Today we’d like to introduce you to Cooki Turner.
Cooki, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a mid-west girl, born and raised in Oklahoma. Mom & Dad had a gospel group and was the minister of music at any church we joined. I have been singing for over 20+ years, and have known that music was a part of my purpose and passion at a young age, In fact, since three years old, I was put in front of people to sing. From the traditional church background, stage plays and arenas, I’ve had a vast and diverse experience, so when its all said and done, I simply love to share my gift.
Sharing stages with powerhouses such as Monica, Trace Atkins, Bilal, Karen Clark-Sheard, & Marvin Sapp, I quickly became a student and learned a lot about the ins and out of the industry for vocalists. I kept working and independently released two projects from the state of Oklahoma while traveling around the US still performing.
With all the experience I was getting, I quickly saw patterns of pitfalls and obstacles that could be avoided from new artists if they just knew. I wanted to help creatives avoid these pit falls–if they could. My company, Dope Artistry, was birthed from this need to aid the up and coming. My mission statement was to better gauge what type of artist they wanted to be, understand and develop their brand and make sure above all their gift wasn’t being taken advantage of.
So in 2016, with the release of my 3rd project, I officially launched Dope Artistry in Oklahoma City. With a team of photographers, graphic designers, stylists, MUA’s, and hair stylists, we aided six creatives in successfully launching and building their brands.
In 2017, an opportunity came to relocate to California and unfortunately, the company had to take a hiatus at the height of its success. But my vision has held strong. So after two years of being in LA, I’ve had life-changing opportunities with A-List artists and cultivated new amazing relationships which has made it possible for Dope Artistry to re-launch in 2020!
Sharing information and guidance to others has also made me a better artist. Moving to LA has given me an environment and opportunity to start working on my own music again, so a new EP is coming as well.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t an easy road. At one point in relocating, I was sure I was going to be homeless. I even lost the job I was received to move out here a month into relocating. God just had a plan bigger than me and covered me. With all that I’ve been through, I still feel entirely blessed at the favor I received.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Dope Artistry story. Tell us more about the business.
Dope Artistry is an empowering community-based branding company. We offer creatives an opportunity to build their brand, social media imaging, and really grow their artistic development in their field.
As a company, I’m most proud of the work I see in the artists. The confidence and growth that I see from Dope Artistry’s influence. How they develop themselves from our help means so much to me. I love knowing that my vision helps someone’s vision and belief in their self.
My sole goal is to make sure that the creatives of all art continue to find the joy and beauty in what they do. That even in the hard work and trying times, the end result will always bring satisfaction.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The road in which were headed, I see us being a staple within the beginnings of industry greats for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cookiturner.com/dopeartistry
- Email: info@cookiturner.com
- Instagram: misscooki
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/misscookiturner
- Twitter: cookiturner
Image Credit:
Professional Photos: Carrie Strong Performance Shots: @shellshottphotography
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