Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Cooper.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Growing up, I admired women like Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show and Robin Givens’ character in Boomerang. They were strong, professional women running things at the highest level, and I remember thinking, that’s who I want to be when I grow up. The funny thing is, I didn’t really know what that looked like in real life. I wasn’t sure if I was “smart enough” to become an attorney or an engineer, but I figured college would give me exposure and maybe help me find my way.
I bounced around majors for a while before settling on Management Information Systems because it was one of the highest-paying fields at the time. But after interning my junior and senior year, I realized pretty quickly that corporate America wasn’t for me. I knew deep down I wasn’t built for cubicles.
So I did what most people wouldn’t expect… I became a waitress at Red Lobster. And honestly, that job was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It gave me freedom to move to different cities, try different things, pick up gigs, and really discover myself outside of the traditional path. Eventually, I found my way into real estate, became an investor, and thought I had finally “made it.”
Then the 2008 collapse hit. Practically overnight, I lost everything… properties, cars, savings. We went through bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossessions, and even homelessness. It was devastating, but strangely enough, I wasn’t discouraged. I had been soaking in personal development for years, listening to people like Jim Rohn and others who said setbacks are part of the entrepreneurial journey. So instead of quitting, I thought: If I did it once, I can do it again.
That mindset shift led me to search for new opportunities, which is how I stumbled into internet marketing. I became a student of the game, obsessed with learning how the online world worked. And once I applied myself, things began to change.
That was almost two decades ago, and since then I’ve been building online businesses, leading teams, and creating opportunities not just for myself but for others as well. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every setback prepared me for the next level, and every pivot has led me closer to the purpose I walk in today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, entrepreneurship is anything but smooth. There have been incredible highs, but also some very humbling lows.
One of the hardest seasons was during the 2008 market crash. I had gone all in on real estate investing, and when the economy collapsed, so did my world. I lost everything… my properties, my car, my savings. I went through bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossessions, and even had a period of homelessness. It was one of those moments where you question everything… your decisions, your future, even your worth.
But at the same time, I had this quiet conviction that failure wasn’t the end of my story. I had been feeding my mind with personal development for years, so when that storm came, I had the mindset to push through. I told myself, “If I did it once, I can do it again.”
Entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding paths, but it’s also one of the hardest. I tell people all the time: this is not a cute title you pick up off of an Instagram post and suddenly waltz your way to victory. This industry will beat you up. You’ll be battered, bruised, and tested in ways most people can’t imagine.
That’s why I believe entrepreneurship is a calling. You have to be anointed and appointed for this work, because without that deeper alignment, the ups and downs will break you. For me, I see every challenge… whether it’s financial struggles, setbacks, or unexpected storms… as part of the mandate. It comes with the territory.
There are good days, bad days, hard days, and everything in between. But I’ve learned over the years to block out the noise and stay focused on the mission God gave me. I truly believe this is my life’s assignment … to build businesses, create opportunities, and impact people. Because of that, I don’t look at hardships as failures anymore. I look at them as stepping stones, as training grounds to prepare me for the finish line.
As you know, we’re big fans of Biz Growth Media ATX. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the heart of everything I do is one mission: to help people and businesses grow, thrive, and build lasting legacy. Every brand I’ve created connects back to that purpose.
With BizGrowth Media ATX, I work with small and medium-sized businesses to attract clients, build trust, and implement marketing systems that drive real results. Through Black Life ATX, which includes our magazine, events, and resources, I shine a spotlight on Black-owned businesses and organizations in Austin, a vision that came from my own journey of trying to find community when I first moved here.
On the coaching side, I lead The Power to Get Wealth Movement and Monetize Your Expertise, where I help established entrepreneurs package their knowledge, skills, and experience into premium offers. My goal is to position them for higher-level success and connect them with clients who truly value their services.
And with my book series, Praying Bold Prayers, I encourage people to merge faith with action, to pray boldly over their finances, their purpose, and their future while taking steps to bring those prayers to life.
What sets me apart is that my work isn’t just about business, it’s about impact. Every brand I’ve built is designed to create visibility, opportunity, and transformation, whether it’s for a neighborhood coffee shop, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone who simply needs the courage to believe bigger.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can connect with me in a few ways:
BizGrowth Media ATX – Marketing, promotions, and consulting for business growth with our 2 brands…. (Brand #1): Austin Biz Connect – A platform spotlighting local businesses across Austin to help them gain visibility. (Brand #2): Black Life ATX – From our magazine to events, resources, and partnerships, we’re dedicated to celebrating and supporting Austin’s Black community
The Power to Get Wealth – Faith-based coaching and business strategy for entrepreneurs
Monetize Your Expertise – A program that helps established entrepreneurs package their knowledge, skills, and experience into premium offers and scalable business models
Praying Bold Prayers – My book series to inspire faith and financial breakthroughs
Collaborations & Partnerships – Sponsorships, events, and projects that align with impact and legacy
The simplest way to work with us is to reach out to nicole@bizgrowthatx.com or visit our website www.bizgrowthatx.com to learn more about working with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nicolescooper
- Instagram: @nicolescooper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicscooper/
Image Credits
Carla Taylor, Christopher Ferguson
