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

Hi Candace, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

So before I became a licensed massage therapist and postpartum doula I spent 10 years in theatre education. I was a theatre teacher with an undergrad degree in Theatre and a Masters degree in Theatre directing. I taught theatre, tech theatre, and musical theatre and I loved it! I got out of teaching once I had children and amidst my divorce I had to make some huge shifts for me and my kids and knew I didn’t want to go back to full time teaching and 12 hour work days, etc. I had always had a curiosity about birthwork as I had tough postpartum period after both of my children and often dreamed of supporting families postpartum. So I found an online training program for doulas – one that was trauma informed, inclusive, and full spectrum. Shortly after I began working at the Wellness Collective I now work at, as the Office Manager. I was asking to volunteer to continue getting body work for my kids and I but it ended up being a life saving job, in a safe space, with supportive people. one where I got to witness people taking charge of their wellness, health, and lives, making discoveries and connections that was so healing. I met so many wonderful people and my desire to learn bodywork grew. So I would say the defining moment was that time I was a support role in the office, witnessing and learning, and watching people’s journey. That curiosity launched me into training with a local ayurvedic doula who mentored me through many things and inspired more learning. Then took me back to school to get my LMT, and go after more specific training from mentors after that. Now I have my own evolving practice serving those who are at various stages of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and/or loss. Those who are healing from deep wounds and scars, and not just physically. Those curious about their body, soul, mind connection and wanting to listen and reflect.

Candace, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I guess I answered a bit of this in the last answer.
In my young adult life I sought out spaces where I was serving by teaching children, doing creative things – writing, theatre, and so much more. I spent 10 years in theatre education where those students taught me so much. When I had my first child, I shifted my focus to being home with my children and then came to this work by way of my own experiences in pregnancy and postpartum. First becoming a certified full spectrum, inclusive, trauma informed doula, then training with Cheryl of Ombalance Collective as an AyurDoula, and then training as a massage therapist at Parker University this past year.

I want to serve those who hold the babies and children, the feelers and healing facilitators, those who bravely advocate in the birthspace and for families. I want to serve those putting the pieces back together, rewriting their story, starting a new chapter, reflecting, redeeming, restoring. Those who’s scars are a testament to their love, fight, strength, and light. It would be an honor to be a part of your discoveries, curiosities, and commitment to your wellness.
​
I currently offer massage at Urban Hippie Wellness Collective with the options of swedish/relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release therapy, scar tissue care, prenatal and postpartum massage. And I am also a Postpartum Doula with an ayurvedic approach to care. This is such a beautiful tradition of honoring the Sacred Window after birth with a protocol of nutrition, bodywork in the form of Abhyangas, and other supports.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Collaboration with my fellow team and birthworkers in the community as well as a great Financial advisor. Collobarating with my team – other massage therapists and chiropractors have helped me learn so much and we have been able to help clients by putting our knowledge and skills together. If I don’t have the answer, I know I can call on others more experienced than me to guide me. And knowing other fellow birthworkers (doulas, midwives, PTs etc.) means I can refer my clients to some great providers to support them at whatever stage they are in.

And my financial advisor keeps me on track with goals I have financially and personally. Helping me dream, invest, and make the tough decisions.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think it is by word of mouth, our community is small even though it is in DFW, oak cliff is a community who wants to support people within it. And creating a culture of community has helped in people trusting me, telling others about me, and understanding what I do. I also aim to be out in the community – supporting local businesses, the local school, and live in the neighborhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativesoul-wellness.com
• Instagram: @creativesoulwellness
• Other: Collective website: www.urbanhippiecollective.com

  Book with me: https://urbanhippiechiropractic.as.me/candace

Image Credits

Jacob Fowler