Eva Rakes Wilson is a South Carolina businesswoman and community leader best known as the mother of WNBA star A’ja Wilson. Her life shows how strong values, steady work, and education can shape lasting success across generations.
While her daughter A’ja makes her mark in basketball, Eva focuses on running her own businesses in fashion and home products, along with leading community programs that reflect her belief in service and discipline.
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
Eva chose to follow more than one professional path, building experience in both office work and entrepreneurship.
She founded Pursenally Yours by Eva, a small business that designs and sells handcrafted handbags and accessories inspired by her love for classic, practical design. The company expanded to include sports jewelry, connecting with athletes across different sports.
In 2021, Eva and her daughter A’ja co-founded Burnt Wax Candle Company, which produces hand-poured scented candles inspired by meaningful moments from A’ja’s basketball journey. Eva took the role of Chief Operating Officer, managing shipping, marketing, and day-to-day operations — skills she developed through years of professional and administrative work. (SportsKeeda)
The A’ja Wilson Foundation
When A’ja decided to start a charitable foundation, Eva helped organize the effort and ensure it was properly managed.
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 uses her professional skills to oversee the foundation’s operations, helping turn A’ja’s goals for youth support into effective programs for families and students.
Eva Rakes Wilson Motherhood and Parenting Philosophy
Eva’s parenting approach focused on structure, respect, and teaching responsibility before friendship.
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 advice to A’ja — “If it’s for you, nobody can take it away” — shows her belief in patience, faith, and trusting that success comes at the right time. 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.
At first, Eva imagined her daughter might choose dance or music, but when A’ja showed natural height and athletic ability, she supported her interest in basketball instead.
During A’ja’s college recruitment, Eva stayed organized by keeping notes on campus visits and conversations with coaches. She required that calls happen on speakerphone so the family could stay informed and supportive during decision-making.
Read Also: Joanne Minardi: The Woman Behind Basketball Legend Rick Pitino
Eva Rakes Wilson Personal Life and Character
Eva bases her life on strong faith and family principles that influence her personal and professional choices.
Her guiding phrase, “God’s Plan in God’s Time,” reflects her belief that patience and faith help in facing both challenges and successes. This spiritual foundation keeps her grounded even as her daughter’s fame grows.
After many years of work, Eva retired to spend more time with family. She now continues managing her small businesses and aims to create long-term stability for future generations.
Eva Rakes Wilson Impact on A’ja’s Success
Eva’s influence shaped not only A’ja’s athletic career but also her values and confidence as a 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)
By managing several ventures, Eva showed A’ja that women can achieve success in business and sports alike. This example encouraged A’ja to explore her own business interests alongside her athletic goals.
Current Life and Future Aspirations (2025)
Today, Eva divides her time between running her businesses and enjoying family life.
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 long-term goal is to build family businesses that provide stability and opportunity for future generations.
Legacy and Significance
Eva’s story highlights the achievements of women who create their own opportunities through education, faith, and determination.
While many parents of athletes stay out of public attention, Eva became known for her professional work and community involvement. 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 court stenographer to business owner shows how discipline and education can open new paths for working mothers. Her businesses contribute to the wider tradition of female entrepreneurship, providing jobs and inspiration for younger generations who want to start their own ventures.
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 successful athlete is someone who offered early support and guidance, and for A’ja Wilson, that person is her mother, Eva Rakes Wilson.
While A’ja continues her career on the court, Eva focuses on building lasting businesses and community programs that support others. Their mother-daughter bond has evolved from tough love to true friendship and business partnership.
Eva’s life shows that supporting a talented child goes beyond sports — it’s about teaching values, work ethic, and persistence that last well beyond the game.
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