We recently connected with Candace Pittman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Candace thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

Today, the term modeling is used extremely to broad. For example, video vixens are being called models, which is very misleading in conversations. There are social media models as well. So, when it comes up in conversation that I’m a model, I have to make sure I say professional model. Before I was signed, photographers were trying their hardest to get me in front of their camera naked. All they seen and still see, is a beautiful face and great body, and think I use my body to get ahead. I’ve turned down several offers, big money offers at that, because the term is being misused. Women are being, kidnapped, raped, and sex trafficked due to the misuse of the term.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure. So originally, I NEVER wanted to be a model. The main goal for me was to become a IT Specialist. I was content with being a professional volleyball player/ IT Specialist. I got started in modeling by losing a bet made with my manager in 2016. I was working at Hooters, and the managers wanted me to submit for the Hooters calendar. I would tell them no of course, until one day, one of the managers caught wind that I like to make bets against my tables on any game on at the time. So he put up a bet on a college basketball game, the bet was if his team win, I had to take the pictures and submit to the calendar. If his team loss, then all my meals (seafood included) would be free for the rest of the year. I loss by a buzzer beater. So I took the pictures, and submitted. Unfortunately, I didn’t get selected for the calendar. However, the photographer posted my pictures on Facebook, and my career took off. My brand, is my baby. With everything I’ve done in life, I’ve build it from the ground up. No shortcuts, no handouts, just pure networking, hard work, and dedication.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me, is the smile that my mom and grandma have on their faces, with anything that’s done. Whether it’s a new Photoshoot, any publication, or a booking. The smile on their face is priceless.

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

A couple years ago, I seen an interview that Denzel Washington did. During the interview, he spoke on the advice he gave his daughter who’s pursuing acting. The advice was, “ Don’t be the one who has everyone saying “oh it’s her again,“ be the one who has them wondering what you are about to do next.” I took those words and readjusted my approach to my career. I didn’t want to become burnt out before I got started, so any photoshoot I did after seeing that interview, out of maybe 25 pictures I received back, I would only post 1-3 of them to maximize the exposure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://candipofficial.net/
• Instagram: Candipofficial/ kisses_2_candi
• Facebook: Candi Pitt
• Twitter: Kisses_2_candi

Image Credits
Michael Martin (mike1stimpression) EWP (ewp.photos) Sedric Beasley (sedricbphotos) Sanjeev Singhal (csraphotography)