Carmela Wallace

Carmela Wallace is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate with a professional background spanning nearly two decades in quality management across multiple industries. Holding an MBA with a specialization in project management, Wallace built a career grounded in operational expertise before shifting her focus to support her son, Jarad Anthony Higgins—known as Juice WRLD—as his music career gained national attention. She left her corporate role to help manage his rise to fame, witnessing both his musical achievements and his personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Following Juice WRLD's death from an accidental drug overdose at age 21, Wallace founded Live Free 999, a nonprofit organization dedicated to normalizing conversations around mental health and substance dependency. The foundation's name was inspired by a photograph of Higgins wearing a denim jacket he had painted with the words "Live Free." Through financial grants and partnerships, Live Free 999 supports organizations providing evidence-based mental health treatments and pathways to overcome addiction. The foundation has reached more than 10,000 individuals through its partnership with Crisis Text Line. Live Free 999 operates as a fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and has donated significant funds to local and national organizations in honor of World Mental Health Day.

Wallace is recognized as a public voice on grief, healing, and mental health advocacy. She made her first major televised interview appearance on "The Tamron Hall Show," discussing her son's struggles and her mission to advance mental health awareness. Wallace has participated in national media tours, partnering with organizations such as NAMI, Bring Change to Mind, and Crisis Text Line. She has appeared on podcasts including "Mentally Stronger with Amy Morin" and has been featured in LEADERS magazine, where she spoke about the foundation's impact and her vision for expanding mental health resources for young people.

In addition to her advocacy work, Wallace has extended her commitment to community through entrepreneurship. She co-founded Homewood Brewing Company, a brewpub in Homewood, Illinois, as a tribute to her son and a way to give back to the community. The brewpub features a benefit beer called "Wishing Well," with a portion of net proceeds supporting Live Free 999. Wallace also purchased the building adjacent to the brewery to serve as the foundation's corporate headquarters, creating a physical hub for expanded programming and community outreach.

Through Live Free 999, Homewood Brewing Company, and her ongoing public advocacy, Wallace has transformed personal loss into a legacy of mental health awareness and community support. Her message—that it is okay not to be okay, and that help is available—resonates with fans of Juice WRLD's music and with individuals facing mental health challenges or addiction.