Power Women 2021: Shayla Copas
CEO/Principal Designer, Shayla Copas Lifestyle
What’s your secret to success?
I am trustworthy to the core, and I have a strong sense of work ethic. You always know what you are getting with me. There are no hidden agendas, and I am extremely transparent. Because of my work ethic and follow through, my clients know that I will jump through hoops for them, and they feel confident hiring our firm to design their most treasured spaces.
What attracted you to your career?
I have loved design since I was a little girl. I would rearrange the house often and I was extremely creative.
How did you get started in your field?
That is an interesting question because my career is varied. I am basically a serial entrepreneur. I started in the floral industry in 1994 and went into interior design in 1997. Now in 2022, Shayla Copas Lifestyle has under its umbrella interior design, books, product design, design-inspired travel and marketing services that cater mostly to contractors, architects, nonprofits and design-driven businesses..
What do you love best about what you do?
I love that each day is different. One day, I might be designing an amazing kitchen and the next I might be on set in Peru (seriously) shooting a chapter for my next book and then looking over drawings for one of my licensed product lines.
What advice would you give to a young
woman starting her career?
Write down your goals and go for them. Do not be scared to take a chance and do not ever quit dreaming. Our dreams do become reality if we reach for them.
How did your education prepare you for your
career?
Talent cannot be taught. I think that design talent is something you are born with. It is something in your soul, and it is a gift.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
My book Four Seasons of Entertaining and my design work at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I love my business, so I do not ever feel the need for balance and to get away from work. Even when we are on vacation, I am coming up with new design and business ideas. I think the most important thing is to vary activities each day. Also, working from different locations helps me as well.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I did not have a strong support system as a child, so as a young adult starting a business, I did not really have anyone to bounce my ideas off of. I started my first business when I was 20 years old and literally was in it for survival. I guess that is what instilled such drive in me. I think that is the silver lining. I look at all obstacles as a way to become stronger and as a path to success. In the end, we go through hard times so that we can be of support to someone else one day. As a result, I am very involved in our community and believe that giving back is a key component to a happy life.
Do you have a favorite quote?
It is the best advice ever given to me — “Remember that if you want a different outcome, you must take a different approach.”
