Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr.Charisse Drakeford.
Hi Dr.Charisse, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2018, I began my journey of traveling abroad to teach English as a Second Language (ESL), engage in ministry, and establish my own international business. Since living abroad in Qingdao, China, I have led a devotional group called “Hope, Heal, Agape Devotions” and worked in international business at Qingdao E.S.T. Yuan Jian International Trade Co., LTD. In 2019, I returned to the States for a visit and my personal book tour. Only to find that my mother was having the early stages of dementia. I knew then that I had at most a year or a year and a half left before I would return. Upon returning to the States, I had to pick up my car in Atlanta and travel to Chicago to care for my mother. This led me to be in two places. The townhome in Georgia and the home I inherited in Chicago, upon my arrival to care for my mother. Since then, I have traveled back and forth for the last four years. Since my business is remote, I can conduct business from anywhere. Since caring for my mother and later my brother, God allowed me to achieve my doctoral degree and also launch two additional books. Caring for the Queen: A Daughter’s Love, and a Journey of Eagles Who Soar, Vol. II. As a home care provider and entrepreneur, my assignment is to serve and care for individuals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In life, we all face numerous struggles that we must overcome daily. I am still adjusting and trying to balance caring for my family with self-care, all while running several businesses. Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So, to answer the question about the struggles, it’s learning how to take time out for myself and learning to see how one’s independence, which once was, becomes no longer dependent upon oneself but upon someone else. Therefore, I strive to make life enjoyable and comfortable for both.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chosen Leaders began as a book site years ago. While this remains true, it has also expanded into a notary business. As an author and home care provider, I help alleviate the chaos caregivers experience while caring for their loved ones (LOs). I provide Zoom group meetings, as well as one-on-one sessions with Dr. Care. Talking to various caretakers can be overwhelming, overlooked by the family, and lonely. I provide resources for the present state, offer self-care tips, and offer end-of-life suggestions and preparation for both their loved ones and themselves. I help them get all their business in order and look towards the end while enjoying the present. As an international business owner, I conduct international book tours from the comfort of my own home, using my computer. The Active Core Virtual Book Tour enables me to travel to various locations around the world, sharing my story and meeting new people each year. I sell products as needed or as requested by previous customers. Realizing that although I have many licenses, I can focus on a few at a time during their season. I understand the importance of caring for others, which is why Chosen Leaders is the primary driving force behind my business.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
First, I do not see life as good or bad luck; I see life as a series of choices, and not making good ones. As an entrepreneur and home health provider, I have a well-organized system, which is my downfall. I allow other tasks to take root, and then bad choices are made, or things become untamed, and I have to revamp again and listen to God to determine which direction I should take with tunnel vision. I do not associate myself with negative people, family, so-called friends, or business partners. I strive to do the best and be the best each day. Some days I am on top, while other days I am at the bottom, but I am never laid out because God is holding me up and guiding me.
Pricing:
- Books vary 8.99 and up
- one on one sessions $50 and hour
- Zoom group is free to join
- workshops varies
Contact Info:
- Website: http://books.by/chosenleaders
- Instagram: blesseddr2023
- Facebook: DrCharisse Reese Frakeford
- LinkedIn: Dr. Charisse Drakeford
- Youtube: Charisse Drakeford @charissedrakeford1106
Image Credits
2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (President Joseph Biden), Black Women Who Want More (BWWWM). SEIU Service Employee International Union, Qingdao, China, Toastmasters club, caring for my family (mother and brother), and an anthology project with EITI (Eagle’s International Training Institute)
