In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and personal branding, few stories resonate as deeply and authentically as that of personal branding expert and serial entrepreneur Pasha Cook. A visionary whose life’s work orbits around the potent themes of self-leadership and legacy, Pasha brings a rare intensity and love to everything she touches—from bespoke essential oils that capture the essence of luxury to workshops designed to empower and transform lives.
From her beginnings as a Division I basketball player to her pivot to serial entrepreneur, in this exclusive interview, Pasha unveils the layers of her multifaceted journey. From being a personal groomer and stylist for men to helping men and women craft their personal brands, Pasha reveals the challenges that shaped her, the convictions that guide her, and the passions that drive her. By the way, run, don’t walk and get her Choc’late Aroma. The fragrance is life-changing.
Men’s Style: You have a fascinating background. How have your experiences shaped your professional path?
Pasha Cook: My upbringing was definitely a challenge. At three years old, I had to go live with my grandmother, and she raised me. By the time I was 11 or 12 years old, I was leaving to live with my mom, who had very unstable housing. This led me to become very independent because my grandmother had a sixth-grade education. So, she couldn’t help me with homework and do all the things that parents often do. Later in life, I figured out that our families are a gift to us and they’re our biggest teachers. Two of the greatest lessons my family taught me are to keep God first in everything and that there is power in believing in yourself.
Men’s Style: You’ve really turned lemons into lemonade. What advice would you offer to others facing their own challenges?
Pasha Cook: Challenging situations have not come to destroy you; they have come to build you. So, it’s all about the perspective that you take. I still go through challenging situations that make me want to quit, but I don’t. Because I understand that trials are a part of the process. You must believe in yourself and what you have come to this Earth to do.
Men’s Style: Let’s talk about the scent of your oil. Which is what led us to you. The very moment we smelled it, we had to track down who created it. I’ve never smelled anything quite like it and the oil fragrance has fast-become in-demand and exclusive. How would you describe it?
Pasha Cook: The oil, to me, smells like wealth—it smells like when you have a good fragrance and someone passes by, and you think, “Ooh, they smell like money,” or “They smell like confidence.” That’s what I was going for. It has notes of amber, vanilla, and tobacco. So, it’s unisex. It’s not just for men; it is universal. And also, because of the oil and how it’s compounded together, it smells different on different people. I put love into the oil; it embodies the love I have for my mom. That’s why we call it Choc’late, her nickname. My purpose in life is to inspire people through my demonstration, like my mom inspired me. And I do that through the things I’ve created—oil is one of them. This oil came from the heart.
Men’s Style: Along with being an entrepreneur, you also help guide people as a speaker. Could you tell us more about your upcoming events?
Pasha Cook: Yes, this Sunday, May 5 at 3 PM Eastern Standard Time, we’re going to be launching a conversation titled The Power of You. It is a way for people to experience the internal work and how it can help free you from the bondage of following society’s blueprint for your life and move into creating a life that is divinely orchestrated for you. We’re also launching a two-day workshop series on The Power of You. When you’re branding yourself, before you think about social media, websites, and logos, you need to get to the truth of who you are so that you will make decisions that honor your purpose. That’s what this series is about—you.
