Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Cotton.
Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Rachel Cotton, and I am a creator. I use the term creator instead of artist because I do many different things! As a young girl, I always had a huge imagination. I would write stories, plays, poetry, create new handwriting fonts, draw, make clothes, act, sing, cook, pretty much everything that involved the arts! Some activities I did for school, while most I did simply for me. As I grew older and entered my adult years, I still carried all of those creative activities with me daily. It wasn’t until I became a full-time college student, then a mom, then a wife, then had another child that I slowly let go of those activities. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had neglected all of the things that made me “me” and filled my soul instead with obligation and responsibility.
Then in 2018, I found myself empty, suffocating, and dying. Not a physical death, but a spiritual one. On the surface, my life seemed perfect; a wonderful husband, three beautiful children, a beautiful home, etc. But even the most beautiful flower will appear beautiful until it’s buried dead roots begin to cause the beautiful exterior to deteriorate. I realized then, I had spent the last 13 years going hard at being the best at everything else instead of focusing on being the best “me.” My husband fell in love with “me”. My children love “me”. I finished my degree plan because “me/I” did the work. If I were to continue to neglect “me”, the rest of my world would crumble along with my soul. It was in this moment, a new journey began for me.
In January 2019, I spent the month fasting and praying to God for Him to heal my brokenness and help me discover my purpose again. It was in those quiet moments that I heard Holy Spirit say, “Just create.” So that’s what I did! For six months, I limited my social life to only necessities and went back to creating the way I used to. Now, fast forward two years later, and I can proudly say that I’ve become a muralist, illustrator, digital creator, and photographer! I also serve as a Director for my family’s non-profit organization, Agape Centric, and I’ve been able to serve on boards, build relationships with our city leaders, and help hundreds of families in need. I am still learning and growing, but I am grateful for the journey that has brought me here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It was definitely not smooth! Some of the challenges I faced along this journey was becoming a mom at 19, completing my bachelor’s degree plan while being a stay at home wife and mom of two, developing placental cancer after having a miscarriage (failed pregnancy), then struggling with postpartum depression and increased anxiety after having my 3rd child.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say I am an artist who creates from her soul while using her time and energy to give back to others in need. I am most proud of the reactions I receive from those I create for. To hear they’ve cried, feel happy, feel whole, etc, is better than any payment I could ever receive. I try not to compare myself with others because I believe we all have unique gifts that are beneficial to this world. I just happen to have come across a dope formula: pray, do the best you can, live a life of integrity, keep your heart in the right place no matter what, then trust God to do the rest.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Never be afraid to talk to people, never be intimidated by people who are better than you, and always stay humble. With these characteristics, I’ve never had to find mentors because they always found me.
Contact Info:
- Email: create.inspire.heal@gmail.com
- Website: www.agapecentric.org
- Instagram: @create.inspire.heal
- Facebook: @create.inspire.heal.withrae
