Meet Brooke Cole | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If you were to ask me a few years ago about taking risks, I would have said something to the effect of ” nope I’m good”, or “I’m comfortable right where I’m at.” I would wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself. Previously, when I was faced with the option to take risks in business, I would respond in fear. It would paralyze me, and kept me stuck. I knew this about myself and knew I had work to do. In January 2020 I was invited to be in a mastermind group with like minded women who were entrepreneurs and followers of their dreams. I had a dream to have a shop one day, but it felt distant. I was challenged to focus on what it would take to make my dream a reality. I did the work! In late February I dove in head first to a charming historical space, in downtown, Greeley, Colorado, then Covid hit! I had the opportunity to back out, and not pursue opening my little shop. Through the encouragement of close friends and family I pushed through all my fears and doubts and took the risk! I opened Brooklyn Finds Design Co. May 15th 2020! Today as an owner of a brick and mortar shop, I now see risk as necessary. I would not be where I’m at without that mindset. Sometimes saying yes first and figuring it out after has been crucial. For me, stepping out into the unknown and having faith over fear has been absolutely vital to my growth. I mean come on, how else would I have opened up my first vintage and home goods store in the middle of a pandemic, ha!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own a small Vintage and Home goods store in the heart of historic downtown Greeley, Colorado! I had wanted to be more connected to the heart of my community for a long time, I just never knew it would become a reality, and surely not in 2020! I will never forget hearing that still small voice nudging me to type in commercial storefront on Facebook marketplace, so I did and there it was… the cutest green and white awning you ever did see. I quickly messaged the owner and fell in love with the space when I walked in with my husband. We both felt at peace, and I signed on to having my first little shop! I was so excited! I made my big announcement on my social media platforms, and had so much support, then Covid hit a few weeks later. Along with the rest of us, my world was flipped upside down. We continued to step out in faith, mask up and open our doors in May. People came out to support me from all over, I was humbled and encouraged! I have been faced with many challenges during this time, but overall I continue to walk in faith and not be ruled by fear. I feel proud of how far I have come! I love having a shop where I can welcome people in, giving them a retreat and dose of inspiration for their homes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been beyond blessed to be surrounded by strong, creative and supportive women in my life! From starting out with vintage markets; The Old House Vintage Market were some of the first believers in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, they gave me the platform to be stretched and grow! My sister, Kirsten D’Onofrio is definitely my phone a friend for everything from social media, photography and my favorite person to “go picking” with! Staying plugged in to women’s groups such as We Aspire: Women’s circle led by Sarah Monares has been huge as well. When you hear the quote “find your tribe, love them hard” that couldn’t be more real for me! Overall, it has been through my family and friends that have cheered me on and prayed for me in this journey, that has been the most impactful, and I’m grateful!

Website: brooklynfindsdesignco.com
Instagram: @brooklynfinds
Facebook: Brooklyn Finds Design Co. LLC