Polished and Positive

To Berneice Cox, style is in no way skin deep.

Born the youngest of seven children on a farm in rural Tennessee, Berneice Cox had to prove herself from a young age.

“I ended up driving a cattle truck before I had my license,” Cox joked as she settled comfortably in her office chair at the United Way of the Big Bend where she serves as president. “I was the baby, so I really had to assert myself in my world.”

What Cox lacked in brawn, she made up for with her quick wit. She was the first in her family to attend college, an accomplishment she humbly mentioned before turning the conversation to her siblings whom she deeply admires.

Cox grew up with a closet full of hand-me-downs and hand-sewn clothes. She learned to shop for clothes that were practical and versatile. Today, Cox finds comfort in the classics.

“My classic style actually came from what I could afford,” she said. Timeless pieces became wardrobe staples. She pairs the basics with pops of color to liven up her impeccable looks. “I find myself drawn to color often because it just energizes me.”

Though she has a fondness for eye-catching pieces, she uses them sparingly.

↑ For Berneice Cox, the youngest of seven children, versatility is paramount — in fashion and life. More often than not, she gravitates toward classic pieces. Still, she loves to play with color whenever possible. Photo by Alicia Osborne

“There is some responsibility to have a look that goes with the position,” she said, and added that she always gravitates toward a “polished look.”

“Your look, your style, your beauty comes from you and who you are as a person,” she said.

Cox radiates a passion for her job: “I get to get up every single morning and know that whatever I do during the day, it’s going to be something to impact someone’s life in a positive way.”

From raising money for hurricane relief to providing housing and education to families below the poverty line, Cox makes it her mission to make a positive impact.

Photo by Alicia Osborne

“If you’re working anywhere just for a title, you’ve already lost,” she said. She explained that she found herself in her current career because of her heart for service and her passion to help her community. Much of this passion resulted from her own financial struggles in childhood and early adulthood.

“I can’t think of a better calling for me. I wish I’d found it many years ago because it really feeds my soul.”

Cox said that when she grew up, “It was who you were, not what you wore,” that mattered. She sees that outlook in her sons and the way they have raised their own children.

Cox enjoys watching her grandchildren being unapologetically themselves. “They’re not worried about what anyone thinks of them at that young age,” she said. “It takes me back.”

Cox said that it is important to her that her grandchildren be prepared to learn from failure.

“Life is not just the good times. It’s also the challenging times,” she explained, adding that in those challenges, it’s important to find the positive and grow from the experience. “I’ve always looked for the silver linings.”

↑ Berneice Cox believes that what you wear matters less than who you are. She hopes she can have a positive impact on others. Photo by Alicia Osborne

She looks, too, to make differences in the lives of others in simple ways.

“Sometimes it’s just telling someone they have a beautiful smile,” Cox said. “There are all these little things you can do that make an impact.”

Cox steers by a moral compass.

“I was taught you find the good in everybody you meet,” she said.

Whether sporting an elegant dress at a gala or a timeless look with a pop of color, serving others is always her priority. After all, she said, “Who you are projects style by and large.”