30 Apr 2024 501Der Women 2024: Gina Flake

Being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 was an unexpected twist in Gina Flake’s life, yet she has shown that even a self-proclaimed “planner of all things” can survive the unsurvivable.

“After a very normal day in May 2018, I was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer. They gave me 14 to 16 months to live,” said Flake. The cancer presented itself as a stroke and occurred at home. “Thankfully, my husband knew what to do, but I realized that my family and friends need to be trained for emergencies because they can happen anywhere. I am passionate about safety and being prepared,” Flake said.

Thus, B&B Safety Training was created to train the public in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and AED usage. “I love people,” Flake said. “I enjoy making the classroom fun and engaging!”

Many companies and individuals have hired her for training in CPR, Basic Life Support, AED usage and first aid, and customers are impressed by the professional experience. “Gina is dynamic and self-motivated,” said Tina Cope, CFO of Favoring Tailwinds. “She also operates birth and postpartum doula support services. She is thriving as a 501Der Woman!”

Flake is involved in community service, much of it through Second Baptist Church. “I am also involved in The Harbor Home. Being in a hard place myself as a young woman, I love supporting women facing difficult times.” 

She particularly loves to help her inner circle “tribe of women,” and her family. Flake and her husband of 31 years have four children and nine grandchildren. “My Aunt Sheilah has always supported me in all aspects of my life. Even when no one else did, she was there,” Flake said.

When asked if there is something about her that no one would suspect, she admits to dearly loving shoes, having close to 200 pairs, including Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

“I have always tried to be who others said I should be,” Flake said. “I am so much happier in this stage of life. I surround myself with people who love and support me. I am happy with my hair color and body type, doing what I love, and being joyful and confident in myself, the way God made me!”

To learn more about safety training or pregnancy support for individuals or groups, contact Gina at [email protected] or 501.796.3180.