01/08/2025
Meet The Founder of Wise Eyes Renovations LLC, Alyssea Cephas: Building Legacies, Transforming Communities!
Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Northeast Portland, Alyssea Cephas grew up surrounded by a community rich in culture and opportunity. From a young age, she embraced her environment, actively participating in transformative programs such as Self Enhancement Inc., Caldera Arts, Pamplin Leadership, and MESA, among others. These experiences laid the foundation for her strong sense of purpose and community engagement.
It was during her freshman year at Benson Polytechnic High School that Alyssea discovered a hidden passion for the trades through the VICA program. While she graduated with a major in electrical, systemic barriers, a lack of representation, and societal pressures to follow a traditional college path hindered her dreams of fully pursuing a career in the trades at the time.
Determined to create a fulfilling life, Alyssea embarked on a journey of self-discovery, living in various parts of the East Coast before ultimately planting roots in Philadelphia, where she spent a transformative decade. As a proud mother of three beautiful daughters, Alyssea found a renewed sense of purpose and envisioned a future that would honor her family and inspire generations to come.
Returning to her Portland roots, she recognized the growing opportunities for women in the trades and took a bold step toward a new chapter. Joining Local 1503 Carpenters Union, she quickly proved her dedication and tenacity. In her first two years as an apprentice, Alyssea completed over 300 hours of continued education training and earned an impressive 20 certifications, including the highly sought-after Scaffolding Certification—a rare achievement for someone at her level.
However, an unforeseen, career-ending injury forced Alyssea to leave her union carpenter role. Where others might have seen an obstacle, she saw an opportunity. Drawing on her resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination, Alyssea founded Wise Eyes Renovations LLC, a Black woman-owned general contracting firm specializing in finished carpentry.
As the founder of Wise Eyes Renovations, Alyssea is committed to transforming the construction industry, not only through her high-quality craftsmanship but by fostering inclusivity and representation. She understands the challenges Black women and other underrepresented groups face in navigating the trades, and she has made it her mission to be the change she wishes to see.
Alyssea’s vision extends far beyond her business. With deep connections to her community, she has committed herself to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. Through partnerships with youth-focused organizations and her “each-one-teach-one” philosophy, she is planting seeds of inspiration in young minds, exposing them to the vast opportunities within the trades.
Her adaptability, creativity, and forward-thinking approach have set Wise Eyes Renovations apart as a leader in the industry. Alyssea firmly believes that failure is not an option. With her at the helm, Wise Eyes Renovations is not just building structures—it’s building a legacy.
“This is not just my journey; this is HERstory in the making. Watch as we redefine the narrative, empower communities, and create a future that inspires generations.”
