A Team, Culture

A Team Spotlight Series: Interview with Jacqueline Cooke

Jacqueline CookeMeet Jacqueline Cooke, Digital & Influencer Strategist on our A Team.

When you want your finger on the pulse of the ideal target customer, Jacqueline is our go-to strategist. She is immersed in digital trends across platforms and, as a content creator and influencer, knows how to put social and digital experiences to work. Jac lives at the intersection of brand, digital and growth and is ready to roll-up her sleeves to build awareness, engagement and loyalty for brands, big and small.

So go on and meet Jacqueline Cooke, a valuable member of our A Team!

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a pretty open book! But if there’s one thing most people may not know about me is that I’m a big interior design nerd. My fiance and I somewhat recently bought our first house, and  it has been such a fun passion of mine to style and create an environment that feels good to us. When you feel comfortable and safe, you’re able to be more in flow with productivity and life in general. 

Are you more of an introvert or extravert?

VERY much an introverted extrovert. My ideal social situation is deep conversation with 2-3 people at a time versus a big group setting. I recharge when I’m alone, but also love to be with others. 

If you were to define your superpower, what would it be?

I’m going to say I have two major superpowers. One is my beginner’s mindset. I never approach projects at work, or in life, like I have all the answers. Spoiler alert: nobody does. There’s always another viewpoint to consider or approach to take. I also think that makes me fun to work with – I want your input and answers! 

The second is my ability to make my people (and, in our clients’ case, their brands) feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s a basic human need for every single one of us and it’s so gratifying to feel like I’ve made someone feel like I “get” them. 

What lights your fire?

Supporting the underdog. Keeping ‘em guessing. Finding the better way. Bonus: A dirty martini, post-beach on a summer evening. 

Do you have a pet? If so, tell me about it!

You might need to allow me a separate segment just for Kiki talk – but yes, we just adopted a rescue dog in November. She’s a terrier mix, and she is the love of my life.

What is something you wish you knew sooner? 

You are your biggest critic. Get out of your own way and if it doesn’t work out – at least you made choices. People are really focused on their own lives and problems, so don’t worry so much. Trust yourself.

In your words, what is the power of brand?

Brand is your calling card for success. Sorry to be that dramatic about it, but it’s true. Your competitors may copy your look, do all the shiny marketing things that you’ve done – but they can never copy your DNA. I think most people chalk “brand” up to fonts, colors, voice, things like that – but it’s so much more than that. Brand is  your core underpinning that should touch every aspect of your business inside and out. 

What does being a part of the A Team mean to you?

Being part of a team like this is kind of like providing our clients with a swiss army knife – we put together the right people with the right skills to get the job done precisely. It’s also just a team of really good people. We spend so many of our heartbeats at work, it matters who you’re choosing to do those heartbeats alongside.

What makes Growth Street special?

Growth Street’s biggest goal is success for your business. Period. There’s no bulk. B.S. or ego to contend with. It’s just good work with real results. 

Are you working with any clients/brands you think the world should know about?

Yes, actually. My friend (and incredible brand and experiential marketer) Sophia D’Angelo and I are working on a new concept called Discover Awaysis. It’s a vacation rental that takes the stress out of planning by providing concierge services and events like in-house fitness classes, al fresco dining with local ingredients, beauty services (blowout before going out, anyone?) & more. We’re also connecting our customers with world-bettering brands by making the space fully shoppable from the linens to the art on the walls. Our first location is going to be in Austin Texas, and it’s been really exciting to see it all come to life in a city that’s so full of energy. 

Which brands speak to you the most? Tell us about a brand you love!

My biggest career crush is Jenna Lyons. She was known as “The Woman Who Dresses America” during her time at J.Crew. She’s since moved on and in addition to doing the cooooolest projects. Her new false eyelash brand (I know – how niche!) is called LoveSeen. I love the way I feel in lashes personally, and I love that she chose to fill a whitespace that means something personally to her. Jenna has a rare genetic condition called incontinentia pigmenti that makes it so she has no eyelashes of her own. On top of that, the brand personality is so witty and chic, I quite literally cannot get enough.

Giddy up, Jacqueline! We are so lucky to have you on our A Team.

Previous Post
Is Your Brand Trash?
Next Post
Mic Drop Moment: Brand is Your Foundation