Meet Jessica Cook | Mother, Invisible illness warrior & advocate, Owner of Hair Heart Home lifestyle brand boutique

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

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Everything thing I have ever accomplished is because I have taken a risk. It’s been something family and friends have said they admire about me. Not saying every risk has panned out in my favor but sometimes if I don’t jump, I’ll overthink my way into a missed opportunity. I asses risk like I’m playing double dutch, I never played as a child because honestly I don’t have rhythm lol and even then I suffered from chronic migraines so I was always afraid of getting hit by the ropes or my feet getting tangled up. That was the first in my life where I felt like I missed an opportunity at something I really wanted because I wasn’t willing to take a risk. So now every risk becomes double dutch in my mind, I tell myself that I cannot sit on the sidelines forever so when I see my time I jump!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hair Heart Home is a lifestyle brand boutique, comprised of products created by minority owned businesses and rehabbed and upcycled furniture. We carry an array of products for hair care, health, wellness,beauty, clothing, jewelry, home decor and furnishings. We are always looking for more brands to add to our growing bunch. This is a brand for the culture that was developed out of the love I have for my people and the things we love.I have always received compliments on my hair from relaxed to locs and I love helping people on their journey where I can. Fashion has been important to me but I’ve never wanted to look or be the same as someone else, I take risks and wear what feels right I started furniture upholstery after finding a pair of Italian dining chairs on the street, I bought them home, cleaned them up, painted and recovered them. When I was finished and I told my Grandmother I sold them she said “It’s in your blood!”. My grandmother grew up picking furniture from the street with her mother and they would repair and restore the items to use in their home. My Grandmother would always find the most unique things, some of them still sit in her home today. At Hair Heart Home you will find my love for all of these things wrapped up in black culture, for black culture, supporting black culture. If not us then who? Running a retail business is not easy by far, especially during a pandemic, I run my business mostly online and various pop-ups throughout my city but the goal is to have a permanent spot in the near future. My vision for the what could be keeps me going, my products and brand have been so well received by my community it keeps me encouraged, overhearing my kids discussing my store and wearing my products telling their friends, reminds me that my purpose is bigger than just myself. Unity in our community is end goal so I will do my part to get there with the support and love those to who also believe in the bigger picture.

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?
Detroit is on the come up and although its not the most touristy destination there are a few hidden gems. If you’re visiting motown you have to visit the Motown museum, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Want to see the city and drink at the same time? We have wine tour trolleys through Mobile Fine Wine Tasting, there’s also Detroit rolling Pub that has you peddle on a tour while you drink. Looking for fine dining? ImaginATE and Hidden Gem will give you the best experience. Short on time? Visit downtown, there are many different locations for pictures including a selfie museum and places to grab food and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I created my brand for black people, for my family ( known and unknown) ,friends and ancestors. When I think about all that it has taken to get here I am in awe of the strength, struggle, sadness, triumphs, joy, love and compassion that runs through our blood. The creativity and innovation it takes to navigate a world that doesn’t always greet you with warmth. For the people who may not come from the best family but decided that the struggle ends with you. The people who are doing the work to heal so that the generations after you have a blueprint to follow, these are my supporters and the reasons why I keep going and can keep growing.

Website: hairhearthome.com

Instagram: heyitsjcook and hairhearthome

Facebook: Hair Heart Home

Youtube: hairhearthome

Image Credits
Alisha Nicole Lamar Gilbert