Today we’d like to introduce you to CT Cook.
CT, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was not born in Georgia, but I moved here in 3rd grade and considered myself an honest-to-God Georgia Peach. Learning the Dirty Bird, experiencing the city during the 1996 Olympics, sipping sweet tea with every meal…yeah, Georgia holds my heart.
I consider Marietta my hometown as I attended middle and high school there, which are formative years (#besomebody). After high school, I attended the University of West Georgia on the HOPE scholarship. I earned not only my Bachelor’s of Education there, I stayed three more years to earn my Master’s of Education. I planned to be a school counselor, but life has plot twists and you don’t always land where you expected.
The day after earning my MEd, I moved to Virginia. After ten years, I moved back to good ‘ol Georgia, where I belonged. I’m currently the education director for a local organization during the day, and by night, well it honestly it depends on the day of the week! You can find me volunteering for various organizations, storytelling, running an Instagram page, writing a book, and more.
Has it been a smooth road?
Many of my challenges, if I’m honest with myself, were my own doing. I had to learn to overcome fear and self-doubt. I have literally made it through every difficult moment that has happened in my life. I am proof to myself that I can persevere through any issue. I’ve conquered homelessness, teenage pregnancy & adoption, starting over alone, joblessness, and more. The thing I have come to realize is that it is all temporary. I must focus on my dreams and goals in order to make it through whatever storm is in my way. Eventually, the sun will appear again. Sometimes, with a rainbow!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is all about sharing the various pieces of me with the world. There is no one in the world just like me. I bring my experiences, my personality, and my uniqueness to everything that I touch. If my talents can help the organizations and companies that I work for, then I certainly should be helping my own business to make a mark on the world.
I specialize in…me!
Currently, my business has multiple arms:
– Storytelling and Public Speaking: I am an award-winning storyteller. I weave together true stories from my experiences in ways that have captivated audiences across the nation.
– Running an Instagram page called The Worthy Reminders: as dope as we are, there are moments where we struggle with believing in ourselves. The Worthy Reminders exists to remind us of our dopeness.
– Writing and publishing a children’s book, “Worthy! A book for kids of all ages.” I believe it is as important to instill in our children their inherent worth as it is to tell them they are smart, and loved, and beautiful.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a mecca and there’s room for all of us to thrive. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc around the world, but the silver lining is that more creatives, artists, writers, artisans and craftsmen, dancers, activists, etc. have been able to pivot and have begun to create and lead exclusively in a virtual space. To anyone just starting out, you can begin wherever you are. Your dreams will make space for you.
Pricing:
- “Worthy! A book for kids of all ages” Paperback $14.99
- “Worthy! A book for kids of all ages” E-book $6.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneytierra.com
- Email: worthy@courtneytierra.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theworthyreminders
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/worthyreminders
- Other: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Worthy
Image Credit:
Photography credits: Heather Worthan, Hilary Carruthers, and Denecia Driskell
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