Meet Quizanae Cooper | CEO Mink Mink Co Inc

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

Hi Quizanae, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first thought of creating my business, I sat at my work desk, pondering how unhappy I was after just graduating with my Masters’ in Higher Education and being in an entry-level position for longer than I should. The idea for starting a business sprang when I felt like I had nowhere else to turn, and that’s when I started asking myself what I enjoy doing. I realized I loved lashes and started brainstorming for a catchy name, and that’s when I wrote down Mink Mink Co Inc. After that, I hit the ground running and began the process of locating a solid vendor and ordering the products. Once that was complete, I wrote down a plan of when I wanted to launch, and the rest was history. It took me some time to find the courage to begin something new because of the fear of failure. However, I honestly have never been happier and more fulfilled than now. If I weren’t made uncomfortable, I wouldn’t dream of challenging myself to create something new. Working for myself has been a great awaking experience and that is a value that I didn’t know that would come from the freedom of being my own boss.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people in a transformational way and identifying things that they are good at. That passion led me to higher education, where I’ve had the opportunity to provide the same help to first-generation college students that I received. Before starting my business, I knew that I wanted to be a leader in something, and I thought it would be higher education. I started college in 2012 after high school, and now in 2022, I am wrapping up my terminal degree, a Doctorate in organizational leadership.

One of my most significant accomplishments aside from starting my business was getting accepted into my doctoral program because it would help me reach my goal of higher education leadership. Working in this sector has provided me with the skills to run and operate my business. Also, obtaining my degree in organizational leadership can be applied in any industry and prepares me to be a great leader in any capacity, especially in my business.

This journey has not been easy being a full-time student working full time, and now and now, a full-time business owner requires me to prioritize my time. That is one of the many lessons that I’ve learned along the way, having a solid foundation of organization and ensuring that I dedicate my time to are positive and beneficial.

I want the world to know that if I can do it, anybody can! Mink Mink Co Inc is a brand that was created for the people because I remember the struggle of finding quality lashes for an affordable price. Having the opportunity to provide quality customer service to exceptional people is a blessing, and I want each person who wears my product to feel beautiful and extraordinary because they are.

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.
First I would take them to get something to eat at one of my favorite seafood place Crafty Crab for some good drinks and even better food. After lunch we would drive to a day party at the Lost & Found and have more drinks followed by a appetizer. Eventually the night would end at Prospect Park in the Willowbrook area to show her a good time and end the night dancing under the stars.

The next day we would have brunch at Optimus Oligarchy and head towards the museum district to tour the Fine Arts museum and take our time enjoying the beautiful art that is showcased. After spending some time there we would get lunch and head over to Discovery Green to set up a picnic style lunch and talk about the different art we and enjoy the scenery. When we leave the park we can head back and get ready to attend a night out on Washington St.

Experiencing the artsy parts of the city and exploring good food sports are things that I look forward to whenever someone comes down for a visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I’d like to give thanks to God because without him none of this would be possible! Next my mother who has been with me every step of the way and my all of my friends and family that make up my tribe I love you guys!

Website: www.minkminkcoinc.com

Instagram: Mink_Mink_Co_Inc

Image Credits
Derrick Bey