Connect
To Top

Story & Lesson Highlights with Sherri Cotten of Richmond, VA

Sherri Cotten shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Sherri, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m definitely a morning person! I love a slow, peaceful start to the day, so I usually wake up between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. That early start gives me time to move through my routine without feeling rushed.

I always begin by making my bed—it’s non-negotiable. I can’t stand the thought of climbing into an unmade bed at night. Then I head downstairs to start the water for my morning tea. While it’s heating, I unload the dishwasher, get something out of the freezer for dinner, and pack my lunch.

Once my tea is ready, I settle into my favorite chair to sip it slowly while I read my devotionals, write in my gratitude journal, and look over my plans for the day. If the sun’s up, I’ll sit on the front porch for a few quiet minutes of morning light.

By the time my tea is gone and my routine is complete, I feel grounded and ready to start my day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sherri Cotten, the owner and founder of **Miracle Spaces**, a home organizing and space planning business dedicated to helping people create calm, functional, and meaningful homes. I specialize in decluttering, downsizing, and designing systems that make everyday life easier — especially for those who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.

In addition to organizing, I use my background in **space planning** to help clients make the most of the space they already have. Whether it’s rethinking furniture layout, creating better flow, or designing storage solutions that actually work, I love turning underused areas into spaces that truly support daily living.

For me, organizing is about more than tidy shelves and matching bins. It’s about restoring peace, confidence, and clarity in spaces that have felt chaotic for too long. Many of my clients are navigating big life transitions or struggling with the emotional side of letting go, and I’m honored to walk with them through that process.

My approach is minimal, mindful, and deeply compassionate. I believe every home deserves to feel like a place of rest — and that transformation, no matter how big or small, always begins with a little miracle of space.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that completely reshaped how I see the world was walking through my daughter’s journey with mental illness and addiction — and ultimately, her death. Losing her changed everything about how I understand people, pain, and what “capacity” really means.

For years, I watched her struggle to manage even the simplest things, and I began to see how often we equate a tidy space with having it all together. But the truth is, when someone is carrying heavy emotional burdens, maintaining order can feel impossible. That experience opened my eyes to how much compassion and grace people need — not judgment — when they’re struggling.

Through grief, I’ve learned to slow down, to meet people exactly where they are, and to see the story behind the stuff. My work now is as much about **healing** as it is about organizing. I help people create calm and order in their homes, but also remind them that worth and peace don’t depend on perfection. Every space — and every person — deserves understanding, dignity, and a little bit of grace.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could — things like empathy, presence, and the quiet strength that comes from simply enduring. It showed me that, no matter how different our stories look, **we all have suffering in common**. That shared humanity changed the way I see people and the way I do my work.

I’ve experienced deep grief and loss myself, and because of that, I understand how heavy life can feel sometimes. It’s given me so much more grace and compassion for my clients — especially those who are overwhelmed, grieving, or just trying to find their footing again.

Pain has softened me. It’s taught me to lead with gentleness, to listen more than I speak, and to remember that healing doesn’t always look tidy. In many ways, my work with Miracle Spaces is about helping people make room — not just in their homes, but in their hearts — for peace to return.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the organizing industry is that we just need to be more organized — or that the solution to clutter is more bins, baskets, and labels. In reality, the real answer is usually less stuff. True organization isn’t about containing the excess; it’s about letting go of what’s weighing you down so your home can actually support your life.

Another lie is that every space needs to look “Pinterest perfect.” Those perfectly staged rooms can be pretty to look at, but they often feel unused and unlived in. Real homes have real life happening in them — and that’s what makes them beautiful.

At Miracle Spaces, I believe in creating spaces that are calm, functional, and meaningful — not museum-perfect. It’s about balance, not perfection. A home should feel peaceful, not performative.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I loved — really loved — the people in my life. That I showed up with an open heart, even when it was hard.

I’ve failed more times than I can count, but I always got back up and tried again. I was afraid plenty of times too, but I did the thing anyway. I kept pushing myself to grow, to try new things, and to step outside my comfort zone — even when it felt uncomfortable or scary.

I hope they remember me as someone who valued deep conversations and genuine connection. Someone who hated conflict but still learned to speak her mind and have the hard conversations — imperfectly, but honestly.

Mostly, I want to be remembered as someone who led with love, lived with courage, and kept getting back up.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: @miraclespaces
  • Facebook: @Miracle Spaces

Image Credits
The headshot is done by Graceful Perceptions LLC

Suggest a Story: NashvilleVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories