A late in Life Believer
"I was a burned-out 51-year-old CEO. Today I'm a 67-year-old girl on a mission."
Carey's Story: Her Own Words
"Most Christians are born into the faith… or find Jesus early. I've been told: 'The older you get, the lower the odds.' But I've always liked long shots. So I became one, committing to Christ at the age of 51.
Back story: I was raised as an Episcopalian at my home city's most "influential" church. To a truth-seeking girl, church seemed more like a social statement. I guess believers were there, but I didn't meet them. So I left. As a young adult, I followed my older brother into Buddhism. I studied at Naropa Institute in Boulder, CO, for two summers. But soon enough, I found the same arrogance in Buddhism that I disliked in Christianity. So I left.. again.”
For the next 29 years, I was a business success and spiritual misfit. I developed what industry insiders considered the top talent convention in the world… with the stars to prove it. I believed in God, but I didn't know Jesus, and I didn't trust Christians. I thought they were finger-pointing hypocrites. Even so, a few honest-to-God believers became close friends. I respected them, but it took a series of "breakings" in my seemingly wonderful life to bring me to my knees. Once down, I was low enough to look up.
Long story short: I found Jesus in a lonely cabin on the top of a mountain. He'd been there all along, but it took me a long time to realize it. I began a new life.
A few months later, God spoke to me on a treadmill. He told me to devote my work in entertainment to Him."
My mother, Millie Lewis, was a NY fashion model in the late 1940s. She was the face of Dubarry Cosmetics, the "Revlon" of its day. But before she became a model, she wanted to be an evangelist... That dream would be fulfilled 50 years later.
My mother's vision and unusual background laid the foundation for God's performers rising today in film, fashion, music and theatre.
My Dad was a WWll fighter pilot
He became a stunt pilot for the newly formed US Air Force and met my mother at an air show in NYC. She was the model hired to stand on his float.
Wartime Romance
It's hard to believe it without seeing it, so God preserved the photo of my parent's very first meeting.
I wasn't sure why I went into business with my mother...
I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but God had other plans. I didn't know my true purpose until 4 decades later... when I found Christ.
“I was thrilled. I finally knew my purpose: the reason my mom was a New York fashion model; the reason I followed her into business; the reason I worked so hard for so long. I realized God allowed this mega-mess we call media to cover the earth – for such a time as this, a time of deep darkness: so His stars could enter the labor of others; so they could rise and shine.
So they could multiply His talents; so He could reap where He did not sow; so lost fans could find positive role models; so the Great Commission could be carried out in a new way – at the speed of Light with love, not condemnation." Having been “an outsider,” I understood them. I knew their doubts and how to reach them.
The company I founded called “AMTC” (formerly Actor, Models & Talent Convention) got a name-lift. It became a non-profit ministry called Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ. God ordained AMTC to run for 36 years (1982-2018), through trials, triumphs, and countless success stories. Therein, AMTC is my past. I am thankful for it. “Shine by Carey Lewis” is my present and future. It carries the legacy of AMTC in a newer, sleeker, and virtual way.
Because getting an agent and getting booked has gone virtual. the casting side of the entertainment industry has changed dramatically. 21st-century performers must ride the wave and change with it… to stay relevant and marketable.
My elder daughter, Glynis, and I are devoted to helping future stars rise to their highest potential, and we’re delighted to bring AMTC’s unparalleled track record (including VIP contacts, coaches, and success stories) to Shine by Carey Lewis: a more accessible and economical path for invisible dreams to become visible realities.”
Pictured below are Shine Generation #1, Millie Lewis, Generation #2, Carey Lewis, and Generation #3, Glynis Carpenter.
Carey's Accomplishments
Co-Founder of Actors, Models & Talent for Christ (AMTC, 1982-2018), with 4 decades of unequaled success in the talent development industry: finding, preparing, and launching 1000s of actors, models, singers, rappers, comedians, and dancers into film, fashion, music, and theatre– both mainstream and faith-based.
Co-Owner of Shine by Carey Lewis (2020-today), a virtual talent development and VIP-Connection Company, with her New York Photographer-Daughter, Glynis Carpenter,
Keynote speaker at 100s of talent gatherings, churches, and conferences, especially on God's work in the entertainment industry - and how every believer has a vital role to play.
"Lifetime Achievement Award" Winner for contributions to faith-based media and positive stars at "The Cry Hollywood" 2012 in Los Angeles, along with co-winners, singer/actor, Pat Boone, and MovieGuide's Dr. Ted Baehr. Presented by Rob and Faytene Kryskow Grasseschi.
Writes and publishes Daily Devotions geared to the media generation, from 2008 through today.
Author of: Actors, Models & Talent for Christ Daily Devotion Book, Personal Development Secrets, The French Fry Covenant and her latest work: Christian Performer Readiness.
“My biggest accomplishment is finding Christ. Maybe next, it’s staying in His Word... Jesus avoided every worldly honor, trophy and title. I am wisest when I remember how small I am.”