Meet Jessica Duncan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Duncan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since my kids were little, I had the dream of creating something of my own – a business where I could contribute to our household income while still being present for my kids. At first, the ‘why’ behind starting my current business came from necessity – I needed to replace the survivor benefits my kids were receiving before they aged out. But over time, that need evolved into a deeper purpose. Now, my mission is to guide widows and single moms from simply surviving to truly thriving by helping them reclaim their lives through financial clarity.

I chose financial coaching because of my own lived experience. My late husband and I struggled a lot with money — payday loans, maxed-out credit cards, and borrowing from family just to cover the bills were part of our reality. Sometimes, there wasn’t even enough in the bank to buy groceries. After he passed, I made the decision that things had to change. I started researching different budgeting methods and eventually built a system that worked for me and my family. Over the years, it’s grown and shifted with each season of life, but it has truly been transformative. We’ve gone from barely scraping by to being able to take vacations, have fun outings, try new restaurants, and enjoy big moments like Christmas and birthdays without the same stress. My business was born from this transformation.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived the struggle myself — the fear of not having enough, the stress of juggling bills and necessities, the grief of loss layered on top of financial uncertainty. I know firsthand what it feels like to live in survival mode, but I also know what’s possible on the other side of it.

I’m most proud of my personal growth and the fact that I turned one of my hardest seasons of life into a mission that helps others. Losing my husband and being forced into “the club nobody wants to join” has been, and will always be, a source of grief. But, it also created opportunities and connections that would not exist otherwise. This business, it’s mission, and the community I’ve built with other small business owners all grew out of that loss. My partner, my close friend, and my OG group of widows and widowers are part of the unexpected blessings that came from my journey.

Getting to where I am today in business hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to push through self-doubt, learn how to show up consistently, and trust that my story holds value for others. The biggest lesson I’m learning right now is to trust my gut — to lean into the opportunities and challenges that feel exciting in the moment instead of shying away from them.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: it’s never too late to start, and even the hardest chapters of your life can be rewritten into something meaningful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places to spend time is Historic Downtown Carrollton because it has such a fun mix of shops and restaurants. For food, I love starting the day at C2 Café — whether it’s a light breakfast, lunch, pastry, coffee, or tea, everything is delicious (and their lemonade is amazing!). Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is my go-to for family meals and good vibes. The menu is simple, but the atmosphere is always upbeat — from oldies music to staff doing the “Hokey Pokey,” birthday celebrations with the Chicken Dance, and even playing “I Spy” with the ‘old man’ who always shows up in a new spot. Tacos & Avocados is a newer spot and perfect for a more intimate lunch or dinner. It’s smaller inside, but their outdoor patio with TVs and cornhole makes it extra fun. And if you’re an ice cream lover like me, Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is hands-down the best.

Shopping in downtown is also a treat. For antiques and gifts, I enjoy A Peek in the Attic, The Finishing Touch Antique Mall, and Vintage House. For something a little quirkier, there’s Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop, Deadwax Records, and The Old Craft Store.

And the nightlife is just as lively. The American Legion Post 597 hosts Friday night dinners, Saturday breakfasts, and a variety of events like dart and pool tournaments, karaoke, bingo, and family game nights. Pocket Sandwich Theatre, which recently moved to Carrollton after decades in Dallas, also adds its own unique flair to the area. And don’t forget our local brewery – 3 Nations Brewing Co.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Kelsa Dickey’s book and podcast were what inspired me to take the leap into financial coaching, and her coaching course gave me the foundation to build my own program. Beyond that, my family, friends, partner, and the business owners I’ve connected with along the way are the reason I continue this journey. Their love, support, and encouragement keep me moving forward — especially on the hard days.

Website: https://www.risingphoenixcoach.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingphoenixcoach

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-duncan-b2751a308

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingphoenixfinancialcoaching