Meet Raynaria Cowert

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raynaria Cowert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Raynaria, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic was shaped long before I had a business of my own. Growing up, I watched my dad build his barbering clientele right out of his apartment. I was fascinated by how consistent he was showing up every day, building relationships, and staying dedicated no matter what. I used to count his money and iron the bills at the end of the day, and even as a kid, I understood that success didn’t come easy it came from showing up.

That stuck with me. So when I got to college and realized I needed extra income, I didn’t hesitate. I started selling lashes, and that small hustle eventually became my own clothing brand. It wasn’t just about money it was about creating something I was proud of and giving people a reason to feel good about themselves.

Even when I was working 12-hour shifts, I found the energy to pour into my business. Not because it was easy, but because I had already learned what it meant to commit, even when it’s uncomfortable. That same discipline carried over when I shifted into community service building The Bag Drive and organizing with other local businesses to bring something real to the people around me.

Since I was a child, I always told my mom, “I never want people to feel sorry for me.” So to avoid that, I push through. I stay resilient. I do the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. My fire stays lit because I know that everything I’m building isn’t just for me it’s a reflection of purpose, faith, and the belief that my journey can be bigger than my circumstances.

At the core, my work ethic comes from what I saw, what I lacked, and what I wanted to become. I owe that to my upbringing and to the standard I set for myself now.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Raynaria Cowert, a community organizer, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Bag Drive, an annual initiative that brings students, families, and local businesses together for back-to-school celebrations rooted in love, unity, and purpose.

My journey started with a college refund check, a mirror, and a dream. I launched my first business selling lashes and later created a clothing line all driven by the joy of making people feel confident and seen. But after a few years, I realized I wanted to do more than just sell products. I wanted to serve people. That desire pushed me toward community work, where I found a deeper sense of purpose.

The Bag Drive was born in 2023 with one mission: to create a space where kids feel celebrated, supported, and ready for the school year and where the community feels reconnected. In just three years, we’ve donated over 500 bookbags, raised thousands in donations, and collaborated with 10+ small businesses across Miami Gardens and Opa-Locka. We’ve turned parking lots into parties and made school prep feel like something exciting not stressful.

What makes it special isn’t just the giveaways it’s the atmosphere. We focus on joy, togetherness, and showing kids what it means to be poured into. It’s about planting seeds of confidence early.

Right now, I’m focused on growing The Bag Drive into something even bigger with hopes of expanding into other cities, launching year-round resources, and continuing to turn purpose into impact. We’re currently preparing for our third annual event this August, and every year it gets more powerful not because of numbers, but because of the love behind it.

At the end of the day, my brand is about more than events or entrepreneurship it’s about reminding people, especially our youth, that they matter.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.

1. Resilience – There were moments when I was tired, broke, or unsure if anyone even noticed what I was building. But I kept showing up for myself, for my community, and for the vision I saw even when no one else did. Expect challenges. Don’t let them stop you. Let them mold you. The breakthrough doesn’t come from talent it comes from not quitting.

2. Resourcefulness – I started with $1,200, a mirror, and my phone. I didn’t have a full team or a fancy setup but I had heart, and I made what I had work. You don’t need everything to start, just enough to begin. Learn how to stretch what you have, and don’t be afraid to Google, YouTube, ask questions, and keep learning as you go.

3. Relationship-building – Every step of my journey has involved community. Nurture your network. Be genuine. Don’t just look for what people can do for you think about how you can build together.

If you’re early in your journey, my biggest advice is this: Start with heart. Stay teachable. Stay consistent. You don’t have to have it all figured out you just have to care enough to keep going.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m definitely open to collaborating especially with people and organizations that are rooted in purpose, youth empowerment, and community impact.

One of my biggest dreams is to collaborate with my alma mater, Miami Carol City Senior High, to spotlight students and give back in a real way. That school shaped a lot of who I am, and I would love to pour back into the place that once poured into me whether through scholarships, mentorship, or on-campus activations tied to The Bag Drive.

I’m also looking to partner with:
• Small businesses that want to make a difference
• Creatives, vendors, and local leaders who bring good energy
• Sponsors and organizations that want to invest in community-centered work

If this speaks to you, I’d love to connect.
Reach out via Instagram @thebagdrive or email me at raynariacowert1@gmail.com

Let’s build something lasting especially for the next generation. 🎒🧡

Contact Info:

• Instagram: raynariab , thebagdrive