Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Copeland.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The origins of our story began in a salon chair with two friends; myself, Ashley Copeland and my good friend/hairstylist, Ashley Szulim-Sabean. I was the last appointment of the day, my hair was in foils, our wine glasses full, and we both began swapping single mom stories. We shared our struggles along with our joys that we found on our parenting journeys including the stories of Angels who showed up at our doorstep continuously to offer help. There were tears, laughs, and hugs.
Suddenly, what once was recognized as the lonely path of single parenting, felt known in the deepest sense. We had never really been alone this entire time, rather we just needed to find one another. We needed a community that understood the unique stresses, joys, and needs of a single parent. Ashley and I quickly agreed that we wanted to pay it forward somehow. We didn’t necessarily start this venture knowing it would turn into a non-profit, we started it as a simple community outreach at Christmas and based off of one my experiences as a single mom. We called it Door-Step Santa- we asked for nominations and donations from our community. We arranged for Christmas gifts, toiletries, clothing, and food to be dropped off on the doorstep of those nominated. Halfway through our first outreach when my garage was completely filled with donations we realized that not only was the need greater than we had thought throughout our community but that the support we received was inspiring and compelling us to do more. At this point, Ashley and I knew we needed to continue our efforts to turn this into something greater.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I love what I do. I have dreamt of supporting and empowering women like this since I was a Junior in college at UCLA. This has been such a rewarding journey. However, with this joy I have definitely found challenges in wanting to help more but not having resources to do it all. When we receive an email at 10pm about someone’s neighbor who has been evicted and needs a place to take her kids, it is difficult to not be able to swoop in and pay the rent so she can stay. When we receive an email from an employer who has a single mom who feels incredible despair and needs counseling, not having the resources readily available to connect her immediately with someone for professional help is heartbreaking.
My vision is to continue to expand our partnership network so that we can offer more services to those single parents who need them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a very proud mom & stepmom of four kids. During the height of the pandemic and with all the uncertainty swirling around us, I took a step back from my career to focus on my four kids at home as their schooling was a being done virtually. As a former single mom, this decision felt terrifying and unstable but what I found on the other side of it was so much joy.
This step back really ended up being my two steps forward- what I discovered was that by eliminating what felt like an obsession with a busy lifestyle I was able to devote myself to laying the foundation for Ashley’s Angels Austin. This would have never been possible if not for taking the risks that I did. For the first time, I was able to build something that stemmed from a passion of mine. It felt empowering and fulfilling at the same time.
Since, our organization has reached hundreds of people throughout the Austin area with food, financial support, online classes, vacation scholarships, school supplies, holiday support, and the list goes on. I am excited to see how this organization will continue to develop as time goes on.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Great Question!
I’m not necessarily sure I would contribute our growth to luck- but definitely would contribute any growth that we have had to a lot of support and love by the people who surrounded us.
My husband knew I was passionate about creating a network of support for single-parent families and pushed me to take the first step and he has been my biggest support every step since. I have had two amazing partners that have been the hands and feet of our organization in helping to build out a vision and bring it to life. Looking back, starting this nonprofit taught me what a community should look like and has inspired me to be that for other single parents throughout Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleysangelsatx.com
- Instagram: @ashleysangelsaustin
