What does it take to build success that lasts generations? Just ask Eva Rakes Wilson – the business-minded mom who’s proving that raising a basketball legend is just one part of her impressive story.
While her daughter A’ja dominates WNBA headlines, Eva quietly builds her own empire of candles, handbags, and community impact. Ready to discover the blueprint she’s following?
Eva Rakes Wilson Bio/Wiki
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eva Rakes Wilson |
| Hometown | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Education | South Carolina State University (Business Administration) |
| Family | Mother: Hattie Rakes (1921–2016) Husband: Roscoe C. Wilson Jr. Children: Renaldo Wilson, A’ja Wilson |
| Career Highlights | Court Stenographer (17 years) CEO of Pursenally Yours by Eva COO of Burnt Wax Candle Company Executive Director of A’ja Wilson Foundation |
| Business Ventures | Luxury handbags and accessories Hand-poured scented candles Sports jewelry and accessories |
| Life Motto | “God’s Plan in God’s Time” |
Eva Rakes Wilson Early Life and Family Background
Eva Rakes Wilson’s roots run deep in Columbia, South Carolina, where strong women shaped her view of the world.
Her mom, Hattie Rakes, wasn’t your typical grandmother – she broke barriers as a graduate from the SC State Hospital School of Nursing for Negro Women and served our country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Nursing Corps in the mid-1940s.
This family legacy of education pushed Eva to attend South Carolina State University where she studied business administration. Little did she know these skills would later help her juggle multiple businesses while raising a future basketball star.
Eva Rakes Wilson Professional Career Journey
Before the world knew her daughter’s name, Eva was making her mark in Columbia’s courtrooms.
For 17 years, she worked as a court stenographer with Richland County School District 1, mastering the art of attention to detail and quiet focus – skills that would serve her well in future business ventures.
Eva’s mornings started early, setting an example of dedication that didn’t go unnoticed by young A’ja. This wasn’t just a job – it was a masterclass in work ethic that would later influence her daughter’s approach to basketball.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Some people are happy with one career path – Eva decided to blaze several.
She founded Pursenally Yours by Eva, a brand offering handcrafted bags and accessories that reflect her eye for style. The company expanded to include sports jewelry, connecting with athletes across different sports.
In 2021, mother and daughter joined forces to launch Burnt Wax Candle Company, creating luxury candles with scents tied to special moments in A’ja’s career. Eva jumped in as COO, handling everything from shipping orders to marketing strategies, proving her business talents extend far beyond the courtroom. (SportsKeeda)
The A’ja Wilson Foundation
When A’ja wanted to give back, Eva stepped up to make sure it happened right.
As Executive Director of the A’ja Wilson Foundation, Eva guides initiatives focused on dyslexia awareness and anti-bullying programs – causes that hit home for her daughter. The foundation provides camps, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities for kids who face similar challenges.
Eva brings her organized, methodical approach to the foundation’s work, ensuring that A’ja’s vision to support young people translates into real-world impact for families in need.
Eva Rakes Wilson Motherhood and Parenting Philosophy
Eva’s parenting playbook wasn’t about being her child’s best friend – at least not at first.
She built her approach on respect first, telling A’ja clearly: “I’m not one of your little friends.” This clear boundary setting created structure in a world where young athletes often get too much praise too soon.
Her guiding wisdom to A’ja – “If it’s for you, nobody can take it away” – reflects a deep faith that proper timing matters more than rushing success. This mix of tough love and spiritual grounding gave A’ja roots and wings. (Essentially Sports)
Raising A’ja Wilson
When Eva first held baby A’ja in August 1996, basketball wasn’t part of the plan.
She dreamed of watching her daughter dance ballet or play piano – but as A’ja shot up to 6’5″ with natural athletic grace, Eva adapted her vision to support where her daughter’s talents clearly pointed.
During A’ja’s intense college recruitment, Eva created detailed spreadsheets tracking everything from campus visits to coach comments. She set clear rules for recruiters, including that all calls would happen on speaker phone with family present – a strategy that helped A’ja make her best choice while feeling supported.
