creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
Dana Coleman
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Hello! My name is Dana, and I am a self-taught hand lettering artist and the owner of Bella MarketPlace. My deepest passion in life is to glorify the Lord, and it is my desire to use the creative talents He’s given me to speak His Word and tell of His love. I find joy in adding touches of beauty to everyday life, and am a huge fan of distressed brick walls and almost anything elegant and white. When I’m not working on my small business, you can usually find me teaching worship dance classes, playing the piano, thrifting for treasures, or drinking a cup of steaming hot coffee.
Instagram: @bellamarketplace
Website: thebellamarketplace.com
Pinterest: “Bella MarketPlace”
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @bellamarketplace
Website: thebellamarketplace.com
Pinterest: “Bella MarketPlace”
Email: [email protected]
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
I was raised by a mama who loves all things handmade and beautiful, so that was a big part of my upbringing. It showed me how much of a love I had for creating unique products and working from my home. When I graduated high school, I was the stereotypical teenager who had no idea what to do with their life and I felt very lost in such a vast world of possibilities! But ever since I was a young girl, my greatest desire has been to be married and raise a family and disciple my children in the ways of the Lord. So whatever path I decided to pursue after high school, I knew what my long-term vision was, and I wanted everything in my life to be preparation for that future. That is how Bella MarketPlace was birthed. I decided to take a skill that I had developed (hand lettering), and use it to start an online business where I could express my creativity and love for the Lord, and have it be solely run and managed from within my home. As I wait upon the Lord to fulfill my deep desire to be a wife and a mother in His perfect timing, I am pouring my heart and my skills into developing my small business into one that can continue to be managed from my future home and can be extremely flexible time-wise for when I have children, Lord willing.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
I never anticipated that I would be running my own business, creating my own products, and using hand lettering as a way of generating income. My creative journey definitely reminds me that the Lord has a sense of humor, because I am NOT tech-savvy at all. I didn’t know how to use a single social media platform 2 years ago, and struggle with the business planning/marketing side of life. And yet, all of those things are huge components of what I do for a living now. But the Lord loves to grow us in areas that we are weak in, and I have learned so much on this small business journey! I am still so humbled and blown away when I think of the immense privilege of getting to create beautiful products that I take such joy in designing, and watching them be used to encourage others and strengthen their faith. Though I never thought this is what I’d be doing in life, there’s nothing I’d rather do. And looking back on my life, I can see how the Lord was preparing me for this journey before I had any idea what He was weaving into my future.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field? Like family/friends/strangers?
Sometimes it’s difficult to explain my small business endeavors to other people because there will always be those who either don’t understand my heart behind it, or who simply don’t grasp how you could run a business with a skill like hand lettering. It can sound more like a fun “hobby”, but not something that is actually used to create a professional business or generate any kind of substantial income. I can definitely understand that way of thinking, because I wasn’t sure if I could take what used to be merely my “hobby” and turn it into a business either! But after taking those first few steps in launching my store, I realized how much of a desire and demand there is for handcrafted decor and gifts. People want something that is special and one of a kind - something that will be extra meaningful to them, and they know was handcrafted or designed with care and intentionality. There will always be those who don’t understand my desire to work from my home or use my single years to prepare for marriage and motherhood, but that’s okay. My lifestyle and mindset are set on the priorities that the Lord has placed on my heart, and I long to follow His leading no matter what.
I was raised by a mama who loves all things handmade and beautiful, so that was a big part of my upbringing. It showed me how much of a love I had for creating unique products and working from my home. When I graduated high school, I was the stereotypical teenager who had no idea what to do with their life and I felt very lost in such a vast world of possibilities! But ever since I was a young girl, my greatest desire has been to be married and raise a family and disciple my children in the ways of the Lord. So whatever path I decided to pursue after high school, I knew what my long-term vision was, and I wanted everything in my life to be preparation for that future. That is how Bella MarketPlace was birthed. I decided to take a skill that I had developed (hand lettering), and use it to start an online business where I could express my creativity and love for the Lord, and have it be solely run and managed from within my home. As I wait upon the Lord to fulfill my deep desire to be a wife and a mother in His perfect timing, I am pouring my heart and my skills into developing my small business into one that can continue to be managed from my future home and can be extremely flexible time-wise for when I have children, Lord willing.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
I never anticipated that I would be running my own business, creating my own products, and using hand lettering as a way of generating income. My creative journey definitely reminds me that the Lord has a sense of humor, because I am NOT tech-savvy at all. I didn’t know how to use a single social media platform 2 years ago, and struggle with the business planning/marketing side of life. And yet, all of those things are huge components of what I do for a living now. But the Lord loves to grow us in areas that we are weak in, and I have learned so much on this small business journey! I am still so humbled and blown away when I think of the immense privilege of getting to create beautiful products that I take such joy in designing, and watching them be used to encourage others and strengthen their faith. Though I never thought this is what I’d be doing in life, there’s nothing I’d rather do. And looking back on my life, I can see how the Lord was preparing me for this journey before I had any idea what He was weaving into my future.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field? Like family/friends/strangers?
