meet the xonecole tribe
Credit: Danielle Webster
Where are you from?
I'm from all over, honestly. (Caution: Long answer alert) I was born in Iowa City, IA, where my mom was in graduate school for Mass Communications, but she and my father are from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and that's where I call "home". I also spent time in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. I currently live in Denver, CO.
Where did you go to school? And what was your major?
I went to the illustrious South Carolina State University (Go Bulldogs!) in Orangeburg, South Carolina. I studied Mass Communications with an emphasis on Journalism and I also took visual and digital art courses.
When did your love affair with writing begin?
When I was little, I wanted to be just like Janet (Ms. Jackson, if you're nasty). Singing has never been my strong suit, but I fell in love with writing lyrics at an early age. It seemed like my feelings actually mattered when they were put on paper. I found that when my emotions were translated into lyrics, they were no longer just thoughts I had when I was alone. I've always had a wild imagination and a lingering desire to be on stage, so at 14, my rap career was set in motion. In college, I studied journalism, and it taught me how multi-faceted storytelling could really be.
"I had always loved writing because it enabled me to tell my story, but my world changed when I learned that I could use it to tell the stories of others, too."
How and when did you start working with xoNecole?
Since college, I've wanted to work for Necole. I applied a few times before I was on-boarded by our managing editor, and my good friend, Sheriden.
Months prior, I had been working a part-time turned full-time job at Victoria's Secret, but I was miserable. One week after I quit to do my own thing, I got a pilonidal cyst, or a large ass crack boil, and had to be rushed into surgery, leaving me bedridden for two months. I was a college graduate whose mom was paying her bills and didn't have a dollar to her name. I was defeated, depressed, and couldn't get a 9-5 if I wanted to. Then, something told me to apply to xoNecole one more time, and as proof that God is a good, good God, Sheriden gave me a chance.
Me and Sheriden immediately had chemistry, and although it was my first freelance position, she taught me everything I needed to know to be an on-going daily writer. At the end of June, I was asked to come on as Associate Editor.
How do you practice self-care?
Weed and binge-watching TV are probably my favorite ways to take care of myself. I struggle with anxiety, and sometimes my thoughts get so overwhelming that I'm paralyzed. I can't think, I can't feel, I'm just stuck in my own head. Binge-watching my favorite shows with a little Mary Jane helps me to be mindless, even if it's only for a few hours. For example, yesterday, I watched six episodes of This Is Us. In a row. With no regrets. I didn't even know I needed to cry, and laugh, and smile, the way I did for those six hours, but I can tell you one thing, I feel a lot better since I did.
Credit: Danielle Webster
What are your interests? Do you have any hobbies?
I am extremely interested in all things cannabis and hip-hop related. I'm also super interested in nature, cooking, art, and live music of any kind. [I'm also] thinking about getting into yoga!
What is your favorite book of all time? What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read and one of my FAVORITE books ever is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A friend sent this novel to me in college, and it changed my perspective of the world in so many ways. When I first got the book, I didn't take the time to read it. It wasn't until I was watching a Pharrell interview with Oprah, and he mentioned that this book changed his life that I really gave it a chance. Now, I read it at least once a year. I recommend this book to anyone I meet who is following their dreams or deep down has a desire to do so.
What’s your endgame? Why do you do what you do?
Ladies, call me ambitious, but I'm hoping to be holding a Grammy and a Pulitzer Prize when it's time for the King to call me home. I believe deep in my heart that every experience that I've had should be used to help someone else. Like most women, I've been through a lot of sh*t in my life. I've bumped my head, I've stumbled, but my only hope is that other women who have tripped and stumbled can look at me and know they can chase their happiness and follow their dreams and be successful, too, despite the hardships. My mother was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in Mass Communications, and I plan to bring home so much honor in her name.
Credit: Danielle Webster
I want to be apart of the Black media ecosystem that creates real change. I want my unborn child to know that their mother used words and ideas to make the world a better place, just like my mom did for me.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the most challenging part?
The most rewarding part of being Associate Editor at xoNecole is knowing that women's lives are changed by the narratives that we create. We work with so many amazing women with so many amazing stories, it's truly a blessing to be a part of a community that caters to people that look like me. I learn something new every day from a different woman and that is truly priceless.
The most challenging part of my job is overcoming a sedentary lifestyle and maintaining a productive work-life balance. I am a workaholic and a perfectionist when it comes to my work. That, coupled with my anxiety makes working from home difficult sometimes. Only recently have I learned to take time for self-care, because at first, I was walking around looking like a caveman, glued to the computer at least 12 hours a day.
What advice do you have for other freelance writers?
Be transparent! Your story is invaluable, and nobody can tell it like you can. Even experiences that may seem mundane to you can be useful to someone else's journey. I don't believe in censorship in writing, which is why I love xoNecole. Don't try to mold your story to fit any one narrative, find a platform that loves who you are. Tell your story and hold nothing back.
How can we keep up with you on social media?
You can like my Facebook page @Love, Pretty Honore.
And you can follow me on Instagram @lovetaylormichal and for some flavor in your ear, follow my music page @prettyhonore.
Keep up with the other members of our Tribe here.
