Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelynn Cotten.

Hi Jacquelynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I was born a fighter. My mom had to have an emergency C-section on April 1, 1989, because my heart rate dropped to just 9 beats per minute while I was stuck in the birth canal. Surviving my first moments of life was just the beginning. At four years old, I accidentally caught myself on fire, enduring injuries that I miraculously survived.

Growing up, I was the oldest of six kids on my mom’s side, which meant I had a lot of responsibility from a young age. My childhood was chaotic, surrounded by drugs, alcohol, abuse, and neglect. My dad? I don’t have a relationship with him, and I’ve never met most of my siblings on his side. I’ve always hoped that might change one day.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina upended my family’s life. After our home in Dixie, Mississippi, was severely damaged, we boarded an Amtrak train to Penn Station in New York. We ended up in a motel in Astoria, Queens, living day-to-day. Funding for displaced families was running out, but my mom’s determination got us featured on Fox & Friends. That moment changed everything. We moved to a safer area, and I attended a good school, where I finally got a glimpse of what life could look like outside of poverty.

Adulthood brought its own challenges. In November 2019, I was fired from my job a week before Thanksgiving. It felt like a massive setback, but the very next day, I found myself speaking to a group of women in recovery about overcoming life’s toughest moments. That experience reminded me of my resilience and set me on a new path. I started freelancing and never went back to a traditional job.

In 2020, life tested me in unimaginable ways. I got pregnant in April, only to lose the baby on Mother’s Day. In June, I became pregnant again, but the pregnancy was far from joyful. COVID lockdowns meant my husband couldn’t attend any doctor’s appointments—not even the one where I learned about my miscarriage. Then, in September, while still pregnant, I lost my daughter Finley’s father tragically in the middle of a custody battle. That loss was devastating, but in February 2021, I gave birth to my baby.

That summer, I launched my podcast, Just Women Talking Shit. Nearly 100 episodes later, it’s become a platform for raw, unfiltered conversations about life’s challenges, resilience, and growth.

In August 2023, I hosted my first retreat, creating a space for women to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. I’m already planning the next one, Magnetic As Fck Sisterhood in Sedona Experience: Biz & Pleasure Retreat*, which will take place in July 2025.

Looking back, I see how every challenge—homelessness, eating disorders, alcoholism, miscarriages, grief, and mental health struggles—was preparing me for something greater. I’ve reclaimed my life through medical cannabis, spirituality, and a relentless pursuit of happiness. Today, I’m building a Paid to Exist culture, alongside my Spiritual Support System Community I now co-host with my right-hand-woman, Sarah Buckley where both platforms focus on helping others turn their pain into power and live a life they love.

You can read my full story in Spiritual Awakenings Volume 2 (available on Amazon) or hear more on Instagram and my podcast. My journey is proof that no matter where you start or how hard life gets, you can rise, rebuild, and thrive.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Not at all. It’s been a road full of twists, turns, and obstacles that have shaped who I am today. Growing up in poverty in the Bible Belt, I always felt out of place—like who I was didn’t belong. Being a bisexual female in a deeply religious environment meant constantly battling shame and trying to reconcile who I am with what I was taught.

I’ve faced homelessness, eating disorders, alcoholism, and the loss of loved ones. I’ve navigated the grief of miscarriage, battled chronic illnesses, and endured the mental and emotional scars of a tumultuous childhood. Each step was a challenge to break free from the beliefs and expectations that didn’t align with my truth.

Over time, I stopped apologizing for who I am and started owning my story. I created a sense of self and identity that is truly unshakeable. These struggles shaped me into someone who not only survived but thrives, helping others do the same.

As you know, we’re big fans of Cotten Coaching & Content LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

My company, Cotten Coaching & Content LLC, is the umbrella for everything I do. Under this brand, I run my podcast Just Women Talking Shit, my coaching program Paid to Exist: Client Attraction & Sales Accelerator, and my annual retreat Magnetic As Fck*. Each of these offerings reflects my mission to empower individuals—especially women entrepreneurs—to build lives and businesses they love.

I specialize in helping female entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and online service providers attract their dream clients, elevate their sales strategies, and create content that connects deeply with their audience. What sets me apart is my ability to combine practical business strategies with deep, transformative personal work. I bring together spirituality, sales, and strategy to create a unique approach that drives results while also fostering authenticity and alignment.

I’m proud of the ripple effect my work creates. Through coaching, retreats, and my podcast, I’ve been able to help women step into their power, embrace their authentic selves, and transform their businesses and lives. I thrive on seeing my clients not only succeed financially but also grow into the people they’ve always known they could be.

The Magnetic As Fck Retreat* is one of my signature offerings. This annual business and pleasure retreat for female entrepreneurs is held in a different city each year. It’s designed to help women elevate their brands, marketing, content, and sales while also creating space for connection, creativity, and personal growth.

My coaching program, Paid to Exist: Client Attraction & Sales Accelerator, is a game-changer for entrepreneurs who are ready to attract aligned clients and scale their businesses with confidence.

Readers can find me at www.jacquelynncotten.com and listen to Just Women Talking Shit on any podcast platform. Whether through my podcast, retreats, or coaching, my mission is to help women embrace their power and create a life that feels as incredible as it looks.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

Something people might find surprising about me is the sheer range of experiences I’ve had throughout my life and career. My background includes everything from working at a gas station, waiting tables, and planning events to hosting open mic nights and playing music professionally. I’ve been a professional nanny, built shelves at a Dollar General, worked on assembly lines, and sold everything from cars and roofs to hats.

I’ve even had to take on work I found humiliating, including sex work, but through it all, I’ve always found a way to make money and keep going. These experiences, while challenging and often humbling, taught me resilience, adaptability, and creativity.

Every path I’ve walked, no matter how unconventional, has contributed to my ability to connect with people from all walks of life, pursue my passions unapologetically, and build the life and career I have today. It’s this journey that fuels my drive to help others transform their challenges into stepping stones for growth and success.

Pricing:

• 1:1 Slack business coaching ($1,000/month)
• Paid to Exist: Client Attraction & Sales Accelerator ($7,500 one-time for lifetime access)
• Shared room at Sedona busines retreat ($3,800 all-inclusive, travel not included)
• Private room at Sedona busines retreat ($5,000 all-inclusive, travel not included)
• In-person VIP coaching day ($3,000/full business day)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacquelynncotten.com and www.justwomentalkingshit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelynncotten
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1165554730816275

Image Credits

All taken by myself or by a friend with my phone