan Thomas, I created a Facebook group called Broward County Black Owned Businesses to help community members like me to locate, promote, and support black-owned businesses.

I have always wanted to be able to help others whether it was through education, community, or business. I love to see people thriving in what they believe in. So, when I started Davis & Cox Consulting Agency, it was after learning that so many small black-owned businesses wanted to reach potential clients but they did not have the time or knowledge of social media to make it happen. Being involved in the community also helped me understand that the community was not aware of these black-owned small businesses, however, they were ready to support. Therefore, I wanted to be in a position to help fellow business owners thrive in their business and generate wealth, as well as create economic empowerment for my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started Davis & Cox Consulting Agency, I was nervous because I was not clear on what all I wanted to do with that brand. I was involved in so many various ideas for the community that I did not want to commit myself to just one idea-social media. However, I had to think about how that would look years later to my son with having ideas but doing nothing with them. So I did it-scared. Like Nike slogan says, “Just Do It”. I prayed, I fasted, I prayed again, then I sat my son down next to me and said this was going to be OUR business. I explained to him what it meant to be a business owner. This memorable chat came just a few years after the creation of my Facebook group Broward County Black Owned Businesses that became the largest business group to represent Broward County with over 120,000 members. I would take him alongside me to visit and patronize local black-owned business so that he can see that it was normal and delightful to see people that look like him in Ownership positions.

By the time we started our business, we were already well-known among the community and businesses were ready to hire and compensate for services.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Not a hard question but I know I am going to leave somewhere out. If I do, charge it to my head and not my heart.

Just Spoon’s Cafe – southern comfort cuisine, is my favorite brunch restaurant hands down with its creative menu and speciality drink items.

Swirl Wine Bistro has a delectable dining menu paired with the finest wines

Lil Green House Grill in Overtown for some southern lunch or dinner

Smitty’s on Sistrunk is like a modern day Cheers (tv sitcom) if you want to go where everyone knows your name. It is a place where you can enjoy wings, music, and laughs.

We would hangout at Liquid Paradise is a South Florida entertainment establishment with a full bar that specializes in Daiquiris. They host weekly events that include comedy, mental health therapy, networking mixers, trap karaoke, and table games.

We could go to English Brown Winery which is black and woman owned winery.

For desserts we could go to Holy Cow Ice Cream Lounge to enjoy DJ and ice cream in an adult atmosphere.

If they would like to party outdoors on a Sunday, Beyond Brunch Sundays at Backyard

Places I would like to take them to check out with me are Seven Layer studio to make custom candles, CLASS Soiree Steakhouse, and Sweet Realities cupcake shop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my sorority-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and the NAACP for influencing me to be the better person I am today for so many others. My affiliation with these organizations has empowered me to continue on taking a stand for myself and others.

I also would like to shoutout my childhood friend Donovan Thomas for always being my accountability partner whenever I have vision that I want to come true and when I get lazy, he pushes me to keep striving.

I want to dedicate this article to my son, Josiah Cox. He is literally my SUN. His eagerness to help others, including animals and gratitude for his mother is my driving force to be the best human I can be.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatedbeauty5/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelledaviscox/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochelledavis954

Image Credits
Jai Simone Photography (headshots only) Luke Ballentine (image of speaking in the mic only)