Our Story
This journey started as a simple blog and has evolved into something I could have never imagined! I embarked on this journey to share my story, and in December 2021, it became 501c3 nonprofit organization, driven by love and resilience. During this time, CocoLife.Black was birthed, and I was working closely with the founder to create a community with resources for women like us. We soon realized that supporting parents during pregnancy and postpartum is crucial, and often times the topic of loss is overlooked. When I was seven months pregnant with our daughter, I faced the unimaginable loss of my husband, Chris, a local comedian. Before expecting our daughter, we experienced two miscarriages, giving me firsthand insight into the need for support through both types of profound loss. My late husband's legacy ignited an overwhelming wave of support from our community. They generously showered me with gifts for our unborn baby, selling out the registry not once but twice! Grateful for the love surrounding me, I made a heartfelt promise to pay it forward. The following summer I collaborated with the amazing organization Royal Generation to organize a community baby shower, donating excess baby items I received. In 2021, Beauty Over Ashes partnered with them again to provide 100 mommy bags filled with self-care goodies and custom baby bibs from ellebyel.com. Through one of the most challenging seasons of my life, I discovered a beautiful purpose unfolding within me. Although my journey has taken unexpected twists and turns, I am endlessly thankful for my community who continue love and support me. Beauty Over Ashes is committed to uplifting parents and children facing their own challenges, offering resources, encouragement, and unwavering support. Join us in this incredible mission!
Meet The Founder
EricaLynn Cotton
Founder/ Registered Nurse/ Personal Development Counselor/ author of Birthing Purpose
EricaLynn Cotton is a dedicated Registered Nurse, Grief Counselor, Women’s Health Educator, and advocate with over 15 years of clinical experience. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, she brings a holistic perspective to healthcare, emphasizing preventive care, patient education, collaborative treatment planning, and whole-person wellness. Her clinical expertise is deeply informed by both professional experience and personal resilience, allowing her to support patients and families with empathy, insight, and authenticity.
In 2024, EricaLynn served as a panelist on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., contributing to national conversations on maternal health outcomes and advocating for improved care. Passionate about health equity and community impact, she serves as a Clinical Advisor for CocoLife.Black, an organization committed to empowering Black and Brown women throughout their maternal journeys and improving outcomes in underserved communities.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and expertise in women’s health, EricaLynn contributed to the development of The CocoLife Community Doula Training & Certification Program. This innovative program is taught to aspiring doulas nationwide and is now offered as a college course through Frederick Community College. She is also the founder of Beauty Over Ashes (BOA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, healing support, and community for parents, children, and young widows navigating grief and life after profound loss.
As someone whose own life was transformed by loss, EricaLynn’s mission is rooted in ensuring that no woman or family feels unseen, unsupported, or alone in their healing journey. Through her advocacy, clinical leadership, and community initiatives, she continues to create meaningful spaces where compassion, empowerment, and practical support intersect—making a lasting impact on the lives of women, children, and families.