Jayna Cooke from Closet Angels in Chicago

Jayna has been navigating the start-up world in various sales roles over the last decade.  Most recently, Jayna was Vice President of Business Development at Groupon (GRPN), where she grew and maintained their largest book of business, and was responsible at one point for as much as 25% of the entire company’s revenue.  She was also responsible for launching various national and local sales strategies.  Prior to GRPN, she managed the largest book of business at Echo Global Logistics (ECHS), while also holding various positions such as sales trainer, sales manager, and regional manager.  She started her love for fashion as one of the youngest DSM’s and buyer for St. John Knits.  Her expertise lays in the start up world, strategy, processes and business development. Jayna has recently been featured on Oprah’s final season’s “Favorite Things” show. Along with her partner Regina Franchini, Jayna founded Closet Angels, a non-profit organization benefiting St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Closet Angels accepts gently-used luxury items that are then marketed and sold with one-hundred-percent of all proceeds given directly to the hospital. Jayna lives in Chicago with her dog, Coco.

Where were you born ?

West Lafettye, Indiana

How long in Chicago:

7 years

Neighborhood:

River North by way of Gold Coast and Streeterville

Occupation:

Founder of Closet Angels.org.  People donate their designer goods  for the tax donation benefits and we resell them, all proceeds go to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!

Favorite Restaurant:

Tough one.  Right now I am really into Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ.

Best Ethnic Food:

Kan Zaman or Greek Islands

Best Italian:

La Scarola

Best Sushi:

Sunda

Best place for late night dining:

Avec

Best dessert:

Molten Chocolate Cake at Quartino’s

Best place for a romantic date:

Piccolo Sogno in the summer.  In the winter I like Avec.

Best Sunday brunch:

Little Goat

Haute Night Club/Lounge:

Paris Club

Best place for a power business meeting:

Chicago Cut

All-around favorite spot in Chicago:

Sunda

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?

Trump.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique:

Intermix

Best place to buy Jewelry/Watches:

Dana Rebecca

Best Spa:

Waldorf Astoria (Formerly Elysian) is beautifully designed.

Favorite Cultural Institution:

Shedd Aquarium

Best Aspect of Chicago:

Summer, People, and Food.

Best Steakhouse:

Gibsons

Best Pizza:

Lou Malnati’s

Best Quick Lunch:

Graham Elliot Bistro

Best Gym/Athletic Facility:

Trump because it is not too busy

Best Massage:

Arturo at Mario Triccio on Michigan Avenue.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:

Navy Pier

Nail Salon

Arbre