The Go-Getter Solopreneur. There’s nothing worse than having a dream with no funding to support it. Patrice Cameau understood this firsthand and instead of feeling defeated, she did something about and started her company. C.O.O.K.I.E. is a place where entrepreneurial goals and dreams come true. Their mission is to consistently encourage and empower females to become entrepreneurs and promote the efforts of women who create their own opportunities.

 

I love entrepreneurs and created C.O.O.K.I.E. (Create Opportunities. Overflowing Knowledge. Innately Empowered.) in 2012 after growing frustrated with the lack of affordable and non-intimidating support that existed for women business owners (like myself). C.O.O.K.I.E. is committed to helping women business owners THRIVE! I launched the #COOKIE2Thrive campaign to galvanize the world to support female entrepreneurs, and commit to creating a more robust network of support. To learn more, visit bit.ly/COOKIE2Thrive.

 

A true entrepreneur at heart and in action, Patrice shares a bit of her journey in this delightful Solopreneur Spotlight. We’re sure you’ll be inspired.

Do you work alone? Work with a partner or team?
I have a team of 2-4 people who assist with various events and campaigns, but I run the site and brand planning on my own (for now).

Tell us about your typical work day.
I wake up by 5:30am to meditate and get in a quick work out in my bedroom. Then breakfast, getting my 8-year old ready for school, and heading out the door.

I’m a strategic communications consultant (marketing and PR) by day, and start client work no later than 8:30am. Then, it’s meetings, social media updates, book tour scheduling, grand opening planning and whatever else my client’s need. I try to fit in Bikram Yoga sessions at least twice a week, then I pick up my son from school or one of his many extracurricular activities. Once we’re home, it’s all about him (dinner, homework, games, bedtime activities, etc.). I like to be in bed by 10pm, so that I’m refreshed and well-rested in the morning.

What is your biggest challenge as a solopreneur?
Creating plans and executing, with little to no support. While solopreneurs may have partners or individuals who assist with different projects, we don’t have departments filled with people who are as equally vested as us on a daily basis. Getting people to do what you need them to do can be very difficult, especially when the long-term goals don’t directly impact them.

How have your relationships (or friendships) changed since becoming a solopreneur?
I’ve stopped doing things that don’t help me reach my goals. At some point, you can no longer waste time on things (and people) that don’t have any bearing on your bottom line, whatever that may be. For me, being an amazing mother, taking care of my family, helping entrepreneurs thrive and ensuring that my physical, mental and spiritual being is in tact matter more than anything else.

If you were given $5k, what would you do with the money?
Totally revamp www.theCOOKIElife.com, bring on a graphic designer and writer, and stash away something for our soon-to-open co-working and event space… bit.ly/COOKIE2Thrive

What book are you currently reading? What is it about?
“#GIRLBOSS” by Sophia Amorusa (Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal). It tells how she went from shoplifter to CEO of a $100M company (that she built from the ground up), all while giving tips to being a true BAWSE!

What are your favorite brands to follow on social media and why?
I love @karencivil because she’s positive, well-traveled and thoughtful. @JRINKjuicery is also a favorite because it’s owned by women, their Instagram visuals are always dope and their juices are absolutely amazing!

What is your dream job? Are you doing it right now?
I’m blessed to be working my dream job. Now…. my dream client would be a professional MLB or NBA player who would hire me to create and run his nonprofit organization. I know that everything I want will happen – as long as I work hard and stay thankful.

 

Thank you, Patrice, for this awesome peak into your life as a Solopreneur!

 

To learn more about Patrice or C.O.O.K.I.E, connect with her on social media @patricecameau or her websites www.theCOOKIElife.com and www.patricecameau.com. For those of you interested in your own Solopreneur Spotlight, simply fill out this form and wait for us to chat with you.