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

Alright, Candice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

As the black creator and designer of my clothing line, Black Prvlg. (Privilege), and behavior therapist for children with special needs, both communities I support are underserved in society.

The fashion industry, and society in general, is limited in its institutions that empower people of color, specifically people of African descent. In the summer of 2020, the world watched yet another black human be cowardly slain at the hands of racism. After emerging from a fog of despair, I knew I needed to create something that would provide myself and my community with comfort and edification. In creating this line that affirms blackness as a culture and an identity, it is my endeavor to celebrate our unique perspective, and to evoke a mood of dignity and connection within those who belong to, and supporters of, our specific group.

In education, the population of students with special needs are often overlooked, ostracized, and marginalized in the classroom, as well as in society as a whole. My work as a behavior therapist allows me to provide support to this community through introducing and teaching skills that include functional communication, emotional regulation, and social awareness. These skills will ultimately benefit these individuals in their academic careers and in their lives long after.

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

To be completely transparent, my clothing line was born out of necessity. I needed a creative outlet to uplift my spirit, and the spirit of the black community despite the peculiar challenges we face in our experience . Black Prvlg. Luxury Streetwear offers chic basics, graphic T’s, hats, blazers, and eyewear. You can find our pieces on our website www.blackprvlg at local pop up shops, including one we are very excited about this summer on June 24, called Chocolate and Art, at the Vortex in downtown LA. What I am most proud of are the connections I am able to make with those who identify with the brand, from the large orders, to the silent nods in agreement, I am very appreciative.

My work as a behavior therapist is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Providing individuals who are differently abled with skills that increase their independence adds quality to their lives, and brings so much joy to mine.

In both of my careers, I take great pride in the fact that I am able to advocate for, and represent communities that are typically under served.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Summer 2020 was a “dark night of the soul” for me. It was a time where I felt incredibly helpless in regards to the murders of black people on camera, and I also felt extremely isolated due to the world wide lock down. Although this time was difficult to navigate both physically and emotionally, finding the inspiration to create my clothing line as a catalyst for the empowerment of black people, demonstrated my ability to be resilient myself, while providing encouragement to my community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Additionally, my son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. Hearing that news was heart reaching, because I know very well how difficult the path can be for people who are neurodiverse. After allowing myself to grieve the loss of my expectations for the life I had imagined for him, I began to appreciate how beautiful it will be to apply the work I do so well in my career, to enhance my son’s life as much as possible. I believe that nothing is coincidence, and it has been made very clear to me that I am within my purpose, which allows me to be a great asset to all of those I support, especially my own son.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackprvlg.com
• Instagram: Blackprivilegeluxurystreetwear