Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Cota.
Hi Jeanette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in a small town in Michigan, raised my two kids in my hometown. Opened the dance studio when my daughter was three, had it for 14 years. When my daughter, Ava, was 10, we were casted on a show called Dancemoms. Did that on and off for about four years. Which brought us out to LA. Ended up moving to LA after a nasty divorce when Ava was 14. My son soon followed. We all resided in California together. Ava was casted in the movie Tall Girl one and two on Netflix. Unfortunately, lost my 23-year-old son, to an accidental fentanyl poisoning. Through the grief found a way to do something with it. My daughter, Ava, and I started the Devon Michael Foundation. I also still help her with her career and have a cooking segment and my own spice line launching soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. Going through my divorce in such a small town, was completely criticized for having my daughter in the industry. With lies and allegations thrown at me daily. Walking away from everything to give my daughter a chance in what she loved to do. Was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My daughter and I perceived through it all, with a lot of hard work, we made it and couldn’t be more proud.
By far, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life is losing my 23-year-old son. That is indescribable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have my own cooking segment on TikTok and IG. Also, my spice line “Mama J’s”. My daughter and I also have a nonprofit together and a clothing line called identified that was inspired by my son, Devon.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To never take life for granted. Or the moments that you have with your loved ones. And nothing is out of your reach if you want it bad enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mamajs.shop
- Instagram: Cookingwith_mamaj
- Other: TikTok: cookingwith_mamaj
Image Credits
Steve Ragland Photography
Shannon Wright Photography
