Charlise L. Smith, Founder/ Executive Director
Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (WAVE)
Cwisdom Management LLC
How many years have you been in your industry?
16 years.
What has been your greatest inspiration?
My deceased mother I have known, without a shadow of a doubt, that she died for me to live a victorious life.
Who is Your Role Models?
My grandmother Fannie Christian. This woman never gave up on her dreams. I watched her purchase her first home. I watched her work at the hospital at night and work at restaurants to make sure she provided for me and my son. I was told at a young age that she had her own restaurant in the Hill District and I was always there in a play pin.
What advice would you give to anyone about following their dreams?
No matter how old you are, trust the process and the path that God has for you. It’s for your good, but his Glory.
What is the biggest career or business mistake that you have ever made?
My biggest mistake made in my career is not following my own advice.
What was the best thing that you have ever done that got you where you are today?
Walking away from a 9 to 5 job. I created Cwisdom Management back in 2009, but I did not have the courage to leave. I was following my grandmother’s footsteps; working and having a side hustle. Now that I have learned the importance of working in your business then on your business, it opened my eyes to see how I can scale my dreams to another level.
What would you tell your younger self?
That you are fearfully and wonderfully made. As a younger woman, I looked for love and acceptance in all the wrong places.
What would you tell your younger self?
Invest my resources differently.
When did you first become aware of your purpose?
I always knew I was a business woman, but now I understand that I am a business woman with a Godly purpose. God continues to deal with me internally so that I can pour into others. I am gifted in pulling out the best in people. Only now I get paid to do it.
