Dee Carter - Empowering Wellness, Wealth, & Wisdom

Empowering Wellness, Wealth & Wisdom

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood

Dee Carter of Greenville, SC, describes herself as a product of the most high. Originally from Houston, TX, she moved to the Upstate community in 2008 with her three children, seeking a fresh start. Not long after arriving, she faced a major health scare. She was hospitalized with blood clots on her uterine wall, and doctors told her that if she had waited just one more day, she could have died. That moment changed everything for Dee.

Determined to take control of her health, Dee became a personal trainer. What started as a way to heal herself turned into a passion for helping others live healthier lives. This experience was her first step into entrepreneurship, showing her the power of guiding people toward better wellness. “Since my health scare, I have lived every day with purpose. I make sure every day counts. My kids are my world. What would have happened to them if I didn’t make it,” Dee explains.

Her next business venture came from an even more personal place. Her daughter suffered from severe eczema, and after countless failed steroid treatments, Dee took matters into her own hands. She

studied natural skincare, took courses, read books, and attended webinars. With all of the information that she obtained, Dee eventually formulated a product that worked for both her and her daughter.

In 2013, The Best Body Butter was born. Dee’s creation provides relief for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. The product was such a hit that friends and family encouraged her to start selling it. Today, her skincare line is available in local stores like Hidyas Dream in Greenville, at vending events, and online.

Dee has dedicated herself to continuous learning, and she trains with herbalists and naturalists to perfect her formulations as needed. Her skincare products are safe for all ages, from babies to adults, and she customizes recommendations for each client’s needs, and most of all, they smell amazing!

While building her businesses in Greenville, Dee also built her personal life. There, she met her eventual husband, Charles. They’ve been happily married for nine years and are raising their blended family together.

Now, since that ordeal, I live every day with purpose. I make sure that every day counts. My kids are very important to me. What would have happened to them if I didn’t make it?

Despite her growing success, another realization struck her. During Dee’s health crisis, she didn’t have life insurance. The thought of what would have happened to her children if she hadn’t survived weighed heavily on her, along with the loss of her brother and seeing what his wife and daughter had to go through; Dee lost her brother in 2024 due to a violent crime. These experiences were a wake-up call that eventually led her to Carter Life Services. With Carter Life Services, Dee helps families, especially those in her community, understand the importance of life insurance. “Life insurance shouldn’t be used just to cover final expenses. It is also a proven tool that helps build generational wealth and break free from relying on GoFundMe campaigns,” she says.

In addition to her skincare line and insurance business, Dee also produces The WTH Now Show—a podcast that gives a voice to her community and tackles important topics that impact everyday life.

Reflecting on her journey, Dee acknowledges the many challenges that have occurred but embraces them as stepping stones to success. “Moving from Houston to Greenville was an adjustment. Back home, there was stronger cohesion among Black-owned businesses. I am proud of the growth in Greenville, and I am encouraged by the efforts being made to strengthen the community.”

It is obvious that Dee has a passion for empowerment, whether through financial education, wellness, skincare, or giving her people a voice. She is dedicated to leaving a legacy, not just for her family but for the entire community. “I am inspired by legacy and driven by purpose. I love us. It really inspires me to see how far we’ve come as a people. I believe we can continue to go further in life. We are survivors, we are inventors—we are the best.”

Dee credits several individuals for shaping the person she is today. One of those is her former teacher in Houston, Mrs. Potier, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything. “She taught us that we could do anything and that we were more than capable,” Dee recalls. “That lesson has stayed with me and continues to guide my life and work.”

Dee also draws deep inspiration from her grandparents, whose dedication to helping others and entrepreneurial spirit shaped her values. Watching them serve their community and build their own path in life showed Dee the power of both giving and creating opportunities.

Her advice to aspiring business owners is clear and direct. She urges others to take action even in the face of fear. “Do it scared. Whatever you’re thinking about doing, don’t think about not doing it—do it scared if you have to. No one gets it perfect the first time.”

Looking ahead, Dee hopes to continue making an impact. Through Carter Life Services, she aims to help families secure life insurance and build generational wealth. With The Best Body Butter, she remains committed to providing natural skincare solutions that promote healthy, radiant skin. Through her podcast, The WTH Now Show, she will continue amplifying important conversations that matter to her community.

To learn more about The Best Body Butter, Carter Life Services, or The WTH Now Show, please visit her websites and social media platforms.