We had the good fortune of connecting with Rere J.Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rere, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. I grew up watching my mom work for herself and venturing off to many different businesses. By the age of 15 I was inspired by my sister who is a year in a half apart from me start her own hair company. Those were two pivotal factors for me in starting my own business. I started off small thinking of selling lashes at the time the 25mm lashes were super popular so I thought to sell those. I worked two jobs, and saved up all my work checks. I invested everything I made from the two jobs, and then started my own business which is known today as minkbarbiethebrand. Recently I launched my second business Byrerejcole. My supporters from my first business inspired me to help other young girls like myself start their own business. Byrerejcole is an aid to help young entrepreneurs like myself start their own business or simply just further their business knowledge without the hassle and trial an error of going through what I had to go through when I first started.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What makes me so unique is that I’m super young at just 20 years old with I have so much ambition, and something that I’m most proud of is that although I’m an entrepreneur. I’m also a new mother; not only that I’m a full time student in medical school. Professionally I’ve got to where I am today by the most important thing staying consistent at everything, and never giving up. It’s definitely not easy but I have never been that type of person to start something, and not finish it if I do it I’m going all the way with it. I put god first so I genuinely feel I’ll never lose. The lessons I’ve learned along the way is that not everyone will see your vision like you see it. If people aren’t beneficial in the route you’re going cut them off. Everyone is not meant to go the places you will go. I want everyone to know about my brand and story that I started at a really young age I also became a mother in the mist of it all and pushing myself through medical school. If I can do it you can to!

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.
If anyone is visiting Atlanta, Georgia I would tell them visit the historical places, hotspots, and networking events. Atlanta is home of black excellence we have historical places like the MLK (Martin Luther king jr.) park, CNN center, Centennial Olympic park, and so much more. Brunch is a big thing in Atlanta we have some of the best brunch spots to eat at. My personal favorites are Gocha’s breakfast bar, Breakfast at Barney’s, and Toast on Lenox. If it’s more night scene I’d take them to a hookah lounge we are big on that here as well we would go to Soigne Garden or Copper cove they have a really great vibe plus good food. It’s no secret Atlanta is home to some of the most successful black entrepreneurs this is NETWORK CITY. There’s so many events you can attend that can potentially help you on your entrepreneurship journey. Thebakery my coworking space has the best ones in the city.

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?
My mother played a big part in me being an entrepreneur today, watching her hustle all her life and never depending on anyone for a handout. My sister also inspired me along the way watching her start her own hair business at 16 years old, and it actually working out for her. My supporters I couldn’t do any of this without them they inspire me daily to keep going.

Website: Minkbarbiethebrand.com Byrerejcole.com

Instagram: Rerejcole

Twitter: Rerejcole

Youtube: Rerejcole

TikTok: @RereJ.Cole

Image Credits
Credits to my photographer Visualsbyjve, and me Rere J.Cole as the creator director in the professional photography. Minkbarbiethebrand & Byrerejcole as featured businesses.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.