Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Willis
Hi Candace , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a love for modeling since watching rerun after rerun of Americas next top model! Envisioning myself as those models, how they’d walk, and pose, I would put on my mom’s heels and do my best Tyra walk for my family when americas next top model would come on! I loved it all! I actually started modeling when I was a kid Mabye around 8 or 9.
I had a chance to model for a bridal line in Dallas with my mother, I had an ivory flower girl dress on that was off the shoulder and we walked the runway together. I’ll never forget that feeling, the pictures, the way everything came and felt so natural to me.
As I got older I told my parents how much I wanted to pursue it. My mom and dad supported me and decided to put me in modeling school that I’d go to for semesters at a time after my regular school day was over with. We’d learn how to walk, pose, skincare, confidence etc. I think it helped with my confidence growing up.
While in high school after I’d gotten my drivers license and had a car I’d find different modeling fashion shows in Dallas that were holding castings. I’d go to several castings and get to walk in different runway shows around the city. My parents would be in the crowd supporting me every single time. During those shows I’d have the opportunity to make connections with designers, and photographers which then opened the door for me to shoot commercially a lot more. One fashion show, I had just gotten off the runway, a designer who I’ve never met before needed an extra model to wear her swim suit. She grabbed me last minute, I tried it on and it fit like a glove. From then on me and her acquired a 9 year relationship and friendship modeling for one of Dallas’ most known swimwear brands, Asherah swimwear! I’ve gotten to travel out of the country several times on campaigns to shoot with her brand and shoot with other brands along the way.
While in the height of my modeling I became pregnant with my first child. I’ve always been active and passionate about fitness, I was determined to keep modeling after I had her, and that I did. I focused on my health and working out once I was ready and able. I breastfed for over a year which helped the weight come off. It was a scary time in my life, I felt like my modeling career had been uprooted by life’s surprises. I went through a period of postpartum depression and didn’t even realize it until maybe a year and a half later. I focused on my mental health and physical health and was ready to get back into the modeling world. Again, I began to collaborate with designers and photographers in the city I began to feel good about modeling again. It wasn’t an easy transition to go through at all but I’m glad I had the support of my family to help get me back into doing what I love.
Fast forward a few years as I was back modeling and traveling with a 3 year old. I become pregnant with another baby girl in 2021! I was making sure to eat healthy and stay active during my pregnancy so that I can come back to modeling. This time around I knew what to expect, I knew how my body would change and I prepped and stayed consistent with being active and I was better this time around mentally and physically.
After having two kids there was a point where it broke down my confidence. Confidence in myself, in what I was capable of, if I’d be able to model again, if my body would ever look the same. The first time was really rough. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about myself, about nutrition and how important gut health is. Taking pauses in modeling to focus on my family then getting back into it. I learned that especially in today’s society there’s not a one size fits all for modeling. There are so many avenues you can model in, you don’t have to be stick thin just to model like you used to, that’s given me a lot of confidence in how I perceive myself to be. My body doesn’t look the same after having two kids but with hard work I’ve built a new one, one that’s healthy and has a story!
A body that I’m so proud of!
There are ebbs and flow all throughout life and through difficult times I’ve learned how to navigate through them by holding close to God and the support of my family and friends and by the resiliency to never give up.
I want the people that see me to know that it’s not impossible, it’s never too late to focus on your dreams and there is an avenue for whatever lane you want to be in, true confidence doesn’t lie in the things people tell you.
What God has for you is for you and no one can stop it from happening! I’m living my dream and I have so much more to accomplish that I am laser focused on!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Modeling, sometimes you’re booked for a lot of work, and sometimes you won’t have a job for a few months. I’ve learned not to let that dictate my professionalism or who I am as a model and what I am capable of. Losing confidence in myself after having kids, financial struggle, motherhood you name it. I hold myself to a high standard and sometimes that takes a toll on me mentally. I’ve learned along the way to have thick skin, let go of things quicker. What I’ve accomplished and haven’t accomplished don’t define who I am as a person and what I’m passionate about. Consistency is key, especially being such a creative person it’s important to stay in that space and remember why you love it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Comercial Model. I am most proud of my mental growth. This industry is not an easy one to be in because it’s so centered on how you look. It’s taken me years to accept myself and how I look and who I am. I’m not like anyone else, I love everything about me. I think what sets me apart from others is my heart, the way I see things, the soft and happy energy I bring with me everywhere I go. I’m a huge encourager and love to encourage people. If I have a chance to make you feel good about yourself I’m the first person to say something. I am also proud that I’ve been able to travel outside the country to do what I love.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Put yourself out there. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is the more you talk to people the more you’ll learn and make connections with others in your field. I’m naturally an introvert, I have a limited social battery so sometimes I have to muster up the courage to have a conversation with people.
Something I do a lot is I’ll walk up to a person and pretend like I’ve known them for years, that helps a lot with social anxiety! Talking to people is what’s gotten me to all my accomplishments and relationships now! You have nothing to loose, everything to gain.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _candacenoelle
- Other: Bookcandacewillis@gmail.com
Image Credits
_Capturedbyjacob_
Asherahswimwear
Kauwuane Burton
