Julia A. Cooper
Julia Cooper is an innovative product developer and business operations leader with a passion for bringing practical, user-centered ideas to life. Over the past two years, she has focused on product development and open innovation, creating patent-pending inventions such as CoreGuard and Jewel A Expandables, an adaptable earring designed for versatility and everyday wear. Her work is driven by a desire to solve real-world problems through thoughtful design, blending creativity with functionality. In addition to her work in innovation, Julia plays a pivotal role in the growth and success of Cooking with Mr. Cooper, a family-owned startup she has helped build over the past five years. As the driving force behind operations and strategic brand development, she has been instrumental in scaling the brand to a thriving audience of over 1.6 million followers and subscribers. Working alongside her husband, the face of the company, Julia has managed the business infrastructure, brand strategy, and consulting efforts that have fueled its expansion and visibility. Julia’s journey into innovation began more than a decade ago during her pregnancy, when she recognized a gap in products designed to support comfort and safety in the kitchen. This experience inspired her first invention and sparked a long-term commitment to creating solutions that address overlooked needs. Through her entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on leadership, Julia continues to pursue new ventures, driven by a deep sense of purpose and the confidence she gained from building and supporting a successful brand.
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• Ashworth College
• Personal interests - interior design
• Music
• Reading
• Basketball
• Musical Director at church for 20 years
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building a family business alongside my husband, where we combined our strengths to create and grow a meaningful brand. That experience not only strengthened my entrepreneurial foundation but also gave me the confidence to pursue my own path in innovation and product development.
I also attribute my work ethic to my parents. Their ability to adapt to life as it changed around them, while remaining hardworking, kind, and compassionate, shaped how I approach both business and life.
I also spent nearly 20 years serving as a musical director. That role required structure, planning, consistency, teaching, and the ability to adjust in real time based on what each moment needed. Those lessons have been invaluable and continue to influence how I lead, create, and solve problems today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to stay consistent and trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but showing up every day, putting in the work, and remaining committed to your goals will set you apart over time. Believe in your vision, be patient with your growth, and understand that every step—big or small—is part of the journey.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is that many products and platforms are still designed with a one size fits all mindset. There’s a growing opportunity to create more thoughtful, user centered solutions that better reflect how people actually live and interact with products.
On the digital side, there’s also a misconception that content creation is simple, when in reality it requires strategy, consistency, and a deep understanding of audience behavior.
The opportunity is in bridging those gaps bringing more intention, adaptability, and real world awareness into both product design and brand development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and authenticity. I believe in staying true to who I am, being transparent in my actions, and building trust through consistency and accountability. These values guide how I make decisions, how I show up for others, and how I approach every opportunity.
