We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charlise. Check out our conversation below.
Charlise, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been called to reevaluate how I view rest. My relationship with rest at the beginning of the year felt like it had to be earned. I was juggling so many different things that I would be on go mode for weeks, not realizing how essential it was to have time and space to spend with myself. I was afraid that if I wasn’t always being productive, I would fall behind, or that I wasn’t worthy of the things I desired. But I’ve learned that rest is not something I have to earn. It’s a practice that allows me to show up at my best, not just for others but for myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a singer/songwriter from Shreveport, Louisiana, currently living in Houston. Before I had the courage to get on stages and share my music, it started with a love for writing and sharing stories in different ways. Lately, I’ve been reconnecting with exploring the other sides of storytelling, not just through music. I have an EP that’s been growing for a while now, and it has continued to blossom into a project that fully encapsulates not just my story, but others as well. I’m super excited to work on the new additions to the project. I’m hoping that it inspires people from all walks of life that there’s power in our stories.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part that felt like I had to be successful to be worthy, to be enough. I was in a constant loop of chasing new goals when I hadn’t even celebrated myself for what I had already done. I ended up burning out trying to constantly be productive or achieving something. I’m in a new season where rest is the biggest part of my strategy in how I go about my goals. It’s part of my preparation. I’m not pushing myself to do or be anything that doesn’t resonate. No more overextending myself trying to reach high standards or trying to do and be everything for everyone at the same time. That part of me is definitely gone.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I changed my mind on what I wanted out of life. The year after graduating college was the hardest because everything I expected didn’t arrive on the timeline I planned. That season pushed me into new spaces where I had to define myself outside of the things I once clung to. I learned lessons that only experience, and failure, could teach me. Transitional phases can be uncomfortable and unpredictable, but it really shows you what you’re made of.
Now, instead of chasing what society tells me to strive for, I’m allowing myself to explore, to try new things, and to create my own mold for my twenties. There’s no reason for me to be locked into one path right now. It’s too early to know exactly where life will lead, and I’m learning to embrace that.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
The difference is if there’s room for evolution. Fads usually get oversaturated and then it’s on to the next. It takes away from the experience, in my opinion. Things that are rooted in purpose and have real impact usually take time to create. Creating art that ages well is super important to me. I like to be able to see the growth of what I created then and seeing how it still resonates. If it’s something that can reach people from different walks of life, at different points in their journey, that’s super special.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Even though I had followed what I was told to do, I feel like I’ve always done what I was born to do. I’m a writer, a true storyteller. I’ve written short stories, commentary, and music, which led me to taking the leap to sing. My love for writing has always found new ways to express itself. I’m having fun in my music chapter as a storyteller but I know there’s more for me to share and create. I’m exploring who I am as a writer and how I share not only my story, but shed light onto others. The journey is just getting started and I’m excited for what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lexicharlise
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliseofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPfKfKFuySIKdvPCY-4vmg
