But in February 2012 her life changed forever when, after briefly chatting to a man on New Year's Eve, his wife, Natalia Dimitrovska, drenched Dana in methylated spirits and set her on fire.
Dana suffered horrific third degree burns to more than 60 per cent of her body, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
She survived against all odds, and brave Dana has battled back to health, undergoing more than 150 procedures to rebuild her damaged skin.
FROM ACID ATTACK VICTIM TO INSPIRING SURVIVOR: KATIE PIPER'S LIFE IN PICTURES
Dana, from Perth, Australia, says: “Seeing my scarred face and body after the attack was devastating, I’d always been happy with how I looked and taken pride in my appearance.
"I was horrified by what this woman had done to me.
There were times after the attack when I felt so down, death would have been easier.
"But I had counselling and refused to give up. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve learnt to accept my scars as part of who I am.”
To follow Dana's journey, you can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
To read Dana's incredible story, get your copy of Closer - out now.