We recently connected with Charisma Davis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Charisma, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Making a full-time living from my creative work has been an incredible journey full of surprises, hard lessons, and rewarding milestones. But let’s get one thing straight—it wasn’t like that from day one. When I first started modeling on my own, I was hustling hard, doing whatever I could to build a portfolio and get my name out there. That meant saying yes to unpaid gigs, networking at events, and figuring out how to market myself.

The turning point came when I realized the power of treating myself like a brand. I stopped waiting for opportunities to come to me and started creating them. Social media became my secret weapon. By showcasing my work consistently and authentically, I started attracting brands and photographers who wanted to collaborate. From there, I transitioned into high-profile runway shows in places like New York, Milan, and Paris, which opened even more doors. But it wasn’t just about walking the runway; it was about making connections, showing up with a professional attitude, and delivering results that made people want to work with me again.

Looking back, there were a few major milestones that helped me get here. Signing my first paid contract was huge—it gave me the confidence to charge what I was worth. Another was branching out into influencer work, which allowed me to diversify my income and showcase more of my personality and lifestyle. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success doesn’t just come from talent—it comes from resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust the process but also to value my time and energy more. I said yes to a lot of things that didn’t serve me in the beginning, thinking it would lead to something bigger. Knowing what I know now, I’d focus earlier on quality over quantity—whether that’s in projects, collaborations, or even the people I surround myself with.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve built a career where I wake up excited to work. It’s not always easy—there are still long days, last-minute changes, and the occasional self-doubt—but every bit of it is worth it when I see the impact my work has on others. Whether it’s inspiring someone to chase their dreams or simply making them smile with a piece of content, those moments remind me why I started. Creativity isn’t just a career for me; it’s a way of life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Charisma Davis, and I’ve been creating and inspiring for as long as I can remember. From the time I was a little girl, I’ve loved entertaining and creating—whether it was putting on impromptu shows for family or choreographing dances with friends, I always found joy in making others smile and feel connected. That passion has evolved into a lifelong career where I get to combine my love for creativity, storytelling, and helping others thrive.

Today, I’m proud to be both a model and mindset coach. My modeling career has taken me to runways in New York, Milan, and Paris, and I’ve worked with incredible brands and photographers to bring their visions to life. But my favorite part of this journey has been the opportunity to inspire others—not just through the art I create but by helping them believe in their own potential.

Mindset coaching is an extension of that. Over the years, I’ve learned that success in any field—whether it’s modeling, business, or life—starts with how you think about yourself and your abilities. Through my coaching, I guide people to break through self-doubt, embrace their unique talents, and take bold steps toward their dreams. I love reminding people that their mindset is their greatest tool, and when they shift their perspective, anything is possible.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect on a personal level and make every project or coaching session feel meaningful. Whether I’m in front of the camera, on the runway, or working one-on-one with a client, I focus on creating authentic moments that leave a lasting impression. My goal is to inspire confidence and creativity, no matter the platform.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on others. From clients who’ve taken life-changing steps after a coaching session to creators who’ve told me they see me as a role model, these moments fuel my passion. If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my journey, it’s that no dream is too big, and with the right mindset and determination, you can truly create a life you love.

Whether I’m inspiring through my work as a model or encouraging growth through mindset coaching, my mission is simple: to uplift, connect, and remind people of their limitless potential. Life is one big stage, and I’m here to help others shine on theirs!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One word: freedom. There’s nothing like taking an idea from my imagination and turning it into something real that inspires people. Whether it’s walking a runway, collaborating on a shoot, or coaching someone to overcome self-doubt, it’s about that moment where it all clicks—where you can see that what you’ve created has made someone feel confident, seen, or empowered. It’s like being an architect for emotions! I love that I can express myself and, at the same time, help others find their own unique spark. Creativity lets me live outside the box and invite others to step out of theirs.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is how much trust it takes to succeed in this world—trust in your vision, trust in the process, and trust that opportunities will come even when they feel far away. Creative work isn’t like a typical 9-to-5 where you have a set path laid out for you. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes full of self-doubt. But it’s also incredibly rewarding because you get to create something from nothing. The energy, passion, and hours that go into every project or shoot aren’t always visible to the outside world, but that’s the magic of it all—knowing you poured your heart into something that feels truly yours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://form.jotform.com/90384872885170
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisma.davis?igsh=N2d5NHpqMDQ3dmF2&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@1dayatatimewithcharisma?si=vLA_QgQQv-tJd5vw
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/1dayatatime_insta/

Image Credits

Marc M Christian
@legal.lens.mc

Model / Creative
@charisma.davis