Candace is best known for her Award-Winning spa parties and her business instructional classes designed to empower millennial business owners. She has written over 30 e-books (for spa professionals) and has been invited to speak on mainstages internationally. A trailblazer in her own right, Holyfield has assisted over 500 spa owners not only launch their salons but create a six-figure income while doing so. Her work in the industry has not gone unnoticed. She has graced the stages and pages of some of the most coveted beauty magazines and expos. She has been the voice for African American spa owners b/c so many have been ignored or muted. This prompted the development of The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine. Candace has been featured in Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, Sheen Magazine, and Rolling Out Yahoo Finance! Hello Beautiful and many more.
We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Beautiful and Successful Candace Holyfield to discuss entrepreneurship and her impact on the spa industry.
Who is Candace Holyfield “The Six-Figure Spa Chick” in one sentence?
Candace Holyfield is a woman who works hard to live the life she desires.
You are a native of Memphis Tennessee, how did your surroundings impact who you are today?
My hometown of Memphis TN made me tough, and growing up in the projects, exposed me to a lot. Thankfully I was blessed with both streets and book smarts, and both have always been top-tier. Being street-smart made me a go-getter at a young age, and where I’m from, you had to have street smarts to survive. My hometown has taught me lifelong lessons and I’m thankful for them all. Oh, I can’t forget to mention how Memphis impacted and elevated my love for music and food.
Can you reflect back on your early days of entrepreneurship, who or what would you tribute your success to today?
My early days of success as an entrepreneur are highly accredited to Shirley Mabern, Aubrey Boyd, and Valerie Lindsey. They are all massage therapists in Memphis, Tn. Shirley and Aubrey taught me how to massage while working at Massage Envy. Valerie informed me how to contact Groupon in 2011, and from there I made my first six figures.
What inspired your start in the spa industry?
I originally wanted to attend nursing school. However, the massage therapy program had a shorter time frame, and I was in a financial bind that was making it hard to feed my kids. So, I chose spa over nursing.
You have been able to build your brand into a six-figure + Brand and teach others around the world to do the same. What message do you hope women take away from your platform?
My mission is to help and inspire as many humans as possible with my story and teach them marketing strategies. I would love for people to know that no matter your situation, it is temporary, and you have the power to change your entire life.
You recently hosted the first annual Phenomenal Woman Awards & Luncheon, can you share what creating and hosting this event meant for you?
My women’s luncheon at Neiman Marcus is to celebrate other women and create a safe space for girl talk. We often see others at conferences and catch up but rarely make time for girl talk. We need more of that in this season. Women need to feel safe with other women. I decided to create that sacred space for us. In the last eight months, while I went through my own growing pains, I saw some people I admire sharing more of theirs online. Then, I knew this luncheon was needed as soon as possible. It was such a high-energy and sacred space.
You also hosted an event in your hometown of Memphis, TN, What can women expect from this event?
I always try to take my gifts and talents back to my hometown. We only have a few entrepreneur events in Memphis, and it was vital for me to ensure I celebrate women there as well. I wanted to create a resource hub for female entrepreneurs in the city to network and have themselves highlighted for their accomplishments. It was truly a beautiful day held inside Dillards.
What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs looking to join the spa industry?
Anyone desiring to join this fantastic spa industry, come on!! I love it here! The spa industry changed not only my life but my family’s life. There are so many ways to get into this industry, from weight loss clinics, and Botox to traditional massage-only spas. I suggest seeing which services you would like to offer first and deciding if the business will be mobile or onsite location. Those are the first steps.
What can readers expect from you next?
I’m excited to have just recently opened a new spa in Marietta, GA. I plan to build up that location in the next 12 months and eventually franchise nationwide.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
My definition of a pretty woman who hustles is a beautiful queen who knows faith without work is dead. So we don’t just work; we hustle.
Charron Monaye is the thought-provoking writer, playwright, and creator of The Adventures of Michelle children’s book series. For her collective works, Monaye received numerous honors, including being appointed as a “Fellow of the Most Excellent Order of International Experts (FOIE)” in the United Nations and the recipient of an Assembly Resolution from the New Jersey General Assembly, Citation from the 31st New Jersey Senate, and a Library of Congress poetry winner. Since 1992, Monaye has contributed to the arts, entertainment, music, and media industries by putting their thoughts to paper.
Monaye has authored over twenty-five books in six different genres, served as a staff writer for CNN iReport and The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals, contributed to twenty book compilations, and created and produced five theatrical productions and one short film. Her stage play, Get Out of Your Own Way, is her most successful play to date, with premieres and sold-out audiences in Hollywood, CA, and Times Square, NY.
Since 2019, she has shared her gift of exceptional writing with various individuals, organizations, and celebrities by partnering to serve as their ghostwriter. In addition to her success with writing, Monaye is the founder of Pen Legacy Publishing. This groundbreaking literary company provides a platform to elevate the voices of aspiring writers through book publishing and scriptwriting.
From its inception in 2015, Pen Legacy has published over one hundred books, with some becoming Amazon Bestsellers and others generating corporate deals for authors.
Furthermore, Charron Monaye is the woman behind the successful author careers of Ms. Evelyn Braxton (Braxton Family Values), Precious L. Williams, Esq. (Corporate Trainer with BMW, MasterCard, and Pitch Coach for the TV show, Shark Tank), Ty Johnston-Chavis (Ty Johnston-Chavis, p.g.a – TV & Film Producer, TV Showrunner), and Debbie D. Douglas (Talent Recruiter for Paramount Network) to name a few.
Monaye has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from West Chester University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, a Certificate in Paralegal Studies and Life Coaching, and an Honorary Doctorate from CICA International University & Seminary. In addition, Monaye studied writing for television and novel writing and editing under the tutelage of New York Times Bestselling Author and creator of Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes, and NAACP Image Award Winner and New York Times Bestselling Author Victoria Christopher Murray. Charron Monaye is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Order of Eastern Star, and First Baptist Church of Crestmont. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, she currently resides in Wesley Chapel, FL, with her two sons.
Who is Charron Monaye, in five words?
A Woman Who Creates Legacies!
How did you get your start in writing, can you remember the first time you picked up a pen?
Writing has always been therapy for me. Being a person who is selective with communicating, I tend to hold things in, and as a kid, this was my life. I have always felt, and sometimes still do, that people could care less about you, your feelings, life struggles, or things that may be affecting you. I mean, let’s face it, who out here doesn’t have something going on? So it has always been my belief that people ask questions, that they really don’t want the answer to, but asking out of generating conversation or asking to get in your business to either judge or gossip about you. Thus, to keep my name and their judgment out of their mouth, I wrote.
I picked up my pen, I want to say in the 3rd grade. My teacher, Dr. Ida D. Dark, taught me the power of words through poetry. She showed me how to write messages, stories, and feelings through the expression of stanzas. She always shared with me that, “Words don’t need to form a complete sentence to change lives”. Between that statement and her education, I penned my first poem, Alone, at the age of 12 years old. That poem led me to win a Poetry Contest with the U.S. Library of Congress, become a published author at the age of 14, perform my poem at a UNCF Telethon, write professional articles for news outlets and magazines, become a songwriter for a few R & B artist, write play scripts, and write books.
What inspired the creation of “The Adventures of Michelle” children’s book series?
The Adventures of Michelle was never supposed to go beyond the first book, Michelle and Her Magical Pen, which was released on November 4, 2020. To be honest, during Covid, I was looking for something to write about, as I had run out of life experiences and drama to share. Thus, seeking a new genre. One day, one of my authors sent me his book files for distribution and it was a children’s book. From the illustrations and cute story, I was like, “I want to do that too”. So, he connected me with his illustrator, India Sheana and it was on.
Then once Michelle and Her Magical Pen was released, the feedback received was so incredible, I started writing more. More turned into a series, and I am still writing and India is still illustrating. To date, there are 8 books, 1 activity book, and a Reading is Fun Beach Towel. Michelle within the series, These books are a whole movement.
You have authored over twenty-five books in several different genres, what message has remained true throughout the pages of every book?
My continued message is, “If I can, you can”. I am committed to writing stories, regardless of if it’s non-fiction, children’s, devotionals, or self-help. I feel that it’s my responsibility to lead with inspiration, motivation, and lessons learned. There are a lot of people out here, hurting, frustrated, confused, and looking for direction with this thing called life. Listen, life doesn’t come with a manual or a cheat sheet to make living more manageable. However, I feel that, as we go and grow through things we should share tips, strategies, or present ideas and/or different perspectives to help others achieve faster or with less stress.
So if you are interested in learning what I did to get out of debt, find your “why”, understand your purpose, and how I managed to sustain my business, while being an employed federal employee and single mother, then any of my books will benefit you. Also, if you have children who are seeking education through fun, exploration, and representation, then “The Adventures of Michelle” children’s books are for them!
As someone with theatrical experience, can you share what has been the highlight of your theatre career thus far?
Hands down, I have to say my play “Get Out OF Your Own Way”. That play, to date, is my favorite and best play ever! Since starting my theatrical scriptwriting journey in 2012, I have written and produced 5 theatrical productions, for myself, and written and/or directed 3 for other authors.
But my biggest highlight was producing my play, “Get Out Of Your Way”, and that’s simply because it was my first production that premiered in Hollywood, California, and Off-Broadway in New York. And remind you, I was living in Philadelphia, PA., at the time. So I was producing this play, hiring a team, running team meetings via zoom, and sitting in on rehearsals via Facetime all from Philly. Talk about having trust! But I must say, from the director to the production team and cast, they showed up and when the play premiered in both states, we sold out every show.
Tell us about Pen Legacy Publishing, what do you hope authors take away from your platform?
Pen Legacy Publishing is one of the pillars of my company Pen Legacy LLC. Pen Legacy, LLC., is a literary conglomerate dedicated to helping aspiring writers share their stories by supplying a platform to elevate their unique voices. Since its inception, in 2008, Pen Legacy has evolved to include a publishing, scriptwriting, and ghostwriting division.
Now as it relates to our publishing division, we have successfully published over one hundred books, with about 62% becoming Amazon Bestsellers and others generating corporate deals, speaking engagements, film deals, and academia placement. I am also proud to note that our company is behind the successful author careers of Ms. Evelyn Braxton (Braxton Family Values), Precious L. Williams, Esq. (Corporate Trainer with BMW, MasterCard, and Pitch Coach for the TV show, Shark Tank), Ty Johnston-Chavis (TV & Film Producer, TV Showrunner) and Debbie D. Douglas (Talent Recruiter for Paramount Network) to name a few.
For me, as the founder and owner of Pen Legacy, and all of its sub-divisions, it is always my hope that people know that we are a literary company that understands the power of stories, words, and being heard. We understand the pressure and rejection of traditional publishers but is committed to offering you the same benefits while you are able to maintain creative control. With Pen Legacy, you own your voice, your rights, and your royalties…. We just make sure that your story is heard and globally available!
You have spent a good portion of your career being the amazing woman behind some of our favorite celebrities, and influencers’ books, Can you tell us about this experience? What goes into Ghostwriting someone else’s story?
Ghostwriting is not for the faint at heart, but I enjoy it. Working with so many people, celebrities or non-celebrities, being able to learn from, for me is key. Sitting at some of the feet of the people I have written for is an experience that is truly unforgettable. From the history lessons, free coaching, and lived advice, it’s unmatched. In addition to learning and being a student to the person, you get to learn more about their story, journey, lessons and wins. You have the opportunity to gain insight and gems that can be used in your life. However, if you are someone who takes on people’s feelings and emotions, or has a hard time digesting trauma or pain, ghostwriting can be a challenge.
Depending on the story, it is your job to become that person. I often tell people, “Ghostwriting is like stepping out of your body, and stepping in theirs so you can feel, understand, live, and sound like them for the sake of the story.” It’s almost like the role and process of an actor. When they get a script, they step out of their lives and become who the character is. This is ghostwriting. People know when I am ghostwriting because I am not myself. My energy is off, the conversation is different, and depending on how deep or dark the story is, I may fall into a state of depression or become suicidal. Remember, you are embodying that person. Ghostwriting can be a daunting job, but the reward outweighs the pain, the majority of the time.
What is next for you? Whatever God has for me! To be honest, I’m in a season where I am moving in strategy, only aligning myself to things that are connected to my passion and assignment. So, of course, more writing books, ghostwriting, and assisting corporate entities with writing projects and creating content. If you need a writer, contact me at http://www.charronmonaye.com
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? Being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is someone who understands that the hustle never dies, but living is a must. Whether you are grinding with your hands and energy or mentally making sure the business sustains and remains legit, the Pretty Woman values the balance of life vs. hustle and grind vs. rest. She may be committed to the goal, but not at the cost of herself or her family! Everything has a time and place, but she is not moving without a strategy. As her peace is paramount!
For the Month of April we are sharing stories of hope and inspiration for National Month of Hope. Sometimes hope is the deciding factor on if we will continue our journey or stop right in our tracks. As we share the stories of these amazing individuals we hope that you are filled with hope and are inspired to keep on your path of greatness.
Kimra Major – Morris Shares With Us Her Story:
Kimra Major-Morris is a top-rated intellectual property attorney, a nationally published author, the tv host of the Telly-Award winning show Legal Connections, in partnership with FAMU College of Law and Orange TV, and an educator on the protection and monetization of intellectual property. Her clients include global brands and creatives, professional athletes, influencers, and victims’ families sealing the legacies of their loved ones through intellectual property ownership and licenses.
Inspired by her beginnings as a recording artist, Kimra segued to a career in video production where she freelanced as a red carpet and event photographer for Black Entertainment Television (BET) and created content as an HBO video editor for almost five years. Kimra’s unique experiences heavily contributed to her entertainment network and client roster. Kimra is a sought-after speaker on intellectual property as it intersects with social justice, creative content protection, intellectual property in e-sports, brand protection, and church copyright compliance. Her audiences have included those at Microsoft Corporation, Facebook Gaming, the 2021 Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage, AltLegal, The Florida Bar, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, collegiate sports programs, business conferences, and community outreach events.
Her firm, Major-Morris Law, is a Beyoncé/NAACP grant winner recognized for educating and advocating for intellectual property rights in underserved communities. Major-Morris Law was also the African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida Chapter’s 2019 Eagle Award Winner.
Recognized as one of Florida’s most influential black women, Kimra is a 2022 Onyx Magazine Women on the Move honoree. In 2021, Microsoft highlighted and honored Kimra’s accomplishments in The Legacy Project Women’s History Edition: Celebrating Women Who Empower Change. Some of Kimra’s educational work in the intellectual property space can be found in her articles and features that appear in the American Bar Association’s Landslide Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Essence Magazine, The Huffington Post, Small Biz Trends, VIP Global, The Florida Bar and Orange County Bar publications.
In 2012, Kimra was thrust into the national spotlight when she was retained by the parents of Trayvon Martin to register, protect, and license name, image, and likeness rights for The Trayvon Martin Foundation. Her services paved the way for the licensing deals that fuel the Foundation’s support of other families who have fallen victim to senseless gun violence.
Kimra earned her Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Communications at Florida International University and is a proud alumnus of Florida A&M College of Law. The first black Chair of The Florida Bar’s Intellectual Property Committee, Kimra is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the American Bar Association (ABA) Entertainment & Sports Law Forum, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the National Bar Association (NBA) and the Black Entertainment & Sports Law Association (BESLA).
Rated by SuperLawyers® annually since 2015 (a distinction held by no more than 5% of Attorneys in Florida), Kimra is also “AV Preeminent” rated by Martindale-Hubbell® with the highest rating for professional excellence and ethical standards in the legal community and is among the less than 2% of African American attorneys in the country.
Outside of accomplishments, titles, etc, who is Kimra Major-Morris? I am a free spirit who enjoys the simple things in life. I’m a wife, a mother of two adult daughters, I’m a caregiver blessed to still have both of my parents, a dependable friend who loves a good laugh, and I’m an educator. Although I spend a lot of time educating others on intellectual property, as I interact with others, I’ve embraced the role of educator in life and the pursuit of happiness.
When did you develop your passion and interest in legal studies? My legal career was the last of several pivots. After first enjoying a career as a hip-hop artist for close to five years, I pivoted to administrative work in the entertainment industry when I become a mother. At the time, I already had a degree in video production and was trying to begin a career in that field. I jumped at the chance to work behind the scenes at CNN and then at HBO as a video editor over a span of 6 years. I absolutely loved video editing, but when HBO had layoffs, I chose not to pursue other production jobs but to go back to school be become an entertainment attorney. This was primarily for job stability, but I was very excited about the possibility of advocating for creatives as an attorney. I made the choice to do so almost 14 years after completing my undergrad education. I was 37, and I graduated from law school at 40.
You spent many years working in video production and other areas of television. How did your experience prepare you for where you are now in your career? I started a video production company while working at HBO because my co-workers showed me it could be done. I had a blast shooting red-carpet images for BET and being hired to shoot concerts and events I would have paid to get into. I couldn’t believe I was being paid to have VIP access for the purpose of photography. That foundation provided me with the courage to quote my fees, better communication skills for customer service, and a personalized touch to serve my legal clients. It showed me the power of repeat customers and client referrals, and it taught me to admit mistakes if I made them. I largely credit that experience for my 14-year, referral-based law practice. At some point, I will invest in ads, but I’m proud of my brand integrity.
In 2012, you were retained by the parents of Trayvon Martin to register, protect, and license his name, can you tell us about the impact of this experience? Being retained by Trayvon Martin’s parents just three years into my practice drastically elevated my professional profile. It required me to learn a lot on the job and to have a greater appreciation for civil rights attorneys like Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson. They were dealing with regular death threats and although I didn’t feel that side of the legal industry was my calling, I quickly understood the value of my work for generational wealth-building. My work for The Trayvon Martin Foundation also introduced me to the intersection of intellectual property and social justice. I was honored to help the family establish and enforce their valuable intellectual property rights to focus on the foundation’s mission. I have since had the privilege of advising other families in the social justice movement on intellectual property strategy