Voyage Dallas’ “Local Stories” Features Wise Market
With over 97% of businesses in the Dallas region being small, our city clearly thrives on the entrepreneurial spirit! In fact, according to Paychex IHS Markit’s report, Dallas is No. 1 in small business employment and earnings growth. I’ve always admired the way Dallas locals support their own, making it a perfect place for Wise Market to grow. As a small business owner, I’m thankful for the many local initiatives and a supportive community (shout out to all my Southlake moms keeping me busy!). Dallas gives creatives the platform to thrive. Plus, the low business taxes and thriving small business ecosystem are just bonuses that fuel our growth.
That’s why when Voyage Dallas reached out to feature me and Wise Market in their “Local Stories” series, I was thrilled and honored. Their focus on spotlighting community-driven, creative businesses really resonated with me because that's what Wise Market is all about.
A Journey of Creativity and Community
When I got the email, I was surprised and honored. It made me reflect on the long journey from being a chief financial officer (CFO) to the owner of my passion-driven business I run today. I’ve always loved using my art to create personalized, hand-painted products that help people celebrate life’s special moments, but being recognized as part of the Dallas creative scene felt surreal.
Voyage Dallas specifically looks for entrepreneurs who stand out in the community, and they saw Wise Market’s mission of creativity and giving back as a perfect fit. I was excited to share my journey and the deeper values that drive Wise Market.
The Voyage Dallas Interview
The interview process for the feature Meet Christina Wise of Trophy Club was both exciting and reflective for me. They asked about my transition from the corporate world to starting my business and what inspired me along the way. For me, it all started with a simple desire to bring joy to others through my art. Every project we take on is a unique story in itself. No matter which hand-painted product our customers choose, from sporting equipment, to Bibles, or cheer boxes, we focus on capturing the essence of each special moment.
But it wasn’t just about the products I create. We also discussed life and purpose outside of business. Believe it or not, the inspiration for Wise Market came from my lifelong dream of owning a horse. After retiring from my CFO role, I decided it was time to saddle up and start horseback riding lessons—something I had always wanted to do. But, as any horse lover knows, owning a horse can be quite the investment. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment: I could fund my dream by sharing my art with the world.
I’d been creating custom-painted gifts for family and friends for years, and I thought, “Why not turn this into a business?” What started as an idea to fund my horse habit has now grown into something much bigger. Wise Market LLC began as a way to rescue and care for a horse, and while I’m not quite there yet, each custom order gets me closer to making that dream a reality.
Beyond Just Another a Business
I’ve always believed that a business should be more than just a place of transaction—it should have a heart. That’s where the importance of giving back comes into play. Wise Market regularly gives donations of custom pieces to local schools, charities, or individuals in need. For me, community support isn’t just a tagline, it’s a core value. Whether it’s a banner for a school fundraiser or a special gift for a family going through a tough time, these acts of giving help me stay connected to the community. For me, seeing my art bring joy to others is the greatest reward. Art has the power to go beyond being just a product—it can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives.
What I Hope People Take Away
What I hope people take away from my story is simple: I want people to see the beauty in personal, hand-crafted art and how it can commemorate their most meaningful moments. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or a custom piece for an event, Wise Market is here to create something that truly reflects your story.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Wise Market and my personal journey! If you’re interested in a custom piece or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or something personal for your event, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your next order and add a splash of color to your world!