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

Hi Marquita, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life” -Muhammad Ali- My thoughts on risks, take them! What’s the worst that could happen? You either fly or you fail. But is failing really an option? I don’t think so, more like trial and error. If it didn’t work, learn from it, start over or try something new. Pretty Simple. I have been taking risks my entire life. Personally, I had no choice. I was a single mother by the age of 14, being raised by a single mother who was dealing with addictions in the projects of Atlanta. I had to do whatever was necessary to be a student athlete, finish school and take care of my daughter on my own.  I also had to manage to stay sane in the midst of everything going on around me.

In my career, I have taken many risks and hit a few bumps in the road along the way. The biggest risk I have taken so far was just doing it. I opened my business with everything I had in my savings account and no experience in the spa industry. Furthermore, I had no experience owning anything, but I managed to make it work. I turned a $7k investment into a thriving six figure business with no loans or investors in an unfamiliar sector of the beauty industry. This sector of the beauty industry wasn’t the most familiar to the average woman of color or recognized as a luxury service until the recent years. As you can see, that narrative has definitely changed over the years and fast!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pure Bella Spa and Beauty Bar opened its doors February 2015 offering an array of beauty services. In less than a years’ time, it was coined “Decatur’s Hidden Treasure”. In 2016 Pure Bella Skincare was launched to include a full organic skincare line created by and designed for people of color. Over the years, people from all over the globe have patronized Pure Bella for products and services. What sets Pure Bella apart is the fact that all our services are customized to each individual client. 80% of the products used in spa and for homecare are all Pure Bella Skincare products. We are a product of our products and services. I pride myself on customer service, creating an “experience” for every customer that walks through our doors as well as producing results driven products and services. This has also been the key to our success and the level of love and support Pure Bella receives daily. With the success, there has been so many lessons along the way; good, bad and indifferent. In the end, all the lessons have been very necessary, and I am still learning and growing daily. 

Hmmm, what do I want the world to know about myself and Pure Bella? Well as for me, I absolutely love what I do and pursuing my passion has rendered a greater reward than I could ever imagined. And if I possess any knowledge or encouragement that I can pass on to anyone, I am an open book. As for Pure Bella, we are now 5 years in the game, and this is still only the beginning! I am super excited about what is ahead so stay tuned!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
breakfast: Le Petite Marche and My Coffee Shop lunch: Marlows, Kimble house dinner: Rathbuns, Two, Wats Crackin Happy hour: eav thai and sushi High Museum of art atlanta zoo beltline

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Chi, Akayla and Jakayla. My 3 daughters are the 3 most valuable players in my story. They are my why, my reasons and all the motivation I have needed to just keep going. Now, I am also thankful for my village (they know who they have been over the years). The love and prayers of my mother, grandmothers, god mothers and ancestors have covered us on this journey, and I could not be more thankful to be born into a lineage of powerful, resilient, beautiful women of color.

Website: www.iampurebella.com
Instagram: purebellaspa
Facebook: Pure Bella Spa & Beauty Boutique
Yelp: Pure Bella Spa