My Disability Doesn’t Define Me: Issa Rae’s Executive Assistant Candis Welch On Thriving In The Workplace
For 32-year-old Candis Welch – excuses are not an option.
At just 18 months' old, Candis was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy – a rare neuromuscular disease that deteriorates muscular strength over time. The condition eventually left her permanently wheelchair bound by the age of 11.
Despite the early predictions on her life, Candis became a first generation college graduate with a Master's Degree in Public Administration, founded the blog Can Can on Wheelz where she chronicles daily life from her perspective, works full-time for the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, and has been Issa Rae's executive assistant for five years – all from her wheelchair.
How does she do it all?
I recently chatted with Candis about her career journey and how she's been able to persevere and prove people's stereotypes about differently-abled persons wrong. "For a long time I had a fear of not seeing myself go past the age of 25. A lot of my friends I met who had a similar disability had already passed away. I feared I wouldn't be able to see a certain part of my life or do certain things. I didn't see them happening for other people that looked like me. My big fear was 'Am I going to experience life?'"
Candis Welch
De Dee Verdin
Navigating the workforce was also a challenge for Candis. "I had to work hard to prove myself. In general, as a Black woman… as a Black disabled woman... as a Black disabled woman who is not a size two, I had a lot of proving to do especially in the entertainment industry. I didn't look the part. I had to let my work ethic and hustle speak for itself. Anyone who I've ever worked for, they all had a general consensus, I work my butt off. I stay late just like anyone else. I get to the job by any means necessary. I am going to be one of your most valued employees. I want to show you that I am capable."
One of the major milestones along this path has been her work with the Hollywood creative Issa Rae – a position she received after a friend who knew she was unemployed at the time recommended that she interview for the open assistant job. Candis credits Issa Rae as being the first person in the entertainment industry who did not judge her or deem her incapable of doing the job. Instead, Issa valued her education, ability to articulate her thoughts, and ability to perform well on the job.
Though she had a lot of learning to do in the beginning and "made mistakes" along the way, Candis shared three of the biggest lessons she's learned over the past few years being a pivotal member of her operations team. These lessons transcend beyond the workplace and have been key pillars in Candis' approach to life and success.
1. Always be nice.
"A lot of people in the industry get a high horse, thinking you have to be rude to people and demanding. You don't have to do none of that." Candis credits Issa's camp as always remaining nice and professional, "You get more with honey than with oil or vinegar."
When working in the industry and building your dreams, you'll meet all sorts of personalities, but remaining nice will go a long way.
2. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, create it.
Issa Rae is known for her original projects, such as Awkward Black Girl, that stemmed from a lack of storytelling that represented her truth.
Likewise, Candis started her blog to tell her story and help others in her position "see the light." There was no representation when she was growing up, so she wanted to be that representation. Her blog chronicles her day-to-day life experiences, sheds light on other disabled persons thriving, details her self-care routines, and more.
The very act of creating will also bring you closer to your purpose, strengthen you, and inspire your community along the way. "Finding my purpose and my calling to tell my story has calmed my soul. I was so frantic [questioning] what am I on this earth for. When I found my purpose, I said, 'I get it God...this is why you had me go through all those crazy times because [I] had to help someone else live through it.'"
Candis Welch
De Dee Verdin
3. If you want to see your work flourish, you have to put in the work.
"You can't try to be at all the parties, it's not going to happen. I saw [Issa passing on social events] for years, but that's how you get Insecure and all these other projects. She's locked in. Nothing else happens unless you're dedicated. She taught me a tremendous work ethic."
As you're building your dream, it will be necessary to ask yourself: Am I making excuses or am I making it happen?
Candis' dedication to her goals are in full throttle. Candis is currently focusing on building the CanCanonWheelz platform and growing it to encompass speaking, panel discussions, brand partnerships, and advocacy opportunities for people with disabilities across all platforms, such as employment and travel. She also wants to create a social network for the disabled and address issues such as dating and living independently. Ultimately, Candis' end goal is to start a nonprofit that caters to disabled adults.
"You are going to fall. You are going to break. This process as living and thriving as a disabled person is difficult."
However, according to Candis – when you're a "hustler by default", there's no way to go but up.
To learn more about Candis' journey, listen to her story on episode 179 of the Dreams In Drive podcast.
Featured Image via De Dee Verdin.
Rana Campbell is a Princeton University graduate, storyteller, content marketing strategist, and the founder and host of Dreams In Drive - a weekly podcast that teaches you how to take your dreams from PARK to DRIVE. She loves teaching others how to use their life stories to inspire action within oneself and others. Connect with her on Instagram @rainshineluv or @dreamsindrive.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED