WHAT SHE SAID: 5 Minutes with Nexus Cook of 25th & June

Nexus Cook is a music lover, travel enthusiast, and owner of 25th & June Nail Elixir, a toxin-free, vegan-friendly nail polish company for unapologetic go-getters.

25th & June provides gorgeous, high-quality collections that spark inspiration and confidence while keeping storytelling at its core. Nexus is a New Jersey native, currently residing in Seattle, and working full-time as a Senior Content Strategist at Meta, where she focuses on business education, global business marketing, and empowering emerging entrepreneurs.

We recently caught up with Nexus to learn more about how she got started and where she turns for business insight and inspiration.

How has your personal approach to business changed over the years?

When I first started 25th & June, I was overly-concerned with the idea that I had to follow fashion/color trends in order to be successful. I've found that by following my own creative instincts and really listening to the needs and wants of my customers, I'm able to put out fun and bold collections that actually set trends and resonate with people on a personal level.

What are your favorite productivity tools to use for business?

Canva! It's an incredible tool for design, presentations, organization, and inspiration! It’s also a minority, woman-owned business!

What's one podcast or website you love for business insight and inspiration?

The iFundWomen Show podcast for insight–they have great conversations with entrepreneurs trying to tackle or solve real business problems. I also like the Instagram Explore Page–it's my go-to for real-time inspiration.

How do you get out of a creative rut?

When I'm in a creative rut, it's usually because other things in my life are out of balance. I try to address that stuff first. But sometimes sleep, travel, and/or quality time with people I love can give me the boost I need.

Name a woman in business that you admire.

Emma Grede! She's such a badass and I love her backstory and approach to business. She's the co-founder and CEO of Good American, founding partner for SKIMS, a chairwomen of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, and the first Black woman guest shark on Shark Tank.

(p.s. Here are Gossip & Glamour, we deeply adore Emma’s work, too! She’s a true inspiration!)

What do you wish you knew when you got started?

Done is much, much better than perfect. Don't let analysis paralysis or the false need for perfection stop you from sharing your ideas, gifts, creativity, and products or services with the world.

Nexus and her brand 25th and June were featured in the marketplace at the What She Said Women in Fashion Event at W Bellevue on October 13th. Check out more information about that event here.