At WBEC South, we take pride in celebrating the women-owned businesses that bring innovation, creativity, and determination to industries throughout our region. In
this edition of our Featured WBE series, we’re pleased to shine a spotlight on Samata Shah, owner of Kopri Signs and Graphics, an Alabama-based company helping businesses elevate their brands through custom signage, promotional products, and creative branding solutions.
Samata’s entrepreneurial journey started with a practical goal: creating a flexible career while caring for her family. What began as a work-from-home opportunity gradually evolved into something much larger. After spending a decade building her business and developing confidence in her capabilities, she recognized that she had both the vision and expertise to expand. What was once a distributorship and part-time venture became a full-scale manufacturing operation specializing in custom signage, screen printing, embroidery, vehicle wraps, and branded promotional products.
Today, Kopri Signs and Promotions stands out for its commitment to in-house production and highly customized client solutions. Supported by a team of six skilled professionals, including graphic designers, the company oversees every stage of the creative process, from concept through completion. Its capabilities include automatic screen printing, multiple embroidery machines, large-format flatbed sign printing, UV printing, and full or partial wraps for vehicles and trailers. This variety of in-house printing techniques has let Kopri create unique onboarding custom boxes packed with your choice of branded products.
One area where Kopri Signs and Graphics carved out a unique niche is vehicle branding. “I don’t think there are many women-owned businesses that do actual vehicle wrapping,” Samata shares. Her passion for designing and producing eye-catching vehicle graphics has become a defining strength for the company, helping clients transform their vehicles into effective mobile marketing tools.
WBENC Certification has been an important part of the company’s growth. Certified as a women-owned business since 2012, Samata credits WBEC South with helping her build the skills and confidence needed to connect with larger corporations. “It has taught me how to pitch my business to large corporations, how to hire, and how to do intentional networking,” she explains. Through certification, she has gained access to one-on-one meetings with major companies while also building meaningful relationships with fellow women-owned businesses.
For Samata, getting the most value from WBEC South comes down to engagement. She encourages other WBEs to take full advantage of the network and its many
resources. Her advice is straightforward: “If you take the time to network and attend as many events as possible by WBEC South, then it is a great investment. WBEC South provides the tools and help to grow your business. It does not end with just getting certified—you must work at it.”
The benefits of the WBEC South community extend well beyond business development. Samata values the shared mindset of women entrepreneurs who are motivated, detail-oriented, and invested in one another’s success. “Women business owners work differently,” she shares. “The WBEC South network attracts women who are friendly, passionate about helping others, and believe in the idea of ‘Givers Gain.’”
WBEC South is proud to recognize Samata Shah and Kopri Signs and Graphics as an example of what can happen when dedication, creativity, and meaningful relationships come together. Through innovation, hard work, and a commitment to supporting others, Samata has built a thriving business and continues to leave her mark on the branding and promotional products industry.