Sometimes it’s difficult to explain my small business endeavors to other people because there will always be those who either don’t understand my heart behind it, or who simply don’t grasp how you could run a business with a skill like hand lettering. It can sound more like a fun “hobby”, but not something that is actually used to create a professional business or generate any kind of substantial income. I can definitely understand that way of thinking, because I wasn’t sure if I could take what used to be merely my “hobby” and turn it into a business either! But after taking those first few steps in launching my store, I realized how much of a desire and demand there is for handcrafted decor and gifts. People want something that is special and one of a kind - something that will be extra meaningful to them, and they know was handcrafted or designed with care and intentionality. There will always be those who don’t understand my desire to work from my home or use my single years to prepare for marriage and motherhood, but that’s okay. My lifestyle and mindset are set on the priorities that the Lord has placed on my heart, and I long to follow His leading no matter what.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
One of my favorite aspects about constantly lettering the Word and making new designs is that I always have scripture in front of my eyes and on my mind. It has helped me to store God’s Word within my heart and memorize more Scripture - merely because of the amount of time I spend lettering it. I have walked through some very difficult seasons in my life, and I have witnessed firsthand the power of surrounding myself with truth in the darkest of valleys. Scripture has been my anchor to cling to in times of such hopelessness and brokenness, and because I know the strength it has brought to my heart to have truth constantly around me, I long to provide those same reminders of truth for others to surround themselves with as well.
What are your favorite ways to create?
I love making many different types of “crafty” and beautiful things, but hand lettering is by far my favorite. Most of the designs that I create stem directly from what the Lord is walking me through at the time, and filling my mind with specific Scriptures that He is teaching me about. Lettering them is one of the ways that I process those truths in my own heart and then share them with those around me.
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes. My mom has an incredible eye for beauty, and can take a room that is so plain and ugly, and she can envision a beautiful picture in her mind then carry out that vision to transform that area into something fresh and lovely. She is so skilled at upholstering and beautifying beat up items by taking something that may look like “trash” to some and turning it into a treasure. I also have some siblings who think very creatively and so skilled in different areas. For some, they express it through their writing and have such a gift in their articulation of words. Other siblings express their creativity in woodworking, crafting, and/or music. One of my brothers is also very skilled in the technology/business side of life, and has been my biggest strength and anchor throughout my business. He spurred me on during the times I almost gave up my endeavors, assisted me with the whole “online business world” that was so new to me, and even used his creative eye to design my website, business cards, and other aspects of my branding.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
Though I have no idea what my future holds, I know that the Lord has allowed me to start a business, has given me a skill to use my hands for, and a deep love for His Word. Whether or not my shop becomes a mega-business someday or not, I have such a passion to share truth with those around me through ANYTHING I do with my life. And for me, my business is merely one aspect of my life that I can use to bring glory to my Heavenly Father. It is a way of generating income, yes, but it is first and foremost a ministry to me. I deeply desire that those who encounter my shop/products/social media posts would be drawn closer to the Lord as a result. This life here on earth is short, and I want to spend every ounce of my energy on things that have eternal value. This is what the Lord has placed in front of me right now and has given me such a love for. Therefore, I will continue to use my business to tell of His love and His worthiness, and allow the Lord to grow my business in any way He sees is best, as I continue to press forward in every aspect of it with excellence as unto Him.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
Practice, practice, practice; there are so many designs that I practiced on years ago to become proficient in lettering, and I never ended up using those designs for anything. But all of that practice helped me to develop my own style and font, and become proficient and comfortable in it. No matter what your trade is, taking the time to practice is so important. And don’t be afraid to take those baby steps in beginning a business - those baby steps can sometimes feel HUGE when you’re the one taking them, but often times the fear of failure can paralyze us and stop us from doing anything new. I know that road well because I am not a natural risk-taker, and I have turned down many things in my life because I was afraid of failing if I tried them. But if I had done that with my small business, I would never have begun this amazing journey. Don’t be afraid of failure - my creative journey has been full of failures and sometimes really embarrassing mistakes. You are not the only one. Everyone experiences times like that, but it is those who are able to pick themselves back up and try again and again and again who will grow the most, and overcome what used to look impossible at one time.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Always keep the Lord first. It can be very easy to say that our heart is to glorify the Lord in all we do, and yet once the pressures of the business world come upon us and the temptations arise to put more of a focus on earthly pursuits rather than on heavenly pursuits, our hearts can quickly shift from what our vision used to be. That is something I have to always be on guard about. As I choose to keep the Lord as the center of all that I do and create in my business, there will always be those who choose not to purchase from me, who think that my creative journey is silly, or who tap that little “unfollow” button that can tend to affect us so much more than it probably should. But know that if you are using your gifts and talents for the Lord and seeking to honor Him in all you do, then you will have the blessing of your Father and He will be pleased in all that you create. He is the One who gives us our gifts in the first place so why would we not use them to glorify Him? Also, pray constantly and lay every aspect of your creative journey at the Lord’s feet. It may seem silly to some people to do this, but I truly believe that there is nothing we walk through that escapes His notice, and I believe He cares about all the details. So therefore, if I feel I’m lacking direction in my business, I ask the Lord for wisdom. If I’m suffering financially, I ask for His provision. If I don’t know how to get “all the things done”, I ask Him to show me which things should be my priority, and which ones I should let go of. Allow Him to guide you along each step. As Christian creatives, we have the privilege of getting to pair our creativity and our love for the Lord not only to make a living doing something we love, but also to share about our King through the content we create with our hands. It is such a gift, and I’m so excited we get to be on this journey!
One of my favorite aspects about constantly lettering the Word and making new designs is that I always have scripture in front of my eyes and on my mind. It has helped me to store God’s Word within my heart and memorize more Scripture - merely because of the amount of time I spend lettering it. I have walked through some very difficult seasons in my life, and I have witnessed firsthand the power of surrounding myself with truth in the darkest of valleys. Scripture has been my anchor to cling to in times of such hopelessness and brokenness, and because I know the strength it has brought to my heart to have truth constantly around me, I long to provide those same reminders of truth for others to surround themselves with as well.
What are your favorite ways to create?
I love making many different types of “crafty” and beautiful things, but hand lettering is by far my favorite. Most of the designs that I create stem directly from what the Lord is walking me through at the time, and filling my mind with specific Scriptures that He is teaching me about. Lettering them is one of the ways that I process those truths in my own heart and then share them with those around me.
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes. My mom has an incredible eye for beauty, and can take a room that is so plain and ugly, and she can envision a beautiful picture in her mind then carry out that vision to transform that area into something fresh and lovely. She is so skilled at upholstering and beautifying beat up items by taking something that may look like “trash” to some and turning it into a treasure. I also have some siblings who think very creatively and so skilled in different areas. For some, they express it through their writing and have such a gift in their articulation of words. Other siblings express their creativity in woodworking, crafting, and/or music. One of my brothers is also very skilled in the technology/business side of life, and has been my biggest strength and anchor throughout my business. He spurred me on during the times I almost gave up my endeavors, assisted me with the whole “online business world” that was so new to me, and even used his creative eye to design my website, business cards, and other aspects of my branding.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
Though I have no idea what my future holds, I know that the Lord has allowed me to start a business, has given me a skill to use my hands for, and a deep love for His Word. Whether or not my shop becomes a mega-business someday or not, I have such a passion to share truth with those around me through ANYTHING I do with my life. And for me, my business is merely one aspect of my life that I can use to bring glory to my Heavenly Father. It is a way of generating income, yes, but it is first and foremost a ministry to me. I deeply desire that those who encounter my shop/products/social media posts would be drawn closer to the Lord as a result. This life here on earth is short, and I want to spend every ounce of my energy on things that have eternal value. This is what the Lord has placed in front of me right now and has given me such a love for. Therefore, I will continue to use my business to tell of His love and His worthiness, and allow the Lord to grow my business in any way He sees is best, as I continue to press forward in every aspect of it with excellence as unto Him.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
Practice, practice, practice; there are so many designs that I practiced on years ago to become proficient in lettering, and I never ended up using those designs for anything. But all of that practice helped me to develop my own style and font, and become proficient and comfortable in it. No matter what your trade is, taking the time to practice is so important. And don’t be afraid to take those baby steps in beginning a business - those baby steps can sometimes feel HUGE when you’re the one taking them, but often times the fear of failure can paralyze us and stop us from doing anything new. I know that road well because I am not a natural risk-taker, and I have turned down many things in my life because I was afraid of failing if I tried them. But if I had done that with my small business, I would never have begun this amazing journey. Don’t be afraid of failure - my creative journey has been full of failures and sometimes really embarrassing mistakes. You are not the only one. Everyone experiences times like that, but it is those who are able to pick themselves back up and try again and again and again who will grow the most, and overcome what used to look impossible at one time.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Always keep the Lord first. It can be very easy to say that our heart is to glorify the Lord in all we do, and yet once the pressures of the business world come upon us and the temptations arise to put more of a focus on earthly pursuits rather than on heavenly pursuits, our hearts can quickly shift from what our vision used to be. That is something I have to always be on guard about. As I choose to keep the Lord as the center of all that I do and create in my business, there will always be those who choose not to purchase from me, who think that my creative journey is silly, or who tap that little “unfollow” button that can tend to affect us so much more than it probably should. But know that if you are using your gifts and talents for the Lord and seeking to honor Him in all you do, then you will have the blessing of your Father and He will be pleased in all that you create. He is the One who gives us our gifts in the first place so why would we not use them to glorify Him? Also, pray constantly and lay every aspect of your creative journey at the Lord’s feet. It may seem silly to some people to do this, but I truly believe that there is nothing we walk through that escapes His notice, and I believe He cares about all the details. So therefore, if I feel I’m lacking direction in my business, I ask the Lord for wisdom. If I’m suffering financially, I ask for His provision. If I don’t know how to get “all the things done”, I ask Him to show me which things should be my priority, and which ones I should let go of. Allow Him to guide you along each step. As Christian creatives, we have the privilege of getting to pair our creativity and our love for the Lord not only to make a living doing something we love, but also to share about our King through the content we create with our hands. It is such a gift, and I’m so excited we get to be on this journey!