We recently had the chance to connect with Dawn Ellison and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dawn, 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: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I felt true joy this past weekend when I went to Georgia and reunited with my best friend Q and sister / childhood friend Janine for Maxwell concert and BFF Photoshoot. It was such a memorable experience.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What I do is inspire others to become entrepreneurs. I just recently created Code31 Academy to encourage more people who didn’t have enough self confidence in themselves to create businesses and become their own bosses. I teach one on one or group sessions via FaceTime. Establishing a name, developing a logo and creating entrepreneurs with Code31 Academy. And from there they will be featured in Code31 Mag and have an opportunity to learn how to make their own magazines etc. What makes Code31 unique is we not only grow ourselves we help others grow along side of us. We build the confidence in those especially those who have disabilities like learning disabilities, physical and emotionally. There is no age limit in enrolling in Code31 Academy. All are welcome.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My older brother Marc. He believed in me and my abilities to be great before I ever did in myself. From developing me through sports,baseball then basketball to coaching. My brother prepared me for what was to come in my future without him. He passed away in 2009, but he prepared me for the unknown. He would always tell me let them talk trash first and make them pay. And I incorporate that into every aspect of my life. When I played ball I did that. When I coached I did that. And when I got injured on my job and was starved out of financial security and medical I applied that philosophy. Actually that workers comp starving is what created the entrepreneur that lived inside of me close to 29 years ago.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
The moment I stopped hiding my pain and started to use it as power was when workers compensation failed me a system that was supposed to protect me. They created a false narrative that found me guilty of selling 5 T-shirts almost 16 years ago when they blatantly send us injured workers to doctors who are not independent of both sides and are indeed paid under the table thousands of dollars to ruin our lives .Set up with negative diagnosis that are not indicative of the true extent of our injuries that need to be repaired. Instead they try to convince you your injuries don’t exist and are a figment of your imagination. I had to show the world they played with the wrong one and I stepped out of my fear to show my pain and use it as power to encourage others to do the same. And say enough is enough of insurance carriers and employers trying to railroad us and use our social media and anything against us that will discredit and take away the monies and medical care needed to recover and survive. I am now a mentor to those who are still dealing with corruption of the workers compensation system.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That everyone was honest and had a pure heart. I no longer believe that based on personal experience of being disappointed by those close and also by what I am seeing going on in this crazy world. People who have been convicted of crimes can run in political circles and those who have done terrible things are given slaps on the wrists. And people who have done nothing but good are convicted and given harsh punishment for things they never did. It’s very disappointing to see good people being dragged through hell because they won’t follow the direction of bad people. And they are punished for doing the right thing and it seems like the bad ones are justified for what they do with no consequences. I was so naive not anymore.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That god is a powerful and wonderful god. He makes a way out of no way and he hears your prayers if you just believe and be patient it will happen for you. I have a personal testimony that only others who have been in similar circumstances would understand. Almost losing my life July 28,2025, totally made me believe so deeply in god that he saved my life as well as my dad, brother and sister that day. My dad, brother and sister passed away and I know my life was also lost that day.My mom would have been devastated to lose her whole family. I was hit very hard in my body by a vehicle and others who sustained the same faith are not here to testify as I am. I am grateful to god. I have multiple injuries that require medical treatment and surgery but most importantly I am alive and still have my mental facilities. To god be the glory.
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