Carl Wesley Jr shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Carl, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me right now starts with intentionality and discipline. Since it’s summer break for teachers, I’ve resumed personal training, which was my profession before stepping into the classroom. I begin each morning by reading something educational or thought-provoking to stimulate my mind and set a positive tone for the day.
From there, I transition into 30 minutes of cardio, usually on a stationary bike followed by strength training. After my workout, I fuel up with a protein smoothie before diving into client sessions. My personal training sessions often stretch beyond 90 minutes, but the first part of my day is all about investing in my own mental and physical well-being so I can show up fully for others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carl Wesley Jr., and I’m an educator, mentor, and community advocate with a deep passion for youth development and personal growth. During the school year, I teach first grade, where I focus on building strong foundations not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. Outside the classroom, I’ve reignited my work as a personal trainer, helping others improve their health, confidence, and discipline through fitness.
I’m also a proud member of the Salt & Pepper Gang — a community-based mentorship group that focuses on leadership, service, and being positive role models for young people. We engage in everything from youth mentorship programs and community events to outreach efforts with the elderly, all while promoting self-respect, integrity, and unity.
What makes my journey unique is the intentional shift I made from entrepreneurship into education. I walked away from running my own fitness business to pursue a more purpose-driven life where I could impact the next generation every single day. Now, I’m working on finding that balance between both worlds — combining my passion for teaching and fitness with mentorship and community empowerment. For me, it’s all about being a consistent light for others in the classroom, the gym, and the community.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That’s a powerful question. I’d have to say it was parents who saw me clearly before I could fully see myself but especially my mother. From as early as I can remember, she poured into me with love, affirmation, and scripture. She constantly told me she was proud of me, reminded me that I was capable, and spoke life into me on a regular basis.
Her belief in me created a strong foundation of confidence. While I’ve always been naturally curious and ambitious, it was her encouragement that gave me permission to explore my ideas instead of just dreaming about them. She made me feel like nothing was out of reach if I was willing to work for it. Without that early motivation from her, I’m not sure I would have discovered my potential so early in life. It may have taken me much longer to believe in myself the way she always did.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely, there have been several times I felt like giving up. One of the lowest points in my life came after battling chronic headaches and other health issues for over a decade. It became a constant cycle: medication, therapy, doctor visits — day in and day out — and still, no real progress. That repetition wore me down, and eventually, I lost hope.
At one point, I had to move back in with my mother because I physically couldn’t keep up with work. I found myself in the same room I grew up in, surrounded by the same four walls, staring at the same TV I had as a kid. It was humbling. And in that moment, I had to ask myself a hard question: Is this it? Is this how the rest of my life is going to look?
I realized then that I had two options , stay stuck in that moment or try one more time. Even though I’d been disappointed time and time again, I chose to keep trying. Because giving up offered nothing in return. Staying in that space, mentally and physically, wasn’t the outcome I wanted for my life. So I made the conscious decision to keep going , even if progress was slow , because hope, no matter how small, was still better than giving up.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes ,the public version of me is real, but it’s not the full picture. I don’t believe anyone’s personality should be confined to a single angle. What people often see, especially at public events or on social media, is the more lively, extroverted side of me ,and that part is very much authentic. But there’s also a quieter, more introspective side that many don’t get to experience unless they truly get to know me.
I’m actually very introverted at heart. I enjoy solitude ,sitting at home in silence, reading, reflecting, and just being still. I’m what you might call a self-proclaimed nerd. Most of my days revolve around teaching, studying, training, and staying focused on personal growth. It’s not always exciting by social standards, but it’s very real.
To truly understand me, you’d have to go beyond the surface ,ask questions, have meaningful conversations, and sit in stillness with me. So yes, what the public sees is me, but it’s just one layer of a much more complex and balanced individual.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
First, it’s the seeds I’m planting in my students. Whether it’s the lessons I teach, the affirmations I speak over them, or simply the way I carry myself , my kindness, my discipline, how I dress, how I treat them — those are the things that may not seem significant now but could make a deep impact on them years down the line. Many of the values I’m trying to instill might not resonate with them today, but I believe they’ll remember them when it matters most.
Second, it’s my financial investments. I started investing seriously in 2017 and at the time, I thought I was late to the game. But over time, I realized I was actually early in terms of understanding the importance of long-term wealth building. Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. While I’ve seen some profits, I know the true payoff ,the generational impact and financial freedom I’m working toward won’t fully materialize for another decade or more.
Both of these efforts require faith, patience, and consistency, but I’m all in because I know the future value will far outweigh the wait.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlwesley.biz
- Instagram: Carlwesley_thebrand
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ carl-wesley-jr-08994140
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixfiggaz?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarlWesleyTheBrand
Image Credits
Monica Blackshire, Latonya Taylor
