Today we’d like to introduce you to Charliese Lewis.
Hi Charliese, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was in high school, my primary goal was to become a news anchor and a talk show host. I was ready to be the next Oprah Winfrey. When I was sixteen, two children I knew died in a house fire. It was very traumatizing. I realized that I did not have the composure to report bad news, especially when it related to children. So I sat that dream aside. I decided to attend Kentucky State University as an English major. I wanted to nurture that writing gift. English was as close to Journalism as I get at the time. When I looked at the curriculum requirements, I realized that there was only a four credit hours difference in an English major and an English/Education major. I rationalized that I could fall back on teaching if I ever needed to. When I did my student teaching assignment, it was not the best experience. I also did not like being confined to one room for such a long period of time. I loved teaching, but on my own terms. During my senior year in college, I still had that Journalism bug. I went on a graduate school campus visit to The Ohio State University. I had signed up for the College of Communications and Journalism track. I was able to speak with the professors and hear about their experiences in the field of journalism. I had my mind set on attending graduate school in Maryland. But the University of Maryland declined my application saying that my English degree was not close enough to the Journalism degree. I was devastated. But OSU gave me a full fellowship to attend in Fall 1997. I don’t even remember applying. I had filled out some random paperwork on my visit. I was able to receive my master’s degree in Journalism in 15 months. When I graduated, I already had a job offer from Kentucky State University, my alma mater, as a Communications Specialist in the Land Grant Program. My role would be to work with others in the communications department to create stories about agriculture programs. Basically, I would take scientific language and put it into lay terms for the everyday person to understand. This was not especially challenging because I had already participated in the Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program (REAP) as a Water Quality intern when I was in the 11th grade and had been a 4-H/Youth Development summer intern my sophomore year in college for the University of Kentucky. I learned how to take soil samples, plant seeds, and sterilize instruments. I was basically raised on Kentucky State’s campus around agriculture. My mother retired from there after 43 years of service. My grandfather grew tobacco and my great aunt had vegetable gardens on our family property. As a Communications Specialist, I also did some photography and worked with the graphic designer and video producer (who I later married). I wrote scripts and copy for the university as well as prepared speeches for the Director of Land Grant and provided speaking points for the Office of the President. In this role I was also able to do some college and career readiness work by teaching English and having an intern for REAP, which is the same program I participated in as a high school student. I also served as an adjunct instructor in English and Journalism at KSU, which led me to do other adjunct assignments at about four other colleges and universities in Kentucky over the years. After I left KSU, I went back to my familiar roots of education, working at the Kentucky Department of Education as an Education Consultant serving as the State Director of Migrant Education. I also worked with schools in instructional equity and Title I programming. I left KDE to go to Berea College as the Director of Student Support Services, a Trio Program. I was also able to teach English and First Year Experience in this position. I left Berea College to go the Council of Postsecondary Education (CPE) as the Coordinator of School Improvement, Assessment, and Advising in the GEAR UP Program, which allowed me to still serve underrepresented and underserved students like the Migrant Education Program and Student Support Services. When I left CPE, I was hired as the first College and Career Readiness Coach for Tates Creek High School. While I was at CPE, I decided to start a blog called The After Church Experience with my husband, Robert. It allowed me to write and incorporate my faith. Then I got this God-inspired idea to publish an anthology of women’s faith stories. This put me back in my writing gift but also began a journey into the self-publishing arena. People started asking me to help them publish their books. This took off unexpectedly. We opened our business, Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc. which had a publications arm, an outreach and education area, and provided ministerial services. The After Church Experience blog became a global brand, which led to a radio show, conferences, an outreach ministry, and media production. I have also co-hosted and co-produced two podcasts, “It’s About Time: Conversations with Charliese and Youlonda” as well as under my personal brand Charliese B. Lewis, “Next Level Purpose” on YouTube. One of my mentors had reached out to me during the pandemic and I began a three-year assignment as the Executive Director of Louisville Literary Arts. I was able to strengthen my writing skills, but also immerse myself into the literary arts community. I worked with writers, readers, poets, journalists, editors, publishers, all things literary arts. This was all part-time. I currently write for The Lextropolis Magazine where I get to tell some extraordinary stories. As my day job, I am a District Family and Community Engagement Liaison. My job focuses on creating college and career awareness programming for the whole family. My husband was recently appointed as a pastor, so I also have the role of First Lady of Simpson Chapel Church. In this season, I am able to marry all the things I love – education, writing, and ministry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had great mentors who have helped me, but I have also had some very unfortunate workplace experiences. I believe in treating people well. You don’t always find that in workplaces where they are highly competitive or just have toxic work culture. I think there is also this misconception that people have to be just one thing. I was never going to be happy just being in education alone, especially with this innate ability to write and to be a storyteller. People really think you have to be “either/or” when you can really be “and/both” – all the things you want to be. I also have had to figure out how to fund the dream. My day job has always funded my dreams. You have to make financial sacrifices sometimes to get to your passion. It wasn’t always easy. I learned to manage it over time and connected with people who knew the business side of things. Everyone won’t be supportive of your dreams, but as a small business entrepreneur, you are literally going to sink or swim.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the former Executive Director of Louisville Literary Arts, my tenure ended on June 30th, I was able to learn certain skills that helped me in my editing and self-publishing business. I also leveled up in my writing of web content, graphic design, copyediting, formatting copy, and helping small business owners launch their businesses and brands. This makes me more marketable for the next phase of my career. I was recently awarded Today’s Woman Magazine 2024 Most Admired Woman in the Arts. I also received a Business Excellence Award from the Kentucky Association of Professional African American Women, Inc. (KAPAAWI) in late August. I am grateful to be recognized and celebrated in the communities where I am doing the work. I think what sets me apart from others is partly integrity and partly my connections due to my varied expertise in the literary arts and the educational field. Last year, I experienced a scare in my vision. I had an eye infection that prevented me from hitting several of my deadlines. As an editor and self-publisher, your eyes certainly matter. I was not able to produce at a fast rate because my vision was impaired and I had to hire an assistant. My clients offered me grace, and I gave them discounts. Most people might not do that. I am all about being fair and equitable. Your reputation in business matters. Integrity matters.
I also connect my clients to other resources and people who can help take them to their next level. I don’t just complete a project and move on. I still assist my clients to get to their purpose. That’s why my YouTube show is called “Next Level Purpose.” I help my clients beyond the book to ensure their businesses and brands are successful. My clients span across states including Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, DC.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am reading, “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers. “Upon Waking” by Jackie Hill Perry is a great devotional to start your day off.
“I Did a New Thing” by Tabitha Brown is on my nightstand to remind me to try new things.
Also, I listen to podcasts like Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ “Professional Troublemaker” and Chloe Dulce Louvouezo’s “Life, I Swear,” which speak to BIPOC women’s experiences. I am also a writer, so I connect to their storytelling as authors.
“Who Speaks to Your Heart? Tuning In to Hear God’s Whispers” by Stacy Hawkins Adam absolutely changed my life! As a Christian and faith-based writer, this book sparked something in me that was the catalyst to me completing my book in 2018. By far, it launched me into my secondary career. It gave me the courage and the inspiration I needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlieseblewis
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlieseblewis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliese-b-lewis-61032355/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/charlieselewis
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@charlieseblewis
- Other: https://linktr.ee/charlieseblewis
