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

Hi Harold, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks have played a very important part in my life, “where there is no risk, there is no reward.” You definitely have to take risks in order to advance to the next level in your life. Five years ago, I took a risk and moved to Atlanta. I quit my job and literally gathered my life and moved. I needed the change and experience. These last 5 years have definitely been filled with highs and lows but I wouldn’t have it any other way because they made me who I am today.

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

I always say what sets you apart from others is the fact that you are YOU. There is no one else in this world or lifetime that could be you or do what you do. This ties in to how I got to where I am today. I, like so many others that are also entrepreneurs, work a 9-5. I do want to eventually transition into a full time entrepreneur that way I can be fully focused on my businesses. Until then, you have to do what you have to do to fuel your dreams, your businesses, and your goals. Also, I draw a lot of inspiration from people. I started literally just styling my friends in college. From there, my love for style and our culture, influenced me to create a blog, theunclassifiedcool.com, which I use as a platform to showcase just that. I also started a business alongside my best friend called The Black Brunch Club, where we curate an environment for black professionals and entrepreneurs in a brunch setting, also supporting black businesses. Moreover, I have The Haus of Cool, which is my clothing line, alongside, working on a more projects to release this year. It has not been easy at all but it has definitely been worth it and I have so much further to go.
Lastly, some important lessons I’ve learned is whatever you want to do, do it scared, do it broke, just do it. Secondly, don’t put expectations on others because it will lead to disappointment. In closing, what I want people to take away from me, my brand and story is to always remain humble, continue being curious for knowledge to learn and to grow and to be “unclassified by anyone’s standards and but remain cool by any means.”

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?
If my best friend was visiting the city for a week long trip we are definitely going to have a great time. Atlanta has so much to offer. One of of the things I love about Atlanta is the food. For breakfast or brunch we have to go to Breakfast at Barney’s, Toast on Lenox, or 5Church Atlanta. Not only is the food good but the ambiance & service is amazing. For some shopping we have to go to Little 5 Points, where Wish ATL is located, along side other boutique style stores. Also, with them being from out of town, I’m sure they probably want to go to Lenox Mall and Phipps, where it’s always popping. For dinner, we can hit Access Lounge and Restaurant, Apt 4B, or Sea Salt. We have to find a good Wings spot too! For enrichment, a visit to the High Museum or SCAD museum where a the Ruth Carter exhibition is amazing. What’s a visit without going somewhere to get hookah? Haha. To end the trip hopefully it’s the first Sunday and we can push it to Lily’s in Buckhead for the Synergy Brunch Day Party hosted by The Black Brunch Club! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to give shoutout to God, also my friends & family near and far. They have really been the back bone to to whatever success or recognition I have received. Times I wanted to give up, throw in the towel, or waive the white flag, them without knowing or knowing, encouraged me and pulled me out of that negative spirit. I truly don’t know where I would be without them.

Website: theunclassifiedcool.com

Instagram: Coolashal

Twitter: Coolashal

Youtube: The Unclassified Cool

Image Credits
Terrence Crowley/ Azu Studios / Don Gibson /James Faison

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