Hi, I’m Candice!
I had always lived life on a fast forward button trying to get it all done! If you saw me I would have been running in heels with lots of bags in hand and a daughter in tote. There was barely time to breathe, let alone meditate. I always strived for a balanced life and struggled to achieve it. I was always too hard on myself and never gave myself a deserved pat on the back.
For almost 2 decades I worked in the fashion industry. This industry did not have a place for balance or spirituality. The fashion world for me was all about working hard and looking like everything was perfect at all times. It was all smoke and mirrors and I was the best at that game. In-fact, I was very successful at my career but a huge part of me was missing. I was tired, I had inflammation, I had anxiety and I had no more inspiration in my life.
Then…
… something life changing happened to me that I never imagined would. I became ill — so ill that I lost most of my vision and my fingers were in pain. It felt as though someone took a sledge hammer to my hands. It hurt so bad to move them. My feet felt like I was walking on pins and needles and I could barely walk. This was all during fashion week, one of my busiest times of the year. I did what I did best and that was to shove it all down, slap a smile on my face, and pretend I had it all together.
A few days later I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was told that I had an attack on my brain. I went for second and third opinions and was told I had Lupus then another doctor told me I had RA. It was obvious that the doctors did not know what was wrong with me. Regardless of the potential diagnosis, there was no consensus about how to treat my symptoms. This process of trying to label my illness went on for three more years. I knew everything had to change.
CHOICES
My life came down to a very black and white choice. It was either my health declining more or becoming the healthiest and happiest version of myself. Finally, I stepped outside my head and listened to my heart and said ENOUGH!! I fired my employees, I fired my brands, I quit my decades long career and closed my showroom doors. That day I never felt so crazy or so free before.
It was time to change my life as I knew it and go after new dreams. It was no surprise to find myself drawn into the wellness world. Now, I am a certified Integrative nutrition health coach through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a certified plant-based chef from Plant Lab/Matthew Kenney Culinary.
Today, I am healthy and free of all the health scares I once had. I feel grateful to have a career that constantly inspires me to live A Whole & Happy Life!
XO,
Candice
