Charmaine Wilson has been self-employed as a psychic since 2002. Though she has not been in the industry long, she was awarded the 2005 Australian Psychic of the Year and, in 2008, was the winner of ‘The One’, a nationwide search for Australia’s most gifted psychic. She told us about life and work.
What kind of environment did you grow up in?
I grew up in Sydney Suburbs and moved to Qld when I was 11. It was a huge change for me. My family were not rich and money was always a struggle. I was a naughty teenager and was expelled from school in grade 9.
Were you psychic as a child?
Definitely not
What were the early days like trying to break into the psychic industry?
It was very tough as a lot of people who claim to be psychic are charlatans and mediums were looked down upon as taking money from the grieving. The mediums that preceded me in Australia had quite a bad rap with the venues I approached to do shows at. It was tough!
What kept you going when times were tough financially?
Mastercard and Visa (I still owe them money from the early days)
What ‘normal’ jobs have you done?
I have done everything from picking fruit to aerobics instructor; I am a killer barmaid and have worked in all areas of the service industry
Were you ever tempted to get a ‘real job’?
This is a real job and has been since I started my business seriously in 2004
Do you see your life as a balance between ‘life’ and ‘work’, or are they well blended?
They are well blended
How do you balance ‘life’ with ‘work’ from a time point of view? What routines do you have?
I only work psychically for 12 hours maximum per week – the rest of my work time is taken up with show organisation, interviews, counselling bereaved parents and spouses up to about 60 -80 hours a week. When the weekend comes it is my time
What do you see as the essentials for a happy existence?
Fulfilment from work, playing music with my friends and family time!
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?
Money has been the biggest challenge and also getting my face and name out in the public. I have credibility in my industry, but that has been hard to convince the un-convincible – to make them take a chance on you and maintaining a good working relationship.
How many hours do you work in a typical working day and do you work weekends?
60 – 80 hours per week – only weekends if I have a show.
Can you describe a typical day?
Readings from 8 am – 12 am; counselling from 2pm; in between interviews: maintenance of profile, answering emails (hundreds), brainstorming ideas for marketing, panicking about numbers (yes I know I am psychic but I am also female ) and writing a book.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing medium work?
I would manage someone in the music industry or start a management company.
What qualities do you respect and value in people you work with? Why are these qualities important to you?
I respect total honesty, punctuality and strong moral ethics. I pride myself on these ethics and maintain them so I expect the same.
What do you do in your spare time?
Play music (I sing, play harmonica and play guitar), go riding with my partner on his Harley, spend time watching movies with my youngest son and have dinner and lunch with all my family when time permits.
Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?
Doris Stokes and John Edward
Name your three favourite websites – the ones you visit regularly?
Facebook, Amazon, Kat Von D (tattooist)
Do you Twitter?
I try but it is hard!
Do you blog?
Only on Facebook!
If you were able to invite any three people to dinner, who would they be and why?
Doris Stokes – In my opinion the warmest and truest medium ever to live!
Pink- Love her and she is one amazing lady
Cesar Milan (dog Whisperer) – He is a great teacher.
Do you have a favourite saying? If so, what is it?
Yes: “Live Life – Laugh Often – Love Always”
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Tele-transportation.
What is the biggest challenge to young people today?
Respect for themselves and others
What community organizations are you involved in? Why is that important?
Hannah’s Foundation (Drowning Prevention), BUACA (Bikers Unite against Child Abuse), Beyond Blue, Compassionate Friends (Parents who have lost children who help parents who have lost children). I feel for people who have lost kids so much and strive to help them whenever and wherever I can. The child abuse is important and Beyond Blue because of the enormous amounts of tragedy brought about by depression.
Leah Gibbs is the Founder and Business Manager of Lifestyle Careers.
Lifestyle Careers is an online recruitment job board. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. It is designed for professionals wanting to balance their work and personal life.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hey Charmaine, Lisa from Fiji here.
Just had a look at your site sorry unable to make it to tamworth to see you I shall be in India getting all spiritual, you are both always welcome to stay any time you are passing through Armidale on the Haley.***Cheers Lisaxxxx