Meet Jalissa Carter | Author, Life Coach & Wine Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jalissa Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jalissa, why did you pursue a creative career?
From writing to coaching to wine, my career path has always been driven by my belief in the transformative power of creativity, connection, and expression. Whether it’s helping women rewrite their narratives or curating unique wine experiences, I strive to empower individuals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is the alchemy of storytelling, whether through words, coaching, or the shared experience of wine. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create; I help others reclaim their narratives. I’m most proud of the women who’ve told me, ‘Your coaching sessions felt like editing my life manuscript, finally, I’m the author.’ That’s the magic: helping people taste their own potential, whether in prose or a poured glass.

My path? Far from easy. When my high school teacher threw away my manuscript, it lit a fire in me, not just to write, but to prove that stories matter. I overcame self-doubt by treating my career like a draft: revising, refining, and sometimes scrapping whole chapters. The lessons?

1) Rejection is often about the critic’s limits, not yours.
2) Creativity thrives in collaboration (like those students passing around my work).
3) ‘No’ is just someone’s unfinished sentence, keep writing.

I want the world to know my brand isn’t about me, it’s about voice. Your story, your desires, your bold next steps. Whether I’m coaching, pouring wine, or writing, I’m saying: ‘Your narrative is the most powerful thing you own.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I split my time between Arkansas and Georgia, when I’m in ATL and a bestie is visiting, I’d show them a good time by introducing them to my family first with a nice home-cooked meal in Covington because my sister can cook! Then I’ll take them to Ponce City Market to support other local entrepreneurs at the farmers market on the BeltLine. And lastly, I’ll have my bestie take the MARTA bus with me to experience the city as a local, and we’d meet up with other friends of mine and definitely get a good glass of wine!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout goes to Tucker High School (in DeKalb County, Georgia), where I first dared to call myself a writer. To the English teacher who threw away my manuscript, but also to the students who passed it around in class, to the authors who fueled my storytelling passion, to the wine lovers who celebrate life in each glass, and to the coach clients who believe in their power to rewrite their own scripts. You are the heart of my journey, and my heart is with you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorandoenophile/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalissacarter/

Twitter: https://x.com/JalissaCarter

Other: Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/author/jalissacarter

Image Credits
cc: ivyandgrace_photographyllc