Clarise Hicks

A Legacy Of Vision, Leadership, and Sound.

A brief reflection on leadership, influence, and intentional growth, inspired by the words of John Quincy Adams.

The Identity & The Ear

I am a Strategic Architect—not of buildings, but of experiences. I am a multidisciplinary creative leader whose work sits at the intersection of vision, strategy, and storytelling. With a foundation in digital media production and entertainment business, backed by over two decades of hands-on leadership, I blueprint the operational frameworks and creative programs that bring clarity and executive care to every space I lead.

My approach is defined by a unique ability to 'hear' the underlying potential in every project. I specialize in harmonizing complex business goals with a deep-seated commitment to community and creative integrity—ensuring that the final result isn't just a project, but a sustainable ecosystem that protects the vision and preserves the energy of those within it

The Roots

A Lifelong Frequency: From the Crib to the Stage

My connection to sound and vision began long before I had the words to describe it. My parents often recall that at just nine or ten months old, I wasn't just making sounds in my crib—I was humming complete melodies, engaging with the world through music before I could even talk. By the age of five, that internal hum became a clear conviction: I knew music was my life's calling, and I have pursued that sound ever since.

This early development of my 'inner ear' became the foundation for everything I do today. It taught me that leadership is first about listening—to the unspoken needs of a community, the hidden potential in a project, and the divine timing of an opportunity.

The Mantle

A Divine Entrustment: Carrying the Song Forward

In 1997, a seed was planted that would define my life’s work. My grandmother—a woman whose voice carried the soulful depth of Billie Holiday—heard me sing a song the Lord had laid on my heart. It was the first I had ever written. Five months before she passed, I sang it for her. Without a word, she reached for her nightstand, handed me her notebook of original songs, and asked if I could "do something" with them.

At the time, I didn't fully grasp the weight of that exchange. To honor her while she was still with us, I named my daughter LaShawn Rebecca. My grandmother was so proud to call her granddaughter her namesake, and they shared a precious season together before she transitioned. She left me with a notebook, a name, and a promise I didn't yet know how to keep.

By 2000, that promise took shape when I was called as a Prophetic Psalmist. I began to receive "Free Prophetic Worship"—melodies and lyrics that mirrored scripture, flowing directly from my heart to the page.

The circle was completed in 2008. After sacrificing everything to record my music in a humble closet studio, I held a release event. That night, a stranger approached me with a word that shifted my perspective forever: he recognized a "songwriting mantle from your grandmother" that had been passed down to me. It wasn't until later that night, in the quiet of reflection, that the revelation hit me—it was the notebook.

I realized then that my leadership isn't just about my own talent—it is about stewarding a legacy of faith and sound that was prepared for me generations ago. I am not just building for today; I am an Architect of a lineage.

The Journey to Executive Strategy

A 20-year mosaic of operational excellence, creative architecture, and resilient leadership.

"I have spent two decades building worlds—from transforming my living room into a business expo to managing multi-unit regional operations. My career has taught me that true impact requires both the soul of a creative and the mind of a strategist. Today, I synthesize that experience to help visionaries scale their impact without losing their essence."

The Architect of Vision: Eras of Impact

The Foundation: Corporate Leadership & Entrepreneurial Spark (2005 – 2009)

  • Regional Oversight: Served as a Regional District Manager for PCA International, overseeing multi-unit operations and managing diverse teams across the territory before transitioning into independent business ownership.

  • The Launch: Established a professional photography firm and pioneered "In-Home Vendor Showcases,"transforming residential spaces into boutique business expos.

  • Social Architecture: Founded Sisters’ Tea For the Soul and curated the inaugural Children’s Winter Ball, establishing a legacy of high-end, community-focused hospitality events.

  • Creative Output: Recorded and released original musical works; transitioned into regional talent showcases and performance art.

The Expansion: Media Mastery & Systematic Innovation (2010 – 2014)

  • The Queen Enhancement Experience: Founded and curated the Queen Enhancement events—a sophisticated fusion of hospitality and empowerment designed to "enhance" the spirit and stature of women through curated experiences.

  • The Visionary Agency: Founded EPIC 434, a creative development agency that professionalized the regional talent scene, securing TV/Radio exposure and brokered venue contracts for clients.

  • Strategic Architecture: Conceptualized a 3-Tier Community Membership Model (The "Sams Club" of Hospitality) to integrate dining, transport, and commerce into a sustainable local ecosystem.

