Life & Work with Terrie Cook of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrie Cook.

Hi Terrie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is really a story of faith, purpose, perseverance, and believing that there is always more to become.
I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was blessed with parents who taught me the value of hard work, consistency, and giving back. Those lessons have followed me throughout my life. I spent 34 years at Bowling Green State University, where I had the privilege of working with students through the TRIO Upward Bound program before retiring in 2019. Education and helping people recognize their potential have always been important parts of who I am. I went on to earn my master’s degree and continued finding ways to serve and empower others.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. It gave me the opportunity to explore some of the dreams and ideas I had carried with me for years. In 2014, I opened Simply D’Vine Boutique in Toledo. What started as a boutique became so much more. Simply D’Vine has given me a platform to encourage women to embrace who they are, feel confident, and understand that style has no expiration date. I love helping women find clothing that makes them feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. The boutique has grown into a place where fashion, fellowship, confidence, and community come together.

My journey also led me into another area of service through The Landry Cook Manor, a residential group home for girls. Building that organization has challenged me in ways I never expected, but it has also reminded me that purpose often requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep going when things don’t happen on your timetable.
Faith has been the foundation underneath all of it. My relationship with God has shaped how I lead, how I serve, and how I navigate both the victories and the difficult seasons. I have had the opportunity to preach, serve in ministry, and use my gifts in ways I never could have imagined when I was younger.

I am also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, Licensed Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, sorority leader, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong learner. I currently serve as President of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Phi Chapter.

When I look back, I don’t see one straight path. I see a collection of seasons, opportunities, setbacks, accomplishments, people, and God-ordained moments that have all shaped me. I’ve learned that you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. Sometimes you simply have to be willing to say yes to the next opportunity.
Today, I am still becoming. I’m building, serving, creating, leading, learning, and making room for whatever God has next. I’m grateful for where I’ve been, proud of how far I’ve come, and excited about where the journey is taking me.

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?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve experienced my share of disappointments, setbacks, loss, and seasons where I had to question what the next step should be. There have been times when I worked hard, did everything I believed I was supposed to do, and still didn’t see the results I expected.

Starting and growing a business has come with its own challenges, especially navigating the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship. Building The Landry Cook Manor has also taught me patience and resilience. There have been moments when things moved much slower than I wanted, and I had to remind myself that a delay doesn’t necessarily mean a denial.

I’ve also experienced personal loss, including losing my mother, who was one of my biggest cheerleaders. That kind of loss changes you, and you learn how to carry the love and lessons someone gave you while continuing to move forward.
Through it all, my faith has been my anchor. I’ve learned that every season doesn’t have to make sense while you’re in it. Sometimes the struggle is developing something in you that you’ll need for the next chapter.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for creating spaces where people feel seen, encouraged, and empowered. I’m most proud of building businesses that are about more than what I sell, they’re about people, purpose, and impact. What sets me apart is that I lead with authenticity and purpose. I genuinely believe that success is not just about what you accomplish, but about who you help along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I believe in favor and grace. When I look back over my life and business, I can see so many moments where the right opportunity, the right person, or the right door came at a time I could not have orchestrated on my own. That doesn’t mean the road has been easy, I’ve worked hard, faced setbacks, and had to persevere. But I believe God’s grace has sustained me, and His favor has opened doors that preparation alone could not. I don’t attribute where I am today to luck; I attribute it to faith, hard work, obedience, and the favor and grace of God.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplydvinbtq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplydvinebtq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplydvinebtq/