We recently connected with JaQuay Copeland and have shared our conversation below.
Hi JaQuay, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
For as long as I can remember, I haven’t been risk-averse. From a child into young adulthood, the risks I took were a bit impulsive, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to take calculated risks.
God’s guidance and various experiences throughout the years have increased my capacity to take risks with intentionality. Whenever I’m faced with a risky decision, I ask the Lord for guidance and I like to reference Proverbs 19:2 which says, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As of January 2024, I’m focused on developing Dio Salva (my decorative pillow brand), and several artistic endeavors. I have so many interests that I want to pursue, but I’ve learned I operate optimally when I focus on one or two areas at a time versus trying to pursue everything at once.
I’m excited to see what God will do with all of the gifts and interests He’s given me. The future is bright and I’m excited to see what’s up ahead.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Obedience, discipline, and adaptability have been three of the most impactful skills that have impacted my journey.
I’m a Christian, so my faith is integral to every area of my life. Following Christ’s leadership hasn’t been easy, but it’s been extremely fruitful. Obeying His voice even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable is the best habit I’ve developed as an adult.
Staying in close communion with Him makes it easier to hear His specific instructions. I’ve learned the more I lean into praying, fasting, listening to worship music, and studying the scriptures, the clearer His voice is.
Being disciplined is another skill that I had to learn over time. I’m a free-spirited person, so implementing structure into my life was a struggle in the beginning. Once I learned how beneficial structure can be, I began to embrace it. As Dr. Dharius Daniels has said, “Some peace comes from planning.”
Adaptability is another skill I’ve learned that is so important, especially in entrepreneurship. Increasing your adaptability quotient only happens by being resilient amid adversity. As an entrepreneur, you can be thrown one or multiple curveballs at a moment’s notice and you have to be able to withstand them. Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”
When I’m thrown a curveball, I’ve learned to have the presence of mind to assess the problem for what it is, reframe my perspective about what’s happening, and pivot as needed.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Bible has been the most influential book in my personal and professional development. Its teachings are so pertinent!
There’s so much to glean from the scriptures, but an impactful verse as an entrepreneur is Mark 8:36 which says, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
A second is Matthew 6:33 which says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
A third is Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.diosalvadecor.com
- Instagram: @diosalva.decor
- Other: Art Instagram – @quaycope
