Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Wright. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Candace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for my unwavering positivity, kind heart, and resilience. ‘Treat people how you want to be treated’ is a principle I live by daily. Whether as a listener, motivational speaker, coach, consultant, mentor, or simply a friendly face, I make it a point to engage with others warmly, even strangers in passing. No matter what challenges I’m facing, I choose to smile and uplift those around me, never letting my struggles dim the energy I bring to the world.
Being a loving mother is central to who I am. I want my children to remember me as someone who always gave them unconditional love, support, and guidance, setting an example of strength and compassion. The legacy I build as a mother comes first and foremost. Next is the legacy that I leave in my professional life.
I also take immense pride in the hard work I’ve put into building my business. It’s an honor that so many people trust me with their finances and deeply personal information. I understand the weight of that responsibility, and I’m committed to handling every detail with integrity and care. The success of my clients is deeply personal to me, and I’m driven to see them thrive.
I carry myself with humility and integrity, always striving to remain grounded. We all face our own trials, but it’s how we navigate life’s storms that defines our character. I believe in approaching others without judgment because we can never fully know the battles they’ve fought or the experiences that shaped them. My hope is that my legacy will be one of compassion, strength, hard work, and a commitment to lifting others up, all while being remembered as a loving mother who always inspired those around her.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Introduction to WE Rise Business Solutions
Hello, my name is Candace Wright-English and I’m proud to introduce WE Rise Business Solutions, which I co-founded with Andrea Edwards. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs and grassroots nonprofit organizations, particularly those from underserved or low-income neighborhoods, by offering the resources, education, and guidance they need to overcome systemic barriers and achieve long-term success. Through our comprehensive suite of services—including Accounting, Bookkeeping, Tax Preparation/Planning, Business Automations, Credit Repair, Notary services, and Non-Profit Fiscal Operations—we empower our clients to build a solid financial foundation and thrive in their respective industries.
How We Got Started
My journey into this industry is deeply personal. As a first-generation college graduate, growing up in North Philadelphia, I witnessed firsthand the impact of financial hardship on families and communities. This fueled my passion for helping others navigate these challenges. I developed a love for accounting during high school, which I pursued at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Over the years, I have honed my skills through professional roles, including my current position as an Accounting Controller for a nonprofit institute in the City of Philadelphia where I oversee the fiscal operations for large-scale grants; $23Million for FY24 and $30Million for FY25.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes WE Rise Business Solutions unique is our holistic approach to client service. We don’t just provide services; we educate our clients on how to improve their businesses and their overall financial health. From the moment a client engages with us, we take the time to understand their personal and business goals, providing a full review of their financial situation. For example, when handling tax preparation, we don’t simply submit the return—we offer a detailed consultation, explain the process, answer questions, and create a tax strategy for the year ahead. This level of care and attention is rare and helps our clients take actionable steps toward financial success.
Our business automation services are another key differentiator. Many of our clients are unaware of the tools available to help streamline their operations. By automating repetitive tasks, we help entrepreneurs save time, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses.
Problems We Solve for Our Clients
The clients we serve often face significant barriers, such as limited access to capital and financial literacy. Entrepreneurs from underserved neighborhoods encounter unique challenges, including higher failure rates for small businesses due to lack of access to resources, funding, and education. Our services are designed to fill these gaps, providing them with the tools they need to establish strong foundations and make informed decisions about their business.
In addition, we recently expanded our offerings to include credit repair, which is vital for business owners seeking better loan terms and freeing up cash flow for growth. We also help them establish essential tools for long-term financial security, ensuring their businesses and families are protected.
What We Are Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the trust our clients place in us. Handling someone’s finances and personal information is a huge responsibility, and we take that trust very seriously. Whether it’s helping a nonprofit organization improve its fiscal operations or guiding an entrepreneur through tax planning, I find joy in knowing that we are empowering people to succeed in ways they might not have thought possible.
Another source of pride is the youth financial literacy program we are developing. We believe in catching the next generation of entrepreneurs early, arming them with the tools and knowledge they need to enter the business world with confidence and a strong financial foundation.
Looking Forward
We have big plans for the future. Our goal is to secure a commercial space of our own and expand our team. We’re also committed to growing our impact by reaching more underserved entrepreneurs and helping them achieve the success they deserve. Through WE Rise Business Solutions, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable economy by uplifting minority entrepreneurs and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Andrea and I first met while working together at a corporate company. Although I eventually left that company to pursue a better opportunity, three years later, we found ourselves reconnecting in the tax preparation business. It was during this time that I grew to admire Andrea’s dedication to customer care and her drive to grow the business. Her attention to detail and genuine passion for helping clients succeed really stood out to me.
As we continued working in the tax industry, we realized how much our values and goals aligned. Both of us shared a passion for improving financial literacy, especially in underserved communities where access to resources is limited. Andrea’s strong academic background and extensive experience in customer service and management complemented my expertise in accounting, and together, we saw an opportunity to make a greater impact.
It became clear that by combining our talents and knowledge, we could provide a more comprehensive suite of services to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers and thrive. That realization sparked the beginning of WE Rise Business Solutions, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a first-generation college graduate, I excelled in my corporate accounting career, exceeding expectations and steadily climbing the ladder. It became almost a given that I would continue to advance in the corporate realm. I thrived as an accountant and leader, and my advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion often led to invitations to represent the company at speaking engagements and philanthropic events. These experiences boosted my confidence and deepened my appreciation for the impact I could have on individuals and small businesses.
For a long time, I believed staying in my corporate role and volunteering on the side was the best way to maximize my influence. However, I often encountered the refrain, “That’s just the way things are in the corporate world,” particularly regarding the lack of diverse representation in leadership. The limited number of people who looked like me in positions of power was disheartening. At one point, I took it as a personal challenge to rise to the top of the corporate ladder and bring others with me.
For a while, I struggled with the idea of stepping away from corporate life. I worried it might seem like I was giving up on my goal of reaching the top. But I eventually realized that pursuing entrepreneurship wasn’t giving up—it was choosing a different path to achieve the same goal: making a major impact and changing lives.
Now, I find immense joy in helping individuals, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders understand their finances. Using my financial knowledge to help those who need a dynamic accountant is such a gift. As our brand grows and our reach expands, I’m excited about the positive impact we will continue to make in the lives of so many people. This pivot has been a fulfilling and empowering decision, and it has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of charting your own path to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://werisebusinesssolutions.com
- Instagram: wrbusiness.solutions
