We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Wise a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Christina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
At Wise Market, every project holds a special place in my heart because each one tells a unique story. I loved painting a football for a young man who overcame a broken back to play the next season—I’m in awe of the resilience, tenacity, and dedication that must have taken. Or the soccer ball I painted for my niece’s coach—being asked to create something meaningful for family makes me so happy.
But if I had to choose the most meaningful project, it would be the Welcome Home banner I created for Maggie, a brave young girl who had just finished her last round of chemotherapy while fighting kidney cancer.
Maggie’s family reached out to me to design a banner that would celebrate her incredible strength and welcome her home after months of treatment. As I worked on the banner, carefully painting each unicorn with metallic manes and vibrant rainbow colors alongside uplifting words, I couldn’t help but think of my own parents, who both lost their battles with cancer. Their journey instilled in me a deep understanding of how exhausting and isolating the fight against cancer can be—not just for the patient, but for the entire family. It also reminded me of how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change.
When the banner was finally delivered, I heard how Maggie’s face lit up with joy as she saw her name and the words “You Are Strong Maggie” displayed so proudly. Knowing that my art could play a small part in celebrating such a huge milestone for her and her loved ones was incredibly humbling. It reminded me why I started Wise Market—to use creativity as a way to bring people together and make life’s moments more memorable.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue my monthly donations to the community (visit www.wisemarketllc.com/donations to make a request). My stretch goal for 2025 is to contribute $1,000 to a local charity by year-end, turning Wise Market’s growth into even greater impact. This goal is about more than financial contributions—it represents my commitment to using art to uplift, celebrate, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Wise Market is more than a business; it’s my way of honoring those I’ve lost while making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Each donation, like Maggie’s banner, is a testament to the power of art to inspire hope and healing, and that’s the legacy I hope to continue building.
(Visit Maggies Instragram: @maggies_miracle_makers to learn more about Maggie or if you are inclined to help her and her family in their fight, visit gofund.me/4ff382ac).
Christina, 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?
For those who may not have come across my story before, I’m Christina Wise, the founder of Wise Market LLC, based in Trophy Club, Texas. I started this journey to merge my lifelong passion for art with a desire to create meaningful connections through personalized, hand-painted creations. Wise Market specializes in crafting custom products such as banners, Bibles, canvases, cheer boxes, and sporting equipment—all designed to celebrate life’s special moments and tell unique stories.
The idea for Wise Market came at a pivotal time in my life. After a successful career as a CFO, I felt a strong pull to pursue something that aligned with my creative spirit and personal values. Painting had always been a therapeutic outlet for me, and I realized it could also be a way to bring joy to others. I started by creating personalized gifts for friends and family, and soon, what began as a small venture grew into a business fueled by word-of-mouth and heartfelt connections.
What sets Wise Market apart is our commitment to personalization and storytelling. Every product is more than just a decorative item—it’s a reflection of the individual or event it represents. From a banner celebrating a milestone to a hand-painted Bible for a meaningful gift, I pour care and attention into each piece to ensure it resonates deeply with the recipient. Clients often tell me that the products become treasured keepsakes, which is incredibly rewarding.
One of the unique aspects of Wise Market is how we integrate creativity with community impact. Beyond creating custom products, I’m deeply committed to giving back. Each month, Wise Market donates hand-painted items to local schools, charities, and community events. These donations are my way of expressing gratitude and using art to uplift others. For example, a banner I created for a school fundraiser helped inspire school spirit and raise funds for a much-needed cause.
What I’m most proud of, however, is the emotional connection my work creates. Wise Market’s products are more than just art—they’re memories preserved in paint. One client told me that a custom-painted Bible became a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Moments like these remind me why I started this business in the first place.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that every piece I create is infused with care, creativity, and a dedication to making their vision come to life. Wise Market is not just about selling products; it’s about celebrating people’s stories, milestones, and communities through art. Whether you’re looking for a personalized gift, a statement piece for your event, or a way to commemorate a special moment, Wise Market is here to help you create something unforgettable.
I believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and make life’s moments more meaningful. That’s the heart of Wise Market, and I’m honored to share it with every client who trusts me with their story.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. Even though I had a strong background as a CFO, with extensive knowledge of running and accounting for a business, there were still so many areas of small business ownership that I wasn’t prepared for. Navigating small business laws, tax filings, and trademark protections were completely new to me. Starting a creative business meant more than creating beautiful products—it also required ensuring everything was legally and structurally sound for long-term growth.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was during a conversation with another small business owner, Allie Votova of Ninnie & Nannie (visit www.ninnieandnanny.com for amazing custom handmade baby gifts), who suggested I reach out to the North Texas Small Business Development Center (NTSBDC). It was some of the best advice I’ve received! The NTSBDC has been an incredible resource, guiding me through key aspects of small business ownership, including setting up my LLC, understanding tax filings, and even exploring trademark law. Their team has answered so many questions I didn’t even know I had and has given me the confidence to navigate these complexities.
Networking with other business owners like Allie has been instrumental in my growth—not just for the practical advice, but for the encouragement and support that comes from connecting with people who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to build those relationships and tap into local resources like the SBDC.
If you’re a creative venturing into entrepreneurship, I’d encourage you to reach out to your local small business development center or connect with other small business owners in your community. Both can provide invaluable guidance, helping you avoid costly mistakes and build a strong foundation for your business. I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received along the way and for the power of community in making the journey a little less daunting.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
When I launched Wise Market Custom Painting, it wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about pursuing a lifelong dream while sharing my creativity with the world. After retiring from a long career in finance, I found myself eager to reconnect with my artistic roots, a passion I had put on the backburner for decades. Around the same time, I decided to fulfill another dream: learning horseback riding. As I fell in love with the experience, I began imagining owning a horse of my own, but I wanted to make that dream a reality in a way that felt purposeful. That’s when the idea for Wise Market was born.
What started as painting a few gifts for family and friends quickly turned into a business, thanks to word-of-mouth and the power of social media. I realized there was a real demand for handcrafted, personalized pieces that told stories and celebrated life’s special moments. Each order brings me closer to my goal of rescuing and caring for a horse, but I’m still in search of the perfect first horse to call my own. For now, I’m focused on proving that Wise Market can sustainably support the care and keeping of a horse, which requires netting $1,000 a month. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that motivates me to keep growing my business and expanding the reach of my art.
Today, each piece I create brings me closer to my dream of owning and caring for a horse while also connecting me with people in meaningful ways. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my art impacts others. For example, when I created Maggie’s Welcome Home banner after her last round of chemotherapy, it wasn’t just about painting something beautiful. It was about celebrating her courage and strength and helping her family mark such a significant milestone. Moments like these remind me that art has the power to make the ordinary extraordinary.
The most fulfilling part of being a creative is the joy and connection my work creates. From sports-themed cheer boxes that ignite school spirit to personalized canvases that become cherished family keepsakes, every project is an opportunity to celebrate life’s special moments. I’ve been fortunate to see my art travel as far as Australia, and each piece is crafted with the recipient in mind, making it uniquely theirs.
At Wise Market, my mission is simple: to paint up a storm that funds my dream of owning a horse while transforming your special moments into lasting memories. Whether it’s a banner for a milestone event, a custom-painted Bible for a meaningful gift, or a canvas that brings personality to your space, my goal is to add a splash of color and joy to your world.
As I continue to grow Wise Market, I’m grateful for the journey that started with a dream of horseback riding lessons and has evolved into something so much bigger—a celebration of art, community, and life’s extraordinary moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wisemarketllc.com
- Instagram: @wisemarketllc
- Facebook: @wisemarketllc
- Other: TikTok: @wisemarketllc
