We recently connected with Jacquetta (Jackie) Allison and have shared our conversation below.
Jacquetta (Jackie), appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
From Defeat to Triumph: How My Past As a Felon Fueled My Greatest Growth and Wins.
When I reflect on my journey, the first thing that stands out is the moment when I felt like I had lost everything—when I was labeled a felon. That period in my life, marked by a single mistake that would haunt me for years, seemed to be the lowest point I could go. I thought my dreams were crushed, my future uncertain, and my purpose lost. But in reality, it was the catalyst for something bigger.
It was during that defeat, when I thought I had reached rock bottom, that I found my greatest growth and began to realize that failure is not a full stop, but rather a powerful teaching tool—a stepping stone. And here’s the thing: my biggest wins came only after the fall.
As a felon, I was told repeatedly that doors would close for me—jobs, relationships, opportunities, everything. The world had drawn its line, and I was standing on the other side, no longer part of the “privileged” group. People saw my conviction, not my potential. The labels were loud, but my inner voice was quieter. And for a while, that voice was drowned by doubt.
But after a long period of self-reflection, something began to shift. I realized that the lessons hidden in my failure were shaping me. I wasn’t just a felon; I was someone who had learned resilience, patience, and perseverance the hard way. I understood struggle at a level few others could. And these experiences were not weaknesses; they were strengths in disguise.
What I didn’t know at the time was that my setback was actually a setup for something greater. Each moment of defeat, rejection, and isolation prepared me for the challenges ahead. It became clear that my journey, my mistakes, and my rise from them weren’t just for me to heal—they were meant to help others find hope, purpose, and direction, too.
When I finally decided to take control of my story, everything began to change. I used my experiences not as a crutch, but as the foundation upon which I could build something meaningful. I realized I had a responsibility to show others that their past doesn’t define them—it refines them. It was my past that helped me develop a deeper understanding of empathy, strength, and determination. It was my failures that taught me the value of hard work and persistence.
This is why I now coach others who find themselves trapped by their own failures. I teach them not to let their past become their prison. Instead, I show them how it can be the fuel to ignite their future. I know firsthand how easy it is to get stuck in the shame of a mistake, but it doesn’t have to be the end. You are not your worst moment. You are your ability to rise from it.
When I look back at that time in my life, I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful things that ever happened to me. My past no longer defines my future; it has molded it. The person I became through that pain, that failure, is the same person who now helps others break free from the chains of their own pasts.
I’ve gone on to achieve things I once thought were impossible. I’m now an author— with Two Prayer Affirmations Journals for Women and Men, Three publish children’s books, and I’m currently working on a Children’s Book Series that will inspire young hearts and minds to believe in themselves, CNCS (Certified Newborn Care Specialist), CNSS (Certified Newborn Sleep Specialist), and a Motivational Speaker who encourages others to rise above their challenges.
So, if you’re reading this and you’re facing your own defeat—whether it’s a label, a mistake, or a moment you feel you can’t get past—remember this: your setback is simply a setup for greatness. The very things that feel like failure today could be the lessons that lead to your biggest wins tomorrow. Don’t let your past hold you back. Use it to propel you forward. Your story isn’t over yet—it’s only just begun.
Quote: “Your past is not a prison; it is the crucible where your true strength is forged. Every failure, every setback, every moment of darkness has sculpted you into a force of resilience and wisdom. When you rise from it, you don’t just rise above your past—you transcend it. The ashes of your former self become the foundation upon which your greatest victories are built, and your journey becomes the living proof that even in defeat, there is a purpose greater than you can imagine.” Jacquetta Allison
And that, my friend, is the greatest victory of all.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
A Journey of Love, Resilience, and Empowerment: The Life and Work of Ms. Jacquetta Allison ( Jackie)
Born in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Jacquetta Allison grew up with a strong sense of community, family, and purpose. The daughter of James and Lillian Brinkley, Ms. Jacquetta Allison was raised in a household filled with love, discipline, dysfunction and hard-life earned wisdom. Alongside her sister, Semoine Brinkley-Flowers, and the memory of her late brother, Lemuel Shelton, Jacquetta was instilled with an unwavering understanding of the importance of hard work, family, compassion, and resilience. These lessons would guide her through life’s challenges and shape her into the force of nature she is today.
