We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candice Sykes Mckinnon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candice below.

Candice, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

An unexpected combination of family-related matters and overlapping operational demands across both Glam by Candy and my tax preparation business required me to make the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily step back.

During this period, unforeseen family issues arose that demanded my full attention. At the same time, both businesses were entering critical phases that required a level of availability and focus I could not reasonably sustain without compromising service standards. As a result, I elected to take a planned year away from active operations to prioritize family responsibilities, regain balance, and ensure long-term business stability.

This decision was made proactively and responsibly, with the intention of protecting clients, maintaining professional integrity, and allowing time to reassess structure, capacity, and operational safeguards. Since returning, I have implemented improved systems, clearer boundaries, and contingency planning to prevent similar challenges in the future.

Both businesses remain committed to excellence, professionalism, and growth moving forward.

Candice, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may be discovering me for the first time, my name is **Candice Sykes-McKinnon**, and I’m a multi-business owner operating at the intersection of **beauty, business, and financial empowerment**.

I am the founder of **Glam by Candy**, a beauty brand rooted in enhancing confidence, and a **seasoned tax professional** specializing in serving entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and high-income earners. While these industries may appear different on the surface, they are deeply connected by one core principle: **helping people feel secure, confident, and in control**—whether that’s in how they look or how they manage their money.

I entered the beauty industry through a genuine passion for transformation and self-expression. Glam by Candy was built on the belief that beauty is not about trends—it’s about presence, polish, and confidence. My work focuses on elevated, intentional beauty services designed to make clients feel powerful, seen, and prepared for the rooms they’re walking into.

My journey into tax and financial services came from a different, but equally personal place. I saw far too many talented, hardworking people—especially small business owners and independent professionals—overpaying in taxes, lacking proper structure, or feeling intimidated by the financial side of success. I made it my mission to bridge that gap by offering **clear, strategic, and trustworthy tax guidance** that helps clients protect their income and build long-term stability.

Across both businesses, I provide:

* Luxury beauty services under **Glam by Candy**
* Tax preparation and strategic support for **self-employed individuals, small business owners, and high earners**
* Guidance that simplifies complex processes while maintaining professionalism and discretion

What sets me apart is my ability to combine **technical expertise with emotional intelligence**. I don’t just provide a service—I provide clarity, confidence, and care. My clients know they are not just another appointment or file; they are supported by someone who understands both the numbers and the human behind them.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my resilience. After facing unexpected family challenges, I made the intentional decision to step away for a year to reset, protect my standards, and realign my businesses with the level of excellence I expect. That pause strengthened my vision, refined my systems, and reinforced my commitment to doing things with integrity rather than urgency.

What I want potential clients, followers, and collaborators to know is this:
I build brands with purpose. I value discretion, quality, and long-term relationships. I believe luxury is not loud—it’s consistent, thoughtful, and intentional. Whether you’re trusting me with your image or your finances, you can expect professionalism, strategy, and care at every level.

My work is about helping people show up fully—confident in how they look, secure in how they operate, and empowered in how they move forward.

-True luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about intention, integrity, and the confidence to show up fully in every room you enter.”

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell primarily through **social commerce platforms**, with **TikTok** playing a major role in my growth rather than traditional marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy.

TikTok allowed me to scale quickly and reach customers across **more than 30 states**, and even internationally. The platform created direct access to a global audience and brought in a surge of customers who connected with my brand in real time. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to **showcase products live**, educate buyers instantly, and build trust through visibility and personality—something you can’t easily replicate on standard e-commerce marketplaces.

That said, there are tradeoffs. Like most high-volume platforms, there are occasional **petty or unjustified returns**, public backlash that isn’t always rooted in fact, and the challenge of managing **brand ambassadors who may not fully represent the brand’s standards**. Another downside is the demand of **constant live selling**, which can be time-intensive and difficult to sustain long term without a strong support system.

Overall, TikTok has been a powerful growth engine and visibility tool, but it also reinforced the importance of **brand control, systems, and balance**. As the business evolves, the focus is shifting toward creating more structured sales channels that maintain reach while protecting brand integrity and sustainability.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I don’t point to a single book or formal framework as the foundation of my entrepreneurial thinking. Instead, **YouTube has been one of my most impactful learning tools**. It’s allowed me to learn in real time—from other founders’ experiences, operational breakdowns, financial strategy discussions, and hard-earned lessons that often don’t make it into textbooks. The accessibility and variety of perspectives have been invaluable in shaping how I think about growth, discipline, and decision-making.

Equally important to my philosophy is maintaining a **hustler’s mentality**—the willingness to show up consistently, learn on the fly, and do the work even when conditions aren’t perfect. I believe success requires both adaptability and resilience, especially as a business owner navigating multiple ventures.

At the same time, I’ve learned that hustle alone isn’t enough. My faith and **personal relationship with God** play a central role in how I lead, make decisions, and stay grounded. A strong prayer life helps me maintain clarity, humility, and perspective—especially during seasons of pressure or uncertainty. It reminds me that while I’m responsible for the work, I don’t have to carry everything alone.

The combination of continuous learning, disciplined hustle, and faith-driven grounding has shaped a management style that values both **excellence and balance**, action and reflection. It’s a philosophy that allows me to build intentionally, course-correct when necessary, and lead with purpose rather than ego.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sykesfinancial.setmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17n54CH9op/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Ms.Candice