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"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms".

 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

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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!
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Meet The Founder

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EricaLynn Cotton

Founder/ Registered Nurse/ Personal Development Counselor/ author of Birthing Purpose

With over a decade of experience specializing in women’s health. She has dedicated her life to empowering women and children, drawing from both her professional expertise and her personal journey of widowhood to guide others through life’s most challenging transitions. Through her nonprofit, Beauty Over Ashes, EL provides community resources and healing spaces for widowed mothers and their families. She also serves as Clinical Advisor for CocoLife.Black, an organization committed to empowering Black and Brown women throughout their maternal journeys. In 2024, her advocacy work led her to Capitol Hill, where she spoke on a national panel addressing maternal mortality in the United States. Through every endeavor, EL is building a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and hope — ensuring that no woman feels alone in her journey.

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Beauty Over Ashes is a registered 501 (c)3     EIN 87-4052593

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