Black History Month Spotlight: Obie Sims

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

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​Today, we would like you to get to know Obie Sims of Obie’s Cookies.
 
At Obie’s Cookies, they are devoted to helping bring your products or services to life through the power of video. They create internal videos, training videos, tutorials, commercials, and “highly snackable” social media content.  Since opening Obie’s Cookies in 2018, Obie has built a long career on two mantras, “the numbers don’t lie” and “a little kindness goes a long way”. Obie has spent 20+ years practicing, rehearsing, and refining the art of storytelling and that having a clear beginning, middle, and end is always on-trend.
 
We asked Obie three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
Early in my professional career, I faced two huge challenges. The first challenge was lacking the ability to be present and approach even the simplest of tasks with mindfulness and intention. The second challenge was truly understanding the concept of patience. I grew to realize that what I used to perceive as incremental growth were huge leaps in my journey towards reaching my goals. 

Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
Weirdly as it may sound, my biggest inspiration in both my professional and personal life is knowing that a “worst-case scenario” doesn’t exist. This mindset serves as a reminder for me to not give fear, self-doubt, or negativity air to breathe. 
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Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
Nike said it best. “Just do it”. There is no need to overcomplicate it. If you want it, make it happen.  

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