Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Edwards Coburn.
Hi Jillian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband, who recently retired after 30 years in the U.S. Army, felt it was best we move to Texas for his last deployment. I am a born cajun. I was born in Opelousas, Louisiana and grew up thirty years of my life in my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. Killeen, Texas didn’t suit me and one of my dear friends shared the beautiful views of Lago Vista in my twenties. I knew that it was a small town and being a Deep South Cajun, I needed the water. So, I said yes, and we made the move to Lago Vista, Texas when our daughter graduated high school from Lafayette, Louisiana and began her journey to college at Tulane University. I knew I had to create things of my own while staying at home to be the house manager, counselor, and chauffeur for our family. Playing tennis and being classroom mom was not enough for the entrepreneur at heart that I was. I began writing my first book after my last child in 2013. I created the MommyGo-Bag in 2018 while traveling and always being on the go as a military officer’s wife. I wanted to produce a solution for moms like me and create my first book for woman who needed to elevate their lives to the next level who may or not have the self-worth to move forward to being their best. While in Texas, I published my second book in December. A cookbook that is a quick and easy recipe handbook of Cajun dishes by a true Ragin’ Cajun! I also began working lobbying a bill to extend the age of majority in Louisiana for childhood victims. Moving to NW Austin was the best decision of my life and as my wild roots were planted here my vision to enhance others and myself grew larger.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A mom of three and sometimes being the only parent at times, as my husband served for our great country, there are several speed bumps I expected on my journey… My children range from 21 to the age of seven. The many hats moms put on during their daily day create the struggles. When COVID hit my product, MOMMYGO-BAG was put on hold due to the manufacturer being hit hard from the virus. I was not able to launch my product for the Holidays in December. My second book was postponed also, and I was able to launch it in December of 2020, which it was a number 2 Best Amazon Best Seller, Cookbook. Starting a new company and being a full-time mom is a struggle! Being an advocate, advocating f0r those that do not have voices, bears true struggles within and for all that I serve. But, in the long run, God has a plan and we must be patient for what he already has in store for us as individuals. Good News! You maybe seeing yours truly on the new episode of Shark Tank! We have an interview with them on this Tuesday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known as the “Warrior Mom”! The mom who has that “MommyGO-Bag” who will find that solutions for your child who may have puked in the care or in an airport. The bag is a solution with an amazing kit that supports mom and eliminates the stresses that we are faced with a battle of puking, spills, stomach bugs, or cuts. I specialize by passionately committed to supporting and elevating women who have nowhere to turn and living under the shadows of domestic violence. As a survivor, I assist others living with abuse and trauma and empower them, teaching them how to get out of the victim role, and to heal, rebuilding a life they’ve always imagined. I never dreamed I would be speaking in from of legislative advocating for those who do not have a voice and I am not for my courageous voice! I do not stop! I am known to create various books and known for collaborating and merging others to find solutions within their business by reaching the audiences they need to reach. Anyone who knows me will state, “She does anything and everything she can supporting small business!” I think I would like to agree with that statement that I try to find solutions for those that may or may not be stuck. It’s hard being an entrepreneur and full-time mom. Sometimes we feel like we maybe sinking and I like to throw the life jacket as myself for the support one may need, not to drown.
What were you like growing up?
I was a Tomboy. I loved to hunt, fish, and love the outdoors. I was constantly knocking on my neighbor’s doors inviting myself in and listening to the older folks tell me stories while they drink their cocktails and cooked some Cajun Cuisine while I sipped my Shirley Temple. I loved to talk to people growing up and hated to watch television. I could hear my daddy yelling, “Gigi, get your butt home!” I was known for the Gift of the Gab. Maybe, that’s why I am such a great storyteller and speaker. I started at a young age with some great interpersonal skills. I was always finding solutions for problems and always trying to create things to make money. I remember when I was younger, I would always setup a Lemonade Stand and would add nachos and whatever I could find in our pantries to create revenue for myself. Anyone who knew me back at home will tell you I was the best kid hustler on my block. Hustle Like A Mom should be the key phrase to any of my ladies who are entrepreneurs at heart.
Pricing:
- 19.99 – Spicy Cajun with Love Cookbook/ Amazon/ Etsy
- 15.00 – Unfuck your day/ Affirmations/ Etsy
- 20.00 – Sunshine Mom Succulent Box- Etsy
- 14.99 – My Ugly Truth , Life Beyond Abuse- Etsy- Amazon
- 120.00 – MommyGo-Bag and kit! – shopify
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@jilliancoburn.com
- Website: www.jilliancoburn.com https://www.mommygo-bag.com/our-juice
- Instagram: gigijillian, mommygobag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilliangigiLA https://www.facebook.com/mommygobag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XG8GBf443kFzhQ65Xvr2w
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReelHousewives?ref=shop_sugg
Image Credits
RoseyB.Photography
