Meet Jennifer Kok | Small Business Advisor

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

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I left a successful corporate sales and marketing career to start my own business due to my desire for more freedom and flexibility. At the time, my husband and I had one child and our careers were demanding a lot of time away from my family. My husband kept his corporate career, but I decided I would leave mine to move closer to family and start a business, Cookies by Design, that was family friendly and would allow me to still use my sales and marketing skills, but have flexibility for raising a family as well.

What should our readers know about your business?
One of the keys to my success has been the ability to pivot when needed, adapt and always have a vision for the future. I owned and operated a brick-and-mortar bakery for over 20 years and during that time weathered a recession. My ability to be visionary and not be afraid to take risks was the driving force behind launching a new cupcake brand that became a national franchise during the recession of 2008-2009. I can honestly say the recession was the best thing that ever happened to my business and I take those lessons and help others adapt and grow in their own businesses today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the outdoor opportunities we have here in Michigan. I would start by hiking one of our many favorite spots such as Grand Ravine Park with our dogs or heading to Saugatuck. I love visiting all our local boutiques we have such as a day of shopping in downtown Holland. I would head out for an evening along Bridge Street and visit New Holland Brewery, eat at Butchers Union, or grab a margarita at Condado. If it was summertime we would head to our lake cottage in Lake Odessa and take the pontoon to Buddys on the Beach for a Sneaky Beach cocktail and burger. I would grab coffee at a favorite coffee spot like Wildroast and get creative with making our own pottery at The Mud Room.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shoutout to my husband, Brian, he has always cheered me on and given me the creative space to build the different businesses that I have built over the past 25 years. He sometimes rolls up his sleeves and helps alongside me, other times picks me up when I am feeling frustrated and always is optimistic about my abilities to be a successful entrepreneur.

Website: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Instagram: nextwavewithjen

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferowenskok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextwavewithjen

Youtube: http://bit.ly/2M9uX6S

Image Credits
Jen Smits, Fresh Start Studios