We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Candice Brooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Candice , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for my business to be profitable is networking, advertising, supplies and financial gain. In a small business it seemed as though you have to be in the right environment, know the right people, and know about how to obtain Financial stability such as grants and or loans to make your business profitable. You also have to know all of the social media platforms and how to intertwined with the audience such as the younger generation in the older generation.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello my name is Candie Brooks. I am the owner of CandieCreations Brooks . I make event planner that customizes decor. I customized wine glasses, flutes, goblets, beer mugs, boss lady glasses, vases, centerpieces, cake & dessert trays, shot glasses, Ice cream mugs, block glasses, bottle bling, card boxes. I also make balloon ensembles, wedding bouquets. I provide dipped treats, candy tables. Last but lease I cater & personalize shirts, blankets, socks, tutu’s, & more. I create priceless memories. Candie Creations 🍓🍷 is a one time stop where we provide anything you need to make your event a success. I came up with the name Candie Creations because I always had a very talented skilled mindset, it started long ago when my children were growing up. I was raised as a Jehovah Witness growing up so we did not celebrate holidays. However, I knew that was not a choice that I wanted to make for my children. I was always estatic when it came to the holidays. Christmas and Birthdays are my favorite holidays. I always wanted to make sure my children had a smile on their face so I really took the time for their birthdays to plan, send out invitations, decorate their birthday parties to make sure everything was right. Birthdays are very special because that’s the day a new life was born and I think everyone should celebrate their birthday. Just like any other business everyone have their own unique skill set and way of doing things, it could be a million businesses that provide the same service but everyone is going to do something different. However, I customize decor according to the event (party, babyshower ect.) I also have a culinary arts certificate, so with my pricing, I cater meals that are made with love from scratch, and last but not least I provide Tidbits (candy) Treats Table that may include dipped apples, strawberries, pretzels, oreos or any dip treats ect.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
I have other streams of income, besides the small businesses (CandieCreations & Beautiful Hair by Candie). I work remotely for corporate office of a hospital. I think very important to have residual income while you’re trying to market your business. Any business the first couple years can put a dent in your pockets, you will experience a loss, you will realize that you will invest more into your business versus the revenue that you’re profiting.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lessons I have learned with a small business is that is not easy, you have stay focused & work hard, you will have challenges but sooner or later you will see a profit. You don’t need a million people to give you advice, the same people that’s giving you advice, telling you what not to do are the same ones that don’t support your brand or your business. A small business needs support, that can be help marketing, sharing post on social media platforms, writing reviews, telling other people about your product and services or your supporters can even book an event that so you can display your skills. Despite how big or small business may be there’s always going to be one person that criticize you, always be positive and keep trying. Don’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/candiecreations?igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candiecreation.brooks
- TT: @CandieCreations02
- For Inquires Email: CandieCreations02@gmail.com
- Contact: (248) 818 -1188