We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlese Milford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Charlese thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
I wish I had started my creative path sooner. The reasons I didn’t are actually the same reasons that motivated me to start. As a person born in the 70s, African Americans were often depicted in one light or confined to stereotypical roles. I wanted to challenge that narrative and showcase the diversity that exists within our culture and communities. I aimed to create storylines where people of color are rarely cast for, breaking the mold and providing more representation.
However, during that time, resources and knowledge were limited, and it was difficult for me to see a clear path to where I am heading today. I felt that the industry and society as a whole lacked the support and infrastructure needed to bring my creative ideas to life. It was challenging to find the right opportunities and outlets to express my vision effectively.
Fortunately, times have changed significantly since then. The landscape has evolved, and there is now a growing support system in place for diverse voices in the creative industry. I feel a strong sense of encouragement and support from my readers and the industry itself, which gives me the confidence and motivation to move forward with my ideas. While I may have started later than I would have liked, I am grateful for the progress that has been made and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Charlese, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey toward becoming an author, a podcast host, and a Master Life and Relationship Coach has resulted from my lifelong passion for creativity and personal growth. Ever since I was a child, I had a love for drawing, writing poems, and crafting stories. I filled numerous notebooks with my creations, but for a long time, I didn’t see a realistic possibility of becoming a published author. As a result, I allowed that dream to fade into the background, but it never completely disappeared. After going through a life-changing event, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. One of the fundamental questions I asked myself was, ‘What does the best version of Charlese look like?’ In envisioning that version of myself, I saw someone who woke up each morning excited about the day ahead, someone who served as a motivational speaker, guiding others on their paths toward self-love and inner happiness, and someone who became an author. I was motivated by this vision and began taking steps to make it a reality. I wrote my first book, ‘The Bricks That Built She,’ which delves into deeply personal moments in my life and the lives of those around me. The process was slow due to the demands of a full-time job and raising three daughters, but I learned that true dedication means showing up for what and who you truly want to be. During this time, I also realized the importance of putting forth effort and seizing opportunities. In 2019, I found the time not only to finish my first novel but also to start studying for my Master Life Coach certifications. This decision was driven by my desire to help others on their own journeys of self-discovery, self-love, and personal growth. By embracing my passion for writing, speaking, and coaching, I’ve been able to merge my creativity with my desire to inspire and empower others. It has been a transformative and rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way as a result of my efforts. I continue to grow and learn, and I’m excited about the future as I work towards becoming the best version of myself and positively impacting the lives of others through my writing, podcasting, and coaching.
As a Master Life Coach and published author, I offer a range of services and creations that aim to inspire, empower, and uplift individuals. Through my coaching practice, I help clients find the courage to confront the anchors that are weighing them down in their lives. I support them in identifying and overcoming challenges, guiding them toward a path of personal growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment. My goal is to assist clients in unlocking their potential and living their best lives. In addition to my coaching services, I offer my creations as a published author. My stories serve a dual purpose of entertainment and elevation. Through my writing, I strive to entertain readers with captivating narratives while also providing them with a sense of connection and understanding. I want everyone who has ever walked a similar path as mine to know that they were never alone on those trails. Together, we have traversed life’s ups and downs, and I believe that we can not only survive but thrive.
My writing has evolved over time, and I have recently branched out to explore new avenues that showcase my skills and imagination. I love infusing my stories with historical facts or life lessons, adding a layer of depth and substance to each tale. These hints of history and wisdom within my writing create a richer experience for readers, allowing them to both enjoy the story and gain insights or inspiration along the way.
My services as a Master Life Coach and my creations as an author and podcast host are interconnected. They both aim to guide individuals toward self-discovery, empowerment, and a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. Whether through coaching or writing, my goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of others, helping them realize their potential and reminding them that they are not alone in their journeys.
