Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Nicholson.
Candace, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved arts and crafts, trying new things and the freedom to be creative. However, never did I imagine that I would have my own business making jewelry. Honestly, it all started because I had a bag full of small, wooden craft pieces at home that I’d had for some time and I had no clue what to do with them. One day I had the random thought, “Hey, I wonder if I can make a pair of earrings?” and I did! I posted the two pairs of earrings on my social media pages and had a few friends ask me how much I was selling them for.
To say I was shocked is an understatement! My earrings? For sale?! The thought made my heart race. I simply made them as a fun way to challenge myself creatively and it also served as a way to wind down from a busy workday. After that, I began creating more and more pieces. I’d post new pieces and continued getting more positive feedback from those wanting to buy my creations. I had a lot of support from friends and family, encouraging me to look into pursuing my own business. So after many prayers and talking it out with those closest to me, I decided to take that leap of faith, and here I am today!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Because of my circle of support, most of my experience has been pretty smooth. However, building a business has definitely come with many challenges. This is my first business, so of course, I had to figure out where to start. Then there were the pieces themselves. Some of my ideas came to me easily, I just used my imagination, sketched out the design and they turned out well. Others didn’t turn out as well. With me being a perfectionist when it comes to craft, especially if I’m making pieces for others, I had to make sure that I got it right. So there was and is a lot of time spent taking classes, watching tutorials and a lot of trial and error.
I’m still learning daily because the learning never ends. Another and maybe the biggest challenge is second-guessing myself, but then again, I think every creative goes through that, right?! For me, I want everything to be perfect. I want every piece I make to make my customer feel loved as if that particular piece was made just for them because at the end of the day, it is. So my advice for young women out there is to “Take the Leap!” It may be new territory, something out of your element and it may seem really scary, but Oh My God is it worth it! No matter how hard it may seem, follow your dreams and believe in yourself. You can do it!
what should we know about LoveCece? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
LoveCece is a jewelry line that I consider to be wearable art! It’s very unique and eclectic because I use a variety of materials, vibrant colors and designs. I bring those elements together to make pieces that can be simple everyday wear as well as pieces that are more out of the box and make a statement. I also make pieces that are Afrocentric and steeped in tradition. That’s LoveCece; that’s what I’m known for, making unique, meaningful and wearable art. What am I most proud of? I’m most proud of the smile that I’m able to bring to people’s faces when they connect with the jewelry I create and hearing how much they enjoy their pieces. To hear someone say that my creation is their favorite accessory brings my heart so much joy. That means I’m fulfilling my purpose.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I really do believe that women are positioned for any opportunity they set their minds to! The sky’s the limit. That may sound cliche, but honestly, you hear stories about women all the time on social media and in the news who are breaking barriers and making history. All things in life come with some obstacles, but we are more than capable of using those obstacles as stepping stones for our good and build extraordinary opportunities for ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Email: withlovececek@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lovececek
- Facebook: @lovececek
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveCeceK
Image Credit:
Personal Image: Flexyfit.co
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