Dr. Carla A. Miles is a motivational speaker, fashion designer, actor, and entrepreneur whose journey from humble beginnings to impactful advocacy exemplifies resilience and vision. Born in Louis, Mississippi, Carla spent her early years working alongside her mother and stepfather, both sharecroppers, and developed a fierce determination to uplift her family. Her creativity couldn’t be contained by the fields, so she pursued her passion for design, working odd jobs to fund her early creations under “Carla Miles Designs.”

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As a young mother in Detroit, Carla faced the challenges of single parenthood and financial instability head-on. Despite hardships, she transformed her life and committed to helping others, particularly in advocating for women affected by human trafficking. Her efforts in charity work, public speaking, and television appearances, including a role in The Real Housewives of Atlanta, spotlighted her dedication to supporting and empowering women.

 

In 2020, Carla experienced profound personal losses that reshaped her journey. Following the loss of her husband to COVID-19, she launched her organic candle line, which she describes as “the light that kept her going.” During her darkest moments, these candles—alongside her faith—provided a glimmer of hope that helped her move forward. In honor of her sister, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence, Carla also founded BEAM Cosmetics with the message "Beauty for Ashes," reflecting her belief in transformation and resilience even through deep loss. This line, a tribute to her sister’s memory, embodies Carla’s commitment to empowering women to rise and find beauty beyond their struggles.