Graduating high school in 1986, Jacquetta was faced with the typical societal expectations for young people—college, a stable career, a clear path forward. But instead of following the traditional route, she made a courageous decision: she chose to enter the workforce immediately. While many her age were seeking higher education, Jacquetta followed a different path—one that would define her career and future in profound ways. Rather than academic degrees, she sought experience, connection, and a deep understanding of what it truly meant to care for others.
Discovering a Passion for Children and Parents: A Career Shaped by Love and Service
At just 18 years old, fresh out of high school, Jacquetta found her calling in childcare—a path she would walk for over three decades. Her first job, working with infants in a daycare setting, was more than just a paycheck. It was a profound realization that her heart was meant to nurture and support children. Working closely with infants, she began to understand not only the developmental needs of young children but also the emotional intricacies of families and how deeply interconnected those two elements truly were.
Her journey into childcare took many forms over the years—first as a daycare worker, then as a nanny, and eventually as the founder of her own business. But regardless of the title, Jacquetta’s mission remained the same: to provide a safe, loving, and supportive environment for children to grow and thrive. In those years of tending to the needs of children, she saw firsthand how much impact caregivers could have not just on a child’s development, but on their families as a whole. The emotional well-being of a child was inherently tied to the emotional well-being of the parents, and vice versa. This led her to a profound realization: for true transformation to happen, both parents and children needed support.
Her dedication and passion for helping families led her to a pivotal decision in her career: she would transition from being a traditional childcare provider to offering parent coaching. Armed with years of experience and a deep empathy for the challenges parents face, Jacquetta launched MUMS WAKE UP AND WIN, a transformative coaching service designed to help parents rediscover the joy and fulfillment that comes with raising children.
The Birth of MUMS WAKE UP AND WIN: A New Vision for Parenting
With MUMS WAKE UP AND WIN, Jacquetta created a space where parents could find clarity, strength, and confidence in their parenting journey. The company was born out of her belief that parenthood should not be a struggle to survive but an opportunity to thrive. Jacquetta’s coaching services are built on practical strategies that help parents face the complexities of modern-day life with grace and resilience. Through her approach, she doesn’t just help parents with logistical tips or day-to-day hacks—she helps them shift their perspective, empowering them to see challenges as opportunities for growth and connection.
The key to her work lies in her ability to understand that every parent’s journey is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. Instead, Jacquetta approaches each family with a personalized strategy—tailored to their needs, values, and dynamics. Whether parents are dealing with tantrums, navigating teenage rebellion, or balancing their careers with family life, Jacquetta empowers them with the tools to shift their mindset and break through obstacles.
Her approach doesn’t stop at children. In fact, one of the core principles of her coaching is helping parents—especially mothers—understand that taking care of themselves is just as crucial as taking care of their children. Jacquetta teaches her clients how to set boundaries, manage stress, and prioritize their own well-being, which ultimately leads to more sustainable and effective parenting. She emphasizes the importance of perspective shifts—teaching parents how to reframe challenges, view setbacks as growth opportunities, and stay connected to their sense of purpose.
Family: The Heart of It All
Family has always been the central force driving Jacquetta’s work, and it is in her own family that she finds the greatest source of strength and inspiration. As a mother of two adult children, Kennyetta Archie (37) and Malcolm Archie (34), she has witnessed the beauty and struggles of raising children firsthand. Her children are her pride, her joy, and the living proof that perseverance through life’s challenges yields incredible results.
Despite the many hurdles Jacquetta has faced throughout her life, including two marriages and two divorces, she has remained unwavering in her love for her children. “Through all the ups and downs, they’ve been my biggest supporters. They’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and yet they still manage to finish their degrees, pursue their passions, and chase their dreams. I couldn’t be prouder of them,” she says with emotion.
Kennyetta and Malcolm’s accomplishments are a reflection of their mother’s resilience and dedication. Both have completed their undergraduate degrees and are now working toward their master’s degrees. To Jacquetta, their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the nurturing environment she provided them throughout their childhood.
A New Chapter: Phoenix, AZ – A Fresh Start for a New Legacy
After spending more than 50 years in Atlanta, Jacquetta and her daughter made a bold decision: it was time for a change. With her grandson about to enter full-time school, she knew it was the perfect moment to relocate to a new place—a place with a warmer climate and new opportunities. Phoenix, Arizona, would become their new home.
This move was more than just geographical—it symbolized a new beginning for Jacquetta and her family. It represented her ability to embrace change and seek out the best for her family’s future. It also marked the next phase in her business’s growth. As she settled into her new surroundings, she continued to expand the reach of MUMS WAKE UP AND WIN, providing support to a new demographic of families and individuals while remaining deeply connected to the core values of her work.
What Sets Jacquetta Apart: A Holistic, Empathetic Approach
So, what sets Jacquetta apart from others in her field? It’s her unique combination of experience, empathy, and a truly holistic approach to parenting. Jacquetta does not just give advice; she empowers her clients to see the bigger picture of their family’s dynamics. She understands that parenting isn’t just about getting through each day—it’s about creating meaningful relationships, fostering personal growth, and learning to view each challenge as a step toward something greater.
Jacquetta is proud of the work she has done and continues to do, but what she is most proud of is the lasting impact she has had on families’ lives. Her clients don’t just leave her sessions with strategies; they leave with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and confidence in their ability to navigate the challenges ahead.
Her brand, MUMS WAKE UP AND WIN, is not just a coaching service—it’s a movement. A movement of empowerment, transformation, and the realization that with the right support, every parent can rise to the occasion, break through the barriers that hold them back, and become the best version of themselves for their children and their families.
A Final Note: Jacquetta’s Mission
For those who are unfamiliar with her work, Jacquetta wants potential clients, followers, and fans to know one thing: “You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re struggling with your role as a parent or you just need someone to listen and guide you through the ups and downs, I’m here to help. Together, we can wake up and win every day.”
Her work is a reflection of a lifetime of learning, growing, and loving deeply. She continues to inspire, support, and guide families, helping them realize that parenthood is not a series of isolated struggles but a beautiful, interconnected journey. Jacquetta is more than a coach—she is a partner in the parenting journey, always here to help her clients see their potential and unlock the joy that comes with the most important job in the world: being a parent.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
It’s incredible how certain books and videos can reshape our thinking, inspire our actions, and guide us toward becoming better leaders and entrepreneurs. My journey, was marked by these transformative resources, that help me be commitment to growth and self-improvement.
The Bible as the best-seller of all time, is a foundational source of wisdom that speaks to the heart of leadership—guidance, integrity, and service. It teaches us that true leadership begins with a servant’s heart, and success is intertwined with compassion, love, and faith.
Marshawn Daniels’ 100 Days of Believing Bigger Devotional Journal invites you to expand your belief system, teaching that no dream is too big if you align with your purpose and believe in your potential. This book challenges us to move beyond fear and doubt, fueling the confidence to take bold steps forward.
Jon Gordon’s works, particularly One Truth, The Garden, and One Word, have an empowering, simple yet profound message: focus on one core truth, cultivate positivity in your life, and choose one word that will define your journey. It’s about clarity, focus, and cultivating a mindset that thrives amidst challenges.
Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, both as a book and movie, opened up a world of possibilities through the power of the law of attraction. It reminded us that what we focus on, we attract—and that our thoughts shape our reality. It’s an invitation to step into the driver’s seat of our lives.
Ajit Nawalkha’s Live Big is a testament to living without limits. It speaks to the importance of aligning your actions with your desires, embracing your potential, and creating a life that is not just successful but deeply fulfilling.
Lea Newman’s Unstuck Yourself shows that the path to success is often about breaking free from your own limitations. It reminds us that getting “unstuck” is a powerful act of self-awareness and action—taking the first step forward is often the hardest but most rewarding part of the journey.
Steve Harvey’s Jump encourages us to take that leap of faith into the unknown, trusting that the leap will lead to the life we are meant to live. It’s the message that in order to achieve greatness, you have to risk comfort and security—jumping into uncertainty with courage.
Lisa Nichols’ Abundance Now inspires us to step into a mindset of abundance—seeing limitless possibilities, not just in wealth, but in opportunities, relationships, and personal growth. It’s a book that reframes scarcity into a mindset of thriving.
Videos and speeches from figures like Les Brown, Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, and Myles Munroe have all provided us with the wisdom to keep pushing, to turn obstacles into stepping stones, and to redefine failure as simply a lesson in the making. These motivational speakers speak to the core of human potential, teaching that you’re never too old, too young, or too lost to begin again.
The Richest Man in Babylon and Think and Grow Rich have provided timeless financial wisdom, reminding us that wealth is built with wisdom, patience, and a mindset of abundance. These principles transcend time and remain fundamental to achieving success in any entrepreneurial venture.
Sarah Jakes Roberts and Pastor Jamal Bryant bring spiritual and emotional depth into leadership. They teach us that great leaders are those who are grounded in faith, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to growth. They speak to the importance of resilience, emotional freedom, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.
Each of these books, videos, and speakers has left a mark on my philosophy, blending faith, mindset, strategy, and action into a powerful formula for personal and professional growth. They’ve challenged you to think bigger, act bolder, and live more intentionally. As you continue to build on the knowledge and inspiration you’ve gained, the journey ahead holds limitless potential. Keep leading with purpose, creating with passion, and believing in your ability to make a lasting impact!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Lesson I Had to Unlearn: Not Depending on Anyone Else
I come from a long line of strong, hardworking Black women—both from the South and up North. These women, including my grandmother and mother, worked tirelessly to take care of everyone but themselves. My grandmother worked for herself doing hair, and my mother served as a daycare director for over 20 years. Growing up, I watched them work themselves to the bone. They put in long hours, made sure everyone was taken care of, yet had little to show for it at the end of the day. Bills were often tight, and there wasn’t much money left to enjoy life or do something nice for the family.
Despite the struggle, one thing I did see was an undeniable work ethic. That work ethic shaped my attitude towards life—it taught me the value of hard work and the drive to go out and get it. Over time, this mentality became deeply ingrained in me, and I adopted a “no one can do it like me” attitude. I believed that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it myself. This mindset led me to avoid asking for help when I needed it the most. It wasn’t just pride—it was a deep-rooted fear of rejection, past hurts, and a lack of trust in others. I simply wouldn’t let anyone in, especially during critical moments in my life.
But life has a funny way of teaching us the things we need to learn. Eventually, I found myself in a critical situation where I had no choice but to rely on my closest circle for support. The weight of the world felt too heavy to carry on my own, and I had to confront my fear of vulnerability. It was in that moment that I realized: the lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything by myself. It wasn’t about weakness; it was about trust, community, and understanding that asking for help doesn’t diminish my strength. In fact, it adds to it.
What I’ve learned is this: it’s okay to lean on others. We’re not meant to go through life alone, and there’s power in allowing ourselves to receive support when we need it. The value of hard work and independence is important, but so is knowing when to let go and trust those around you. Life is a balance of both.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackieballison.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejackieallison
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jacquettaallison
- Linkedin: linkedin/jacquettaallison
- Youtube: Jacquetta Allison@mumswakeupandwin
