Meet Gail Latonja Cook | Hairstylist/Salon Owner/Author/Motivational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gail Latonja Cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gail Latonja, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact on the world . someone who helped others and made a difference in their lives. I also want to be remembered as someone who was kind , compassionate and caring. someone who was successful in their career and made a significant contribution to my field. Lastly, want to be remembered as a woman of God, someone who was a good parent spouse and Friend.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a woman of many hats.I have been in the beauty industry for over 35 years. I have been a salon owner for 12 years. What makes me different from a lot of salons is that, I make my own hair products taylored to fit each clients hair care needs. I am also a published author as well as a domestic violence advocate. And a motivational speaker. I’ve recently established a nonprofit called “She Think She’s Cute” which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls. I became an advocate for domestic violence because I am a domestic violence survivor. This also prompted me to become a writer because I wanted to be able to share my story in hopes that I might help someone else overcome the things that I have. This hasn’t been an easy road in fact, it has taken me a long time to get to the place that I am right now but it has definitely been worth it. Because I have been able to help people along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Downtown Mobile is definitely the place to explore and meet different people especially during Mardi Gras season season which is just around the corner.There are many hang out spot as well as nice places to eat and just chill with friends and family.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize my three children, one of whom is deceased now but, Brionna, Aladrian and Derreck. They all have been my motivation to keep pushing just so I can leave a legacy for them and to be example to them to never give up on their dreams.

Instagram: Latonja 50

Linkedin: Gail Cook

Facebook: Gail Latonja

Image Credits
Aladrian Bilbo, Eugene Lawson Jr. Jeremiah Williams