Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Powers.
Hi Candace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Candace Powers, creator of Brooke & Pear Gallery. Brooke and Pear is a brand I created in 2021 after opening my own hair booth in Haltom City. I had the idea in mind that it wouldn’t just be my hair brand but also a way to incorporate all my creative endeavors.
I wouldn’t be were i am now if i hadn’t pushed through the hardships that made me more tenacious to succeed.. I have to give credit to my amazing, handsome partner whos my biggest fan and supports me fully. My clients/second family who’s been with me through all my life changes, and who are my cheerleaders. They’re always eager to see what project I’m starting next.
The privilege to Paint is a blessing, let’s be real, it doesn’t really pay the bills for the common majority. College wasn’t a choice for me, I had no financial support once I hit 18. In order to survive I started working different jobs in the club scene. My BFF of 30 years helped me with paper work to get into a community college. Since my housing situation wasn’t stable, a 4-8 year degree was impossible, but a Year commitment to Cosmetology School was very reasonable. I went to school full time 5 days a week while I worked nights at the club. I graduated in 2007 and landed my first salon job apprenticing at Toni&Guy. I met a lot of wonderful creative people that introduced me to the art scene.
I had my first tiny art show at “The Grackle” in 2010. Just when things were going steady, I became a mom in 2012. I was still creating screenprinted shirts for local bands, and did my first street vending in Arts Goggle 2013, and again in 2018. Pop up shops scattered at local bars ect. I did small jobs shooting photography for friends and my boss when I worked at BB63 Salon. I had just went independent with a salon booth rental on West 7th street in 2015, when a production group led by Warren from “Make Something Beautiful” approached me to do a small video segment featuring my art for a project they were putting together “Fort Worth Funky” that had a handful of talented artist, musicians, photographers and just interesting characters. Warren commissioned me to help with Hair and Makeup on set for a couple of commercials. I later was cast in a music video, Henry The Archer’s “The Bad” which was so much fun. My daughter and I was also in short film “The Twilight Hour”.
The pandemic closed the salons, but after saving some money and getting a stimulus check, I got a great deal on a small booth rental in Haltom City, nothing fancy but I love it. At some point I found myself with 3 jobs, hairstylist, thrift store cashier, and Door Dashing. It may sound odd but I found Door Dashing to be an incredible experience. When in between orders I would shoot street photography, weather, and odd restaurants in pockets of the city I would have never had seen if it wasn’t for the app taking me to every corner of Arlington and North West Fort Worth. The occasional encounter at a Pizza place when someone recognizes me. The quick friendly exchange with other women also DoorDashishing ending with a “stay safe” as we leave the restaurants, bags in tote. Did I just experience community?
The few months of working in a thrift store had reignited my love of fashion, and a real wake up call on my determination to mend and sew my own clothing. I’ve only been sewing for a year and it’s a lot but I love the process. So much to learn, I’m currently enrolled in an online class for tailoring.
I got lucky and was invited to a trip with my partners family to Kenya, Africa. Then later Morrocco. The land, history and culture was life changing. I wasn’t ready for my mind to be blown away with how different life is outside of Texas. I started seeing myself as evolving as a woman and mother: how it would affect my perspective on art, beauty, architecture and my own spirituality.
I work still as a stylist, slowly growing every year. I no longer have to work 3 jobs to survive. My partner is my supporter and biggest fan. I have the privilege of taking classes, working on my art, and taking care of a beautiful house, having wonderful friends, and spending time homeschooling my daughter. I’m eternally grateful for everything I have and the 20 clients who have followed and believed in me for the past 15 years.I believe success is like art, it’s subjective. In the words of Snoop Dog, “I want to thank Me” because I could have stopped at any time and settled, but I didn’t(couldn’t) I celebrate my 40th next month and looking forward to what’s next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
obstacles were more personal family matters and financial struggles of being a single mom with no family to lean on or get help from. A few rotten deals with a silver lining of developing myself on a deeper level.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I paint primarily. I tend to switch mediums, back and forth between water colors, acrylic, and oil. It usually would depend on what i have out and the type of painting Im creating. Im known more for my water color works, usually a witty darker humor. My Japanese print techniques are usually my most recognizable paintings. As the artist, my favorite paintings are the ones with lots of flowers.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
That I’m self taught, but would still love the opportunity to go to art school officially. I think education is so important not just for knowing smart facts, but networking and the way it challenges you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bpeargallery.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: brooke_pear_gallery
Image Credits
I photographed everything