What sets me apart as a life coach is my personal journey and belief in progress. I openly acknowledge that I am still on my own path of healing and growth and my willingness to be vulnerable about my own journey and my belief in progress rather than perfection. I strive to create a genuine connection with my clients and inspire them to embrace their own paths of growth and self-improvement. I don’t believe that anyone can completely heal from a life of trauma, bad habits, or challenging experiences. However, I firmly believe in the power of progress, both for myself and for those I work with.
By embracing my own ongoing journey, I can relate to my clients on a deeper level. I understand the complexities and struggles they may face because I’ve experienced similar challenges. This empathy allows me to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore their own journeys of healing and personal development.
My belief in progress serves as a guiding principle in my coaching approach. I encourage my clients to focus on growth, self-compassion, and small steps of improvement. I emphasize that healing and change are ongoing processes, and it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate the progress made along the way. My perspective as a life coach who is still actively progressing creates a relatable and compassionate environment for my clients. It allows them to see that I am not offering a quick fix or claiming to have all the answers. Instead, I provide support, guidance, and understanding as we navigate the intricacies of personal growth together. This is the basis behind my motto “It’s A M.U.S.T. (Making Us Stronger Together) They help me just as much as I help them.
What sets me apart as an author is my unique approach and perspective. I believe that my writing stands out due to several distinguishing factors. Mainly my commitment to creating stories that elevate, incorporating personal experiences and insights, weaving historical facts or life lessons into my narratives, championing diversity and inclusivity, and continuously striving for growth and improvement in my craft. These qualities contribute to a unique and meaningful reading experience that sets my work apart from others in the field. My aim as an author is to create stories that not only entertain but also elevate the reader. I strive to go beyond surface-level narratives and delve deeper into themes and emotions that resonate with people on a personal level. I want my readers to connect with the characters, the challenges they face, and the triumphs they experience. By doing so, I hope to evoke thought, emotions, and inspire reflection long after the story has been read. Also being able to incorporate my own personal experiences, insights, and observations into my writing. This allows me to bring a unique authenticity to my stories and create a sense of relatability for readers. By drawing from my own journey, I aim to connect with audiences who may have faced similar situations or struggles, making them feel understood and represented. Another aspect that sets me apart is my inclination to tie historical facts or life lessons into my writings. I enjoy adding layers of depth to my stories by incorporating elements that educate and inspire. This blend of fiction and reality not only entertains readers but also provides them with valuable insights, knowledge, or new perspectives. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in my storytelling. I strive to create narratives that showcase the richness and complexity of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. By giving a voice to underrepresented groups and exploring themes of inclusivity, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.
My dedication to continuous growth and improvement sets me apart as well. I am constantly honing my craft, exploring new genres, and experimenting with different writing styles. This allows me to evolve as an author and consistently deliver fresh and engaging content to my readers.
What I am most proud of is the impact and the connections I have forged along the way. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that anything they see the name Charlese attached to be it my podcast or stories is centered around authenticity, relatability, diversity, and inclusivity. My journey is one of continuous growth, and I am dedicated to supporting others on their paths to self-discovery and fulfillmentAs an author, life coach, and creative, there are several key aspects I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand.
I take immense pride in my ability to inspire and empower others through my writing and coaching. I have seen firsthand the positive transformations that can occur when individuals are supported in their personal growth journeys. Witnessing my clients and readers find the courage to confront their challenges and embrace their true potential fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment and pride.
I strive to create genuine connections with my audience, whether through my stories or coaching sessions. I believe in openly sharing my own experiences, vulnerabilities, and lessons learned, as it allows others to see themselves reflected in my work. It is essential for clients, followers, and fans to know that I approach my craft with honesty, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference in their lives. I am committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation in all aspects of my work. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my stories embrace and celebrate the richness and complexity of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. I believe that everyone deserves to see themselves represented and validated in the stories they consume, and I actively work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. Lastly, I want people to understand that my journey as an author, life coach, and podcast host is an ongoing process of growth and learning. I am continuously seeking ways to improve my craft, expand my knowledge, and evolve as a professional. Potential clients, followers, and fans can expect dedication, passion, and a genuine commitment to their well-being and personal development.
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Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a clear goal and mission that drives my creative journey. Central to my creative endeavors is the mission to promote understanding, empathy, and positive change through storytelling and coaching. One of my primary goals is to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and promote diversity and inclusivity in all forms of my work. I aim to create stories and provide coaching experiences that showcase the richness and complexity of various cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. By doing so, I hope to foster understanding and empathy among individuals from different walks of life. I am driven by a deep desire to inspire and empower others on their personal journeys of self-discovery, self-love, and personal growth. Through my writing and coaching, I strive to ignite a sense of possibility and provide tools and guidance that assist individuals in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. My mission is to help people tap into their inner strength, unlock their potential, and live more fulfilling and authentic lives.
Another aspect of my creative journey is to shed light on important social issues and spark conversations that lead to positive change. Whether it’s through storytelling that addresses social injustices or coaching sessions that encourage self-reflection and introspection, I believe in the power of art and personal development to bring about meaningful transformations in individuals and society as a whole. Ultimately, my goal is to create a ripple effect of inspiration and positive impact. I want my work to resonate with individuals, encourage them to explore new perspectives and motivate them to take action towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Absolutely. One aspect of the creative journey that non-creatives may find challenging to comprehend is the fear and anxiety that often accompany the process of releasing our thoughts and ideas to the world. As creatives, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. We invest time, energy, and countless hours of introspection and creativity into crafting our ideas into tangible forms. However, sharing our creations with others can be an incredibly vulnerable and nerve-wracking experience. Non-creatives may struggle to understand this fear and anxiety because they may not have personally experienced the vulnerability that comes with putting our work out there. When we share our creative endeavors, we expose a part of ourselves to potential criticism, rejection, or judgment. It is the fear of being misunderstood or undervalued that can create a significant internal struggle. Just complete transparency, the creative process often involves self-doubt. We constantly question whether our work is good enough, whether it will resonate with others, or whether it will be dismissed or overlooked. These self-imposed expectations can generate immense anxiety, as we deal with our own insecurities and the desire for validation and recognition. there is an inherent risk involved in sharing our thoughts and ideas with the world. Creativity is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate or connect with our work. The fear of rejection or not being understood can be a formidable barrier to overcome. As both an author and a life coach, I have taken on the task of creating my own client workbooks for each niche. This endeavor comes with its own set of fears and anxieties. Creating client workbooks is a deeply personal and professional undertaking. These workbooks serve as valuable resources for my clients, providing guidance, exercises, and tools to support their personal growth and transformation. One of my greatest concerns is if I’m meeting the unique needs and expectations of each client. As a life coach, I recognize the importance of tailoring my workbooks to address the specific challenges and goals of individuals from different backgrounds and circumstances. This requires extensive research, thoughtful planning, and the ability to empathize with diverse experiences. The fear of not being able to provide comprehensive and impactful content for each niche can be overwhelming. Another aspect that can trigger anxiety is the responsibility of ensuring the workbooks are effective and useful. As a creative, I invest considerable time and effort in crafting exercises and strategies that will genuinely help my clients. However, the fear of inadequacy or the possibility of missing key insights can generate self-doubt and anxiety. Despite these fears and anxieties, we continue to create and share because we believe in the power of our ideas and the potential impact they can have on others. We strive to communicate, inspire, and connect through our work, even in the face of uncertainty.
Understanding and empathizing with this fear and anxiety can foster a greater appreciation for the bravery and vulnerability that creatives exhibit. It can also create a supportive environment that encourages creatives to take risks and share their unique perspectives and insights. Maybe by recognizing the courage it takes to release our thoughts and ideas into the world, non-creatives can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding creative community. It is my hope that this insight can bridge the gap between creatives and non-creatives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_chuck_boogie_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCharleseMilford/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlese-milford
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesePresents
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@charlesepresents
- Other: https://anchor.fm/charlesepresents https://www.amazon.com/author/charlesemilford https://www.facebook.com/CharlesePresents/ https://www.facebook.com/CoachCharlese