We’re looking forward to introducing you to Robin Cook. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Robin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Usually, I’m a morning person and like to get things going between 5:30-6am. After some stretching exercises and prayer, I get the blender going and make a protein smoothie. Right now, my go-to combo is peanut butter and cacao to cover up the frozen greens. Next, my favorite thing is to sit gazing out my east facing window where the sunrays shine through while savoring my smoothie and doing Bible journaling. This nourishing time helps set the tone for my day, filling my cup to better pour out to others during the day. Sometimes new jewelry or writing ideas will come during this time too, so that’s always a delightful bonus!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello there, I’m Robin and am definitely a creative at heart! It’s a joy to offer the unique gifts of jewelry, books, and healthy cooking through Cook 2 Flourish! I’m passionate about handmaking pearl jewelry treasures, encouraging others spiritually through writing, and inspiring wellness in the kitchen.
Growing up in our family jewelry store has taught me valuable lessons about starting a business, serving customers with integrity, and offering high quality products. An area I’m seeking to expand is with my bridal pearl jewelry line (Flourish Handmade Treasures). My business grows through collaborating with other small businesses in our community. I enjoy being a vendor for local boutiques and doing jewelry and book signing pop-ups! As an author, I’m grateful to partner with a local printing company that has helped make two new locally illustrated children’s books and a Bible study journal possible!
Here’s a story I’ll never forget… Last year I was at a nearby library coffee shop and observed a lady in front of me in line wearing long, dainty pearl earrings. I couldn’t help but think I had made them, yet I couldn’t determine the boutique from which she would have purchased them. Later that morning she walked past my table, and I complimented her on the earrings. She graciously stopped and said that she got them in Florida. I stood up to inquire if the shop was in Amelia Island, Florida. To her surprise, I softly but excitedly exclaimed that I made her earrings! They were from a coastal boutique I had recently started being a vendor for after getting to know the store owner. This blessed my heart so much… small business with beautiful connections.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My heart is full of gratitude for the tight-knit relationships that have shaped me by speaking life and treating me with unconditional love. In all sincerity, though, my relationship with God has been the most impactful in shaping how I see myself. Over the years I’ve wrestled with feelings of insecurity, but I’m anchored in the good news of what Jesus has done and believe His Word informs my identity. Perfectly loved, fully alive, and created with purpose in Him is my foundation!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This is a topic that’s been on my heart lately in this chapter of life. Suffering doesn’t seem pleasant while living through it, does it?! Seasons of suffering have taught me to rely fully on God, be honest with my inner support circle, and walk forward with hope. I believe that suffering can be used to cultivate deeper authenticity, resilience, and compassion for others. Suffering can foster a deeper sense of gratitude and focus for what really matters in life also. I’m learning that refining through suffering has great purpose, and if I didn’t have suffering, my character may not have the capacity to steward success as well.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Earlier in my health journey I held rigidly to the pursuit of eating “perfectly.” In fact, perfectionism has penetrated several aspects of my life and business, and I am learning to surrender that to God. In health what I thought would result in joy and respect by eating rigidly strict, I found that it left me somewhat fit but not fulfilled. Over time, I have learned that nourishing with truth and gracious love instead of fear and hard-core perfection is not only more sustainable but way more enjoyable! Furthermore, it is invigorating to teach from this perspective now when I offer health classes.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
What a powerful question… I’m grateful for this multi-faceted career to operate in the gifts God has given me. It’s an honor to create jewelry, write books from my heart, inspire the next generation through cooking classes, and invest in relationships. Even sharing a simple smile brings a sense of satisfaction. My parents have always cheered me on and never pressured me to work in the family business. I’m blessed to get to work with them while pursuing my unique creative business passions. I value the lessons gleaned along the way through different opportunities to work with and serve others, and I aspire to continue to cultivate beauty and minister with joy…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cook2flourish.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cook2flourish/
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cook2flourish/
Image Credits
Robin Cook personal bio photo credit: Raghda Alsarraj
