Feature Spotlight #47 - Jessica LaFair

Woman on Fire, Jessica LaFair.

Owner, Cottonwood Title Company, LLC – North Texas

A Legacy Written in Ink and Integrity.

For Jessica LaFair, the title insurance industry is more than a career, it’s a birthright. Raised in North Texas, Jessica grew up surrounded by strong women, paperwork, closings, and client conversations. She’s the daughter of Laurie Davis, the first woman to own a title company in the region. Laurie’s influential leadership paved the way for many others in the field.

While Jessica’s professional path officially began in 2008, her immersion in the business goes back to childhood. “I was printing and filing papers at six years old,” she recalls. That early exposure wasn’t just a glimpse into the industry, but a masterclass in resilience, work ethic, and purpose.

In 2020, Jessica opened Cottonwood Title Company, LLC. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest title company owner in Texas history. This milestone reflects both her ambition, and the powerful example set before her. “This industry is in my DNA,” she says. “I was raised to respect it, to challenge it, and ultimately to elevate it.”

Building a Company on Grit, Grace, and Expertise.

Jessica’s leadership style reflects both her depth of knowledge and her heart for people. Her company specializes in estates and curation—areas that require not only precision but also sensitivity and care. She leads with empathy, always seeking to meet clients and partners where they are while delivering consistent, competent results.

Her team, handpicked and deeply trusted, reflects the values she holds dear: integrity, loyalty, and purpose-driven work.

“I don’t just want to close deals, I want to help people feel seen, supported, and secure in the process.”

She’s created a workplace culture that champions both personal growth and professional excellence, and her company stands as a reflection of her deep respect for the industry and her desire to make it better for those who follow.

Turning Barriers Into Building Blocks.

Like many women forging their way in historically male-dominated fields, Jessica has encountered resistance, doubt, and bias. But instead of letting these challenges define her, she chose to let them refine her.

“As a young woman, there were assumptions made—about my experience, my leadership, even my ability to run a company,” she says. “But I believe competency and drive don’t belong to one gender or generation. They belong to anyone who chooses to persevere forward.”

With every doubter, she doubled down. With every obstacle, she became more determined. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you lead with conviction and clarity.

Wisdom for the Women Coming Up Next.

Jessica’s advice for younger women entering the title industry is honest, actionable, and deeply earned. “Learn absolutely everything you can,” she says. “Knowledge is your greatest advantage. And listen—especially to those who challenge you. Even the unkind ones have something to teach you, even if it’s what not to do.”

She emphasizes mentorship, curiosity, and humility as cornerstones of growth and encourages women not to shy away from hard lessons or hard conversations. “It’s all part of building your foundation.”

Rooted in Faith, Driven by Legacy.

Jessica’s internal compass is powered by her faith. “My strength comes from the graces of Christ first and foremost,” she says. “Everything I’ve accomplished is because God said, ‘Against all odds, with Me you will succeed.’”

Her motivation runs deep: to honor her mother’s legacy, to lead with purpose, and to be a living example for her children. “My goal is not just to succeed,” she shares. “It’s to show others what it looks like to walk through adversity with grace—and to never stop believing that you are called for more.”

On Handling Adversity with Poise and Purpose.

Jessica’s approach to conflict is refreshingly wise. “An aggressor is simply an opportunity,” she says. “You can either grow from it or set the example that leads others to grow.”

Rather than reacting with ego, she leans into composure and discernment, modeling what it looks like to lead with emotional maturity and self-control. Her approach is disarming, inspiring, and deeply rooted in her values.

A Legacy of Integrity, Loyalty, and Kindness.

When asked how she wants to be remembered in this industry, Jessica’s response is as bold as it is beautiful:

“I want to be known as a woman who, even in a den of adversaries, remained steadfast in her integrity—capable, loyal, and kind.”

Her goal isn’t to be the loudest voice in the room—but the most consistent one. “I hope to lead in a way that honors the women who came before me and creates space for the women coming next.”

The Village Behind the Vision.

Jessica’s personal journey is just as powerful as her professional one. When she started her company, she was a single mother to two young boys. Today, she’s a mother of four, surrounded by love, support, and a growing village.

“I found my love, expanded my family, and built a community that lifts me daily,” she says. Her village includes her family, parents, close friends who’ve become family, trusted mentors like Laurie Davis and Steve Hester, and the loyal team that stands beside her every step of the way.

Creative Spirit, Unexpected Passions.

Outside of title, Jessica is an adventurer at heart. She loves public speaking, exploring the arts through painting and pottery, and going on spontaneous adventures with her children. “Most people don’t expect that side of me,” she laughs. “But it’s where I recharge and reconnect.”

While she doesn’t have a favorite concert or band, she treasures the nostalgic soundtrack of her childhood—Johnny Cash, Jimmy Dean, Cher, The Beatles, Alan Jackson, and The Beach Boys. “It’s not about the artist,” she says. “It’s about the memories.”

Her Word: Christ-like.

If Jessica had to choose one word to define her work and life philosophy, it would be this: Christ-like. It’s the lens through which she leads, serves, and lives—always striving to show love, grace, and strength in all that she does.

Recommended Reads & Resources.

• Favorite Book: My Dinosaur – a children’s book about a girl who follows her curiosity and courage into the unknown, accompanied by her dinosaur companion. “It reminds me to keep dreaming, even as an adult,” Jessica shares.

• Go-To Podcasts: Biblical teachings, Dave Ramsey’s financial wisdom, and marriage podcasts that help her stay grounded in all areas of life.

A Final Word to Her.Collective.

“I truly believe anyone can accomplish what I’ve done. I’ve just been fortunate to steward these opportunities with faith and support. My prayer is to bring honor to the position I’ve been given—and to leave a path others can walk even stronger.”

Jessica LaFair, thank you for being a builder of legacy, a woman of unwavering conviction, and a shining example of what it means to lead with both grit and grace. The title industry is better because you’re in it. You are a shining example and empowering voice within Her.collective!

*Connect with Jessica here: jessica@cottonwoodtc.com  I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook