We recently had the chance to connect with Candace Duplessis and have shared our conversation below.
Candace, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
When I say others, I do believe people struggle with this but also I’m speaking of me specifically!
I think tons of people struggle with the idea of truly being alone, but never admit to how much it affects them. For years, I never realized how much my life’s decisions were formed from a place of people pleasing. And my people pleasing came from my abandonment issues and realizing that I didn’t want people to leave; but the more I began to heal that part of me, I began to see that I’m not alone, and making choices for me are ok!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name, is Candace Duplessis, I’m 28 years young, pursuing whatever God has for me. I’m a senior at the University of North Texas headed down my dream path of becoming a producer/director in the film industry. My dream began when I was a child, I’ve always known that I wanted to create. From playing with my mother’s camera, to watching and rewatching films, analyzing them and reenacting them. I was always drawn to creating stories and bringing them to life. That’s where the inspiration for my platform grew. I knew I wanted to create and didn’t know where to start; but the ones who chase their dreams always have to start somewhere. So I started making YouTube videos sharing my every day life, travel experiences, etc. and I began to blossom. My channel was my creative outlet. It was how I was able to meet some amazing people, share life’s experiences with others who have experienced the same and work with some incredible brands. My YouTube channel and making videos, is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for me!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I love this question, for me it’s two people. First and foremost, God. He’s the reason I wake up in the morning, and the reason I’m able to do what I do every day. Any doubts I have about where I am in life, where I’m headed or what I’m doing, he’s there. I’m not perfect, I have my moments but he grounds me; knowing that I can run to him every time.
The second person (aside from my family) would be my theater teacher, Carrie G. She saw me when I was not prepared to be seen. I was fully ok with staying hidden in school, but God knew exactly what I needed. She was my English teacher, and she encouraged me to join theater, as she was also the teacher at that time. I was hesitant, so she invited me to see a play with the theater group. It was my first time in front of a real production and that day I realized “this is me; this is what I’m meant to do”. From that moment on, she continued to breathe life into me and would provide encouraging words. She saw what my inner child needed, especially during times where I tried to push my inner child away. I will forever and always love and be incredibly grateful for Mama G.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think for me, it’s the fear of disappointment. Feeling like I’m doing things incorrectly or constantly feeling like I’m not good enough is something I struggled with, and sometimes still do. It’s caused me to drop life altering opportunities in the past, but I’ve learned and now I’m working towards growing through it. I became tired of feeding into my insecurities, and the more I recognized what made me feel that way, the more tactical I became. I told myself that I am worthy and now I hope to help other realize that they are also very worthy.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That what is posted online is a direct reflection of what’s relayed in real life. That’s just not true; being a creative is fun, it’s expression, but it also isn’t always accurate. People post/create what they want the world to see, and although it may be a version of who they are, it isn’t the full them. It’s an amazing outlet and way to connect with the world, but it doesn’t define who you are as a person. Your value, your worth, and your identity does not come from an Instagram page or a YouTube video. We get lost in that (it makes sense social media is all around us). But we have to remember that who we are comes from the one who created us.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think I’m on my way to it. I’ve always known my passion for film would be where I wanted to be. And although I’m not fully there, being able to go to school and get a degree in that field is such a huge step into my destiny. The little girl in me would have never imagined going to school and actually pursuing our passion. The fact that I’m literally walking in an answered prayer is proof that I will do what God placed on my heart to do. I don’t know how long it will take, but as long as God is driving then I’m along for the ride!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @justcandaceblogs
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justcandaceblogs?si=lqYS2jlzmYAVXKLG
