Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnell “Cookie” Xavier.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story really began with a spark of an idea during the height of the pandemic. I was living in NYC then, newly stepping into the world of drag. With the city shut down indefinitely, all I had was my makeup kit, a $1,500 grant, and a vision: to build a brand rooted in mental health, wellness, and authentic expression within the LGBTQ+ community. That tiny seed would eventually grow into The Haus of Cookie—a platform dedicated to creativity, healing, joy, and unapologetic self-expression.
In the stillness of that moment, I created a virtual one-woman drag show. It kept me creatively alive and showed me that I could one day build my own live show and in-person community. As I searched for peace in a chaotic world, my love for songwriting was reignited, meditation became a vital practice, and time in nature turned into a necessity. Dance cardio and drag had always grounded me, and at a time when the world felt unbearably heavy—especially for Black and Brown queer and trans folks—I wanted The Haus of Cookie to be a source of light, movement, and connection.
After seven months of feeling stuck, I finally made the leap and moved to Atlanta—a city that was open, culturally rich, and filled with people who walked by faith, not by sight. Atlanta is where The Haus of Cookie evolved even further, expanding beyond wellness and performance to include sexual health advocacy and resource-sharing—something our community deeply needed. I saw Atlanta as a place to grow my drag and performance career, build a fitness community from the ground up, and bring my full vision for The Haus of Cookie to life. That decision became the catalyst for everything I’m doing today: writing & recording inspirational music, curating community centered events, and entertaining people with my gifts and talents.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had to confront a lot of my own insecurities along the way — people-pleasing, a scarcity mindset around money, and a need for control that often took the wheel in both my personal and professional relationships. Those patterns showed up everywhere: in how I talked to myself, in business collaborations, in friendships, and even in chosen-family dynamics.
Depression and imposter syndrome have also played a role, especially as I’ve tried to define who I am, what I believe in, and what I will and won’t tolerate. Moving to Atlanta pushed me to grow even more — not just creatively, but emotionally and spiritually. This city forced me to face myself, expand my purpose, and eventually step into work that included not only mental wellness, but also sexual health education and advocacy for my community. That shift didn’t come easily; it required unlearning old habits, healing, and allowing myself to become the version of me who could hold that kind of responsibility.
But the struggles have also been my greatest teachers. They’ve pushed me to build healthier boundaries, trust my artistry, and show up authentically — even when it’s uncomfortable. Every challenge has shaped both me and the mission of The Haus of Cookie, reminding me that growth and purpose often come from the hardest places.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Haus of Cookie is a platform I created to center mental health, wellness, and authentic expression within the LGBTQ+ community. Through it, I curate a range of community-centered experiences — from fitness pop-ups and live entertainment to future offerings like music and dance workshops, life-coaching sessions, and healing circles. While some of those programs are still in development as I complete my coaching certification and build out my curriculum, the intention remains the same: to create spaces where LGBTQ+ folks, especially Black and Brown people, can show up fully and unapologetically themselves. Everything I do is rooted in joy, connection, creativity, and cultivating a sense of belonging in a world that too often tries to silence or erase us.
I specialize in blending entertainment, wellness, and empowerment into experiences that are both fun and deeply intentional. Whether it’s a sweaty dance cardio session or a high-energy drag show, my goal is always to curate environments that uplift, affirm, and remind people of their power.
I’m most proud of the leaps I’ve taken and the tumbles that taught me resilience. I’m proud of the community I’ve built — the people I can lean on, collaborate with, and grow alongside. I’m grateful for the strength and grounding my ancestors have given me, especially in moments when I couldn’t see the path forward. To still be standing today (well… I’m actually sitting right now) and to be doing what God has called me to do is a blessing I will never take for granted.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge performance, wellness, and intentional community-building into one cohesive mission. I don’t just put on events — I create experiences that heal, empower, and remind people that they are worthy, seen, and meant to take up space.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success isn’t measured by dollar signs or the material things people often chase. Success is about intentionally walking in your purpose and building a legacy that carries meaning long after you’re gone. It’s about alignment — with who you are, what you believe in, and the communities you serve.
When I think about success, I think about impact. At the end of your life’s journey, can you look back and confidently say you honored your calling? That you pursued the desires of your heart? That you left a positive imprint on the people and spaces you deeply care about? For me, that’s the true definition of success: living a life that reflects purpose, authenticity, and love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookiedlite
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hausofcookie
- Other: https://linktr.ee/hausofcookie
Image Credits
J. Elijah
Royce Pearson
Cassie Wright