  • Broadcast Media: Debuted as an Internet Radio Co-host for The WORM (Randolph-Macon Woman’s College), mastering live media engagement.

The Evolution: Corporate Influence & Global Platforms (2015 – 2019)

  • Atmospheric Engineering (DJ PsalmTress): Established a professional residency at The Gr8 Pl8 Lounge & Cafe, specializing in DJ and Karaoke curation. As DJ PsalmTress, I mastered the art of "reading the room," using sound to drive guest engagement and hospitality flow.

  • Legacy Events: Continued the stewardship of the Children’s Winter Ball, further refining the operational systems required to execute high-concept, community-centric experiences.

  • Executive Committee Collaboration: Partnered with the President of the Women’s ERG at Genworth Financialto lead the conceptualization and execution of the "French Theme" gala (150+ attendees).

  • Operational & Procurement Lead: Directed vendor relations and strategic procurement for corporate events, securing premium assets to enhance guest experience and fundraising impact.

  • Global Media Innovation: Launched the Sounds 4 the Soul Podcast, achieving international reach by providing a professional platform for celebrity interviews and indie artist spotlights.

  • Educational Milestone & Restoration: Graduated with a B.S. in Digital Media Production; spearheaded the HOLLER Program and Psaltery Soul Poetry Event, creating restorative platforms for youth.

The Present: Master Artistry & Executive Strategy (2020 – 2026)

  • Multi-Media Production: Pivoted to high-end videography for weddings and major cultural events (Norfolk Caribbean Feast); curated the Writer’s Block and For the Love of Funny comedy series.

  • Advanced Strategy: Currently pursuing an MS in Entertainment Business at Full Sail University, synthesizing decades of regional leadership and operational excellence into high-level executive solutions.

 

While my professional record spans the last twenty years, the '15th-to-4th Chair' energy I bring to every project was forged much earlier. It is the blueprint of how I navigate challenges today.

The Resilience

Rising to the 4th Chair: Excellence Under Pressure

My professional discipline was forged in the world of classical music. When I transitioned from violin to cello, I didn't just learn a new instrument; I mastered a new perspective. Within months, I found myself at a regional audition where I was initially placed in the 15th chair—the very back of the section—without ever being heard.

On the day of the auditions, I was physically under the weather, but I relied on the 'Leading by Ear' philosophy that has guided my entire life. I focused, I performed, and I rose. By the time the results were posted, I had moved from the back of the room to the 4th chair, becoming the highest-ranked cellist in the city.

This moment taught me that your starting position does not dictate your finish. Whether I am navigating a complex corporate transition or launching a new community program, I bring that same grit and '15th-to-4th' energy to every challenge I face.

The Executive

Strategic Operations & Purpose-Driven Impact

Today, I translate my 'Leading by Ear' philosophy into high-stakes operational excellence. My career is defined by the ability to manage complex systems without losing sight of the people within them. As a District Manager, I oversaw multi-site operations with a focus on staff development and revenue growth, proving that I can handle the demands of a large-scale corporate environment.

In my community work, I apply this same strategic rigor to drive measurable success. By managing the full project lifecycle for programs like Sister’s Tea 4 the Soul, I have secured vital partnerships and orchestrated marketing strategies that resulted in 300% attendance growth within just four months. Whether I am coordinating a high-profile media production or building a grassroots wellness platform, I provide the structure that allows vision to thrive.

The Purpose & The Perspective

Beyond the spreadsheets and the stages, my heart is in the story. I am currently authoring a memoir—a comedic, true-life journey of buying my first home, navigating everything from "hood pests" to paranormal activity. It is a testament to the resilience that defines my work.

I am no longer the "Worker Bee." I am the Architect. Whether through consulting, media production, or the written word, I am here to preserve energy, protect vision, and build for the Kingdom.

Work With The Architect

Strategic Solutions for Visionaries & Organizations

"I specialize in bridging the gap between a wild, creative vision and the structured execution required to make it a reality. Whether you are scaling an entertainment brand or restructuring a corporate team, I provide the 'Ear' for your potential and the 'Blueprint' for your success."

How We Can Partner:

  • Executive Strategy Audits A high-level deep dive into your current operations to identify "energy leaks" and untapped revenue or impact.

  • Fractional Creative Leadership Retain me as your Strategic Architect to oversee project lifecycles, team development, and operational flow without the overhead of a full-time hire.

  • Project Architecture & Ecosystem Design From events to digital platforms, I design the systems that allow your creativity to thrive in a sustainable, profitable way.