Lisa Copen Email & Phone Number

I am the designer of inspirational handmade pendant jewelry for Gutsy Goodness, a small business I began with my husband, Joel, in 2015.WHAT I BELIEVE: I believe every person has seasons in life where she is suffering silently and that a thoughtful gift can make all the difference.WHY I BELIEVE THIS: My 20+ years of being one of the pioneers of the first online community for the chronically ill in the late 1990s exposed how many people are hurting and feeling misunderstood. When Joel and I began Gutsy Goodness we sought to offer jewelry that communicated “I see you… I may not understand your situation, but I care and wanted to let you know.”RETAIL FASHION ROOTS:In my 20s, I was a manager of a specialty retail boutique in Eugene, OR and spent my free time designing jewelry that I sold in a variety of shops.My move to San Diego in 1992 brought me to the famous Girard Avenue in La Jolla, CA, working at a internationally known boutique and continuing my passion of retail merchandising and window display. HOW ILLNESS BECAME PART OF THE STORY:Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993 at the age of 24, I was finishing my degree in Sociology and began my own nonprofit. I have a heart for those who are hurting—especially when it is a pain few see. Author of a variety of books, including, “Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend,” “Why Can I Make People Understand?” I know the power of kind (or misunderstood) words. Words matter… and yet sometimes you need a little something to hold on to. Why not jewelry?PRESS:My story about living with chronic illness has been shared in publications such as Reader’s Digest, SELF Magazine, and on CNN. I have been a contributor at media sources such as Huffington Post to Christian Broadcasting Network. The story of my ministry and my role as an illness advocate has been featured in “Hero’s Among Us” television show.HOW QUOTE JEWELRY CAN BE MEANINGFUL:Gutsy Goodness jewelry designs, each of which include a message card I’ve written, combine the desires of those with Love Languages, especially “Gifts” and “Words of Affirmation” and “Time” Love Languages. Studies have shown that handmade gifts are seen as being “given with more love.”My jewelry designs seek to give an individual an opportunity to claim a mantra that she wants to keep some to her heart. Or for her express emotions to others that deserve more than just words in a greeting card.

Listed skills include Community Outreach, Public Speaking, Nonprofits, Fundraising, and 46 others.

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  Founder And Director

  Rest Ministries

  Poway, Ca, Us