Meet Dana Copeland | Author, Educator, & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Dana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, I witnessed the profound effects of domestic abuse within my own family. My mother endured an abusive marriage, and the trauma from that experience left a lasting impact on my self-esteem and the relationships I formed. The absence of support and healing during and after the divorce emphasized to me the critical need for resources and guidance for survivors of domestic abuse. This deeply personal experience was the catalyst for founding The I Am House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women and their children who have survived domestic abuse. Our mission is to provide healing, affirmations, and unwavering support to empower these survivors to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity.

The journey didn’t stop there. My passion for creativity and desire to inspire others led me to establish Alabaster Box LLC, through which I channel all my creative projects. As an author and entrepreneur, I write and self-publish children’s books to instill values of self-worth, resilience, and empowerment in young minds. Additionally, I design a line of empowering apparel to further spread messages of positivity and strength. I aim to teach, inspire, and empower young children worldwide, ensuring they grow up with the confidence and tools to pursue their dreams and overcome any obstacles they may face.

Both The I Am House and Alabaster Box LLC are deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. They reflect my commitment to making a positive impact, whether through supporting women and children who have faced domestic abuse or through creative expressions that uplift and empower the next generation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to using my experiences and creativity to positively impact others. Through Alabaster Box LLC and The I Am House, I have dedicated myself to helping others heal, grow, and find their inner strength. I am most proud of taking the risks and putting myself out there to make a difference. It’s a daunting task to balance my full-time teaching career while running a business and serving as the executive director of our nonprofit, but the reward of seeing lives changed makes it all worthwhile.

My Journey:
Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. It required perseverance, prayer, and immense support from loved ones. There were numerous challenges along the way, from overcoming domestic abuse and self-doubt to managing time effectively between my multiple roles. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was low self-esteem and not believing who God says I am.

Overcoming Challenges:
I overcame these challenges by focusing on my passion and purpose. Prayer has been a cornerstone of my journey, providing me with strength and clarity. Additionally, the support from my family, friends, and mentors has been invaluable. I also realized the importance of delegation and accepting help from others, which has been crucial in managing my responsibilities more effectively.

Lessons Learned:
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the power of perseverance. No matter how tough things get, pushing through the challenges and staying true to your vision is essential. I’ve also learned the importance of time management and the need to break down seemingly overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. Learning to delegate has also been a crucial lesson, allowing me to focus on what I do best while empowering others to contribute their strengths.

What I Want the World to Know:
My mission through Alabaster Box LLC and The I Am House is to help others, particularly women and children. Whether through my creative projects, such as writing and self-publishing children’s books designing empowering apparel, or through my nonprofit work helping survivors of domestic abuse, I strive to make a meaningful difference. I want people to know that despite the challenges, turning your passions into a force for good is possible. By sharing my story and work, I hope to inspire others to take risks, pursue their dreams, and contribute positively to their communities.

My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and a clear sense of purpose. I am committed to continuing this path, helping others find their strength and voice through creativity and compassion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Fun, Interesting, and Exciting Highlights

– Politan Row and Ponce City Market: Both locations offer a variety of food choices and unique shopping experiences.
– Atlanta Beltline: A great place to walk, bike, explore art, and enjoy local eateries.
– Roswell Mill or Sweetwater Creek State Park (a short drive): Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
– Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
– High Museum of Art and Fernbank Museum: Ideal for art and science lovers.
– Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola: Fun and educational attractions.
– Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden: Great for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
– The Battery Atlanta and Fox Theatre: Excellent for entertainment and nightlife.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe much of my success and the realization of my dreams to several key influences and experiences in my life.

My Time in Egypt:
After completing a class project on Egypt as a young child, I became fascinated with the country, which grew into a calling. In 2015, I moved to Egypt to teach, despite not knowing anyone or the language. This experience was transformative. The culture, the people, and the challenges I faced while living there completely changed the trajectory of my life. In Egypt, God gave me the vision for my first book, Around the World with KoKo, which has since become a series. My time there broadened my horizons and deeply influenced my creative projects and approach to life.

John C. Maxwell’s Book, Put Your Dream to the Test:
This book has been instrumental in shaping my journey. While completing a book study with friends in Egypt, I gained invaluable insights that helped me crystallize my vision and turn my dreams into reality. It was during this process that God imparted the idea for The I Am House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women and children who have survived domestic abuse.

Friends and Mentors:
The support from my family, friends and mentors, and their encouragement and wisdom have been invaluable. Their belief in my vision, constructive feedback, and unwavering support have been crucial in my personal and professional growth.

God’s Guidance:
Above all, I recognize the role of divine guidance in my journey. The visions and ideas He has given to me have been a source of inspiration and direction, driving me to create The I Am House and Alabaster Box LLC.

Each of these influences has significantly shaped my path, and I am deeply grateful for their impact on my life. I dedicate this shoutout to them for their unwavering support, inspiration, and guidance.

Website: https://theiamhouse.org

Instagram: @theiamhouse

Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/theiamhouse

Other: For Alabaster Box:
danacopeland.com
@authordanacopeland
facebook.com/authordanacopeland
youtube.com/@authordanacopeland