For our inaugural feature in the series, we are highlighting a writer that first made a splash on the site with her candid retelling of how choosing to take a risk and dating for potential in love ultimately led to the love of her life in her husband (Y'all can read that here). And as instantly as we were captivated, so were our readers.
Without further adieu, meet Kandice Guice, the self-proclaimed attorney by day, writer by passion who writes all things love, relationships, wellness, and everything in between.
Writer Kandice Guice
Rico Images
Where are you from?
I was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Monroe, Louisiana.
What did you go to school for? And what was your major?
I obtained my undergrad degree in Mass Communication from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I later went on to receive my Master of Public Administration from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy at Southern University and my law degree from Southern University Law Center.
When did your love affair with writing begin?
Since I can remember, I've had an intimate love affair with writing. I'd write poems, stories, and journal entries to cope with familial transitions and issues I faced at school. By fifth grade, I was writing content and pitching it to my teacher. I'd ask him to review my writing, then ask if I could read or act it out in class. The kids loved it! And my teacher started gently nudging me toward considering writing as my career path rather than my original idea of being a veterinarian. High school came and writing was it for me. Classmates would ask me to pass them my stories to read when class was too boring for them. I was getting published in the local newspaper, winning writing contests, and even getting scholarships based on my pieces.
"Since I can remember, I've had an intimate love affair with writing."
How and when did you start working with xoNecole.com?
I told a friend I was starting a blog. After hearing my vision, she thought it aligned well with xoNecole.com and encouraged me to check it out. I was so in love with the theme that I started dreaming of working with the brand. A few months passed, and I sent my first pitch but didn't hear back. After that, I made it a point to study the style of the pieces and keep up with the writers. I also reached out to other freelance writers to get their feedback on how I could sharpen my approach. I finally got the courage to pitch another idea. Our Managing Editor, Sheriden, loved it and invited me to become a contributing writer.
Rico Images
How do you practice self-care?
Playing dress up is my favorite form of self-care. I strongly believe that when you look good, you feel good. On days when I'm stressed or frustrated, I cut on some 90s R&B while I do my makeup and pick out cute outfits. Taking the time to get glam shifts my mood and makes me feel empowered to handle whatever comes my way.
"Taking the time to get glam shifts my mood and makes me feel empowered to handle whatever comes my way."
Are you single?
I'm blessed to be married to Bakari Guice. We've been on this marriage journey for a year and a half, and it has been the most rewarding experience I could've asked for. The ability to see our individual and collective growth is remarkable. Plus, it doesn't hurt to wake up to the coolest friend you know every day.
What are your interests? Do you have any hobbies?
I'm involved in so many things that I barely have time to even think about hobbies. But if I had to list a few, they would include travel, reading, online shopping, and spending time with family. Right now, I am experiencing a mental growth spurt and it's sparked my interests in self-development. I like to feed that appetite by reading non-fiction and having engaging conversations that stretch my thought process and viewpoint.
What is your favorite book of all-time? What's the last book you read?
It's tough for me to narrow down the full gamut of books I've enjoyed into a favorite of all time, but anything written by Toni Morrison is a fave. Although fictional, they include themes that make me more self-aware. The last book I read was The Four Agreements. I can't say enough how everyone should read it. It's been life changing for my perspective about how I view myself and others.
Rico Images
What's your endgame? Why do you do what you do?
I couldn't tell you my endgame. I don't think anyone who intends to be habitually successful really can. So much of climbing is based on reinventing yourself, staying sharp, and remaining flexible that it's impossible to just name one thing and stick to it. For me, the sky is the limit. If I had to answer what's up next for me, I would definitely say getting to a space where I can expand my role at xoNecole, delving into video/having my own show, and turning my #MoreThanPrettyCampaign into a national movement, which shifts the world's perspective on female leadership.
I do what I do for my mother and grandmother who have virtually eliminated any excuse for why I can't be anything I want in this life. I also do it to show multipassionate women and girls that they have a right to explore all the things that make them happy and interest them. There is a such thing as being an attorney and a blogger or a stockbroker and a stylist. The sky is the limit. I hope by seeing me do my own thing, they are inspired to break out of the box others try to build around us.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the most challenging part?
The most rewarding part of my job as a writer is being able to tell stories and relay information from the perspective of a black woman. We make up a powerful demographic of this country and this world. Our voice, our thoughts, our feelings matter in the big scheme of things. Being able to write pieces that connect to women like me makes me feel like our love is on top.
The most challenging part is thinking through new innovative ways to capture the attention of readers. With so much white noise out there, it isn't always easy to get someone to click on an article, even if it's relevant. I'm always trying to come up with new ways to get viewers to stop and take note.
"Being able to write pieces that connect to women like me makes me feel like our love is on top."
What advice do you have for other freelance writers?
In this digital age, your personal brand is so important. Go the extra mile to show brands what you can do by having a great website and investing in yourself. Put in the effort to work hard for yourself and others will pay attention. Aside from that, I'd say stay in the fight. Don't take your first no or even a thousand no's as a sign to quit. It doesn't matter how many no's you get. You only need one yes to make the difference.
How can we keep up with you on social media?
You can follow me across all social networks @kandiceguice.
Featured image by Rico Images