Read Also: Joanne Minardi: The Woman Behind Basketball Legend Rick Pitino
Eva Rakes Wilson Personal Life and Character
At her heart, Eva lives by faith and family values that guide every decision.
Her favorite saying – “God’s Plan in God’s Time” – isn’t just words but a life philosophy that’s helped her family navigate both challenges and triumphs. This spiritual foundation keeps her grounded even as her daughter’s fame grows.
After years of working multiple jobs while raising her family, Eva finally embraced retirement – a move A’ja had long encouraged, wanting quality time with her mom. Now Eva focuses on building generational wealth that will benefit her family for decades to come.
Eva Rakes Wilson Impact on A’ja’s Success
The woman behind the basketball star helped shape both the player and the person.
A’ja often points to her mom’s no-nonsense approach as preparation for tough coaches like Dawn Staley. “My mom never really sugarcoated anything for me,“ she’s said, recognizing how this honesty prepared her for professional feedback. (Profootballnetwork)
Eva’s example of building multiple successful ventures showed A’ja that women can excel in business while pursuing other passions – a lesson that inspired A’ja’s own entrepreneurial spirit alongside her athletic career.
Current Life and Future Aspirations (2025)
These days, Eva balances business growth with well-earned relaxation.
Burnt Wax Candle Company continues to expand, with new retail locations at the Aces’ practice facility in Henderson and growing online sales. Eva’s business instincts led her to hire a dedicated social media manager in 2024, taking the brand to new audiences.
Her vision extends beyond current success – she’s building businesses designed to last generations, hoping her grandchildren will have financial freedom to choose their own paths rather than being forced into traditional careers.
Legacy and Significance
Eva’s story matters far beyond basketball – she represents the power of Black women creating their own opportunities.
In a world where athletes’ parents often stay in the shadows, Eva built her own spotlight through smart business moves and community leadership. Like other WNBA families who’ve built their own identities beyond basketball, including DeCarlo Griner: Eldest Sibling of WNBA Star Brittney Griner, Eva’s story shows how family members can create meaningful impact in their own right. Her journey from stenographer to CEO offers a blueprint for mothers with big dreams of their own.
The businesses she’s built contribute to a growing tradition of Black female entrepreneurship, creating jobs and opportunities while showing younger generations what’s possible with vision and persistence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What businesses does Eva Rakes Wilson own?
Eva owns Pursenally Yours by Eva (handbags/accessories) and co-owns Burnt Wax Candle Company with her daughter A’ja.
Did Eva play basketball like her daughter?
No, Eva has no athletic background – she worked as a court stenographer and business owner while supporting A’ja’s athletic journey.
What’s Eva’s educational background?
She graduated from South Carolina State University with a business administration degree, which helped her launch multiple businesses.
How did Eva help A’ja during college recruitment?
Eva created detailed spreadsheets comparing colleges, set boundaries with coaches, and required all recruiting calls to be on speaker phone.
What’s Eva’s role in the A’ja Wilson Foundation?
As Executive Director, she oversees programs supporting dyslexia awareness and anti-bullying initiatives.
What life lesson did Eva pass to A’ja that helped her succeed?
“If it’s for you, nobody can take it away” – teaching patience, faith, and trusting the journey rather than rushing success.
Conclusion
Behind every champion stands someone who believed first – Eva Rakes Wilson did that and so much more.
While A’ja breaks records on the court, Eva quietly builds an empire of businesses and community support that will outlast any trophy. Their mother-daughter bond has evolved from tough love to true friendship and business partnership.
Eva’s journey reminds us that raising a star athlete isn’t just about driving to practices – it’s about modeling the values, work ethic, and determination you hope to see reflected in your child’s life both on and off the court.
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Hi there! I’m Austin Ruth, a blog editor and publisher on sports websites with 8+ years of experience covering the stars who make games great. At SportGalon, I share stories about the people behind the uniforms – from NFL quarterbacks to WWE superstars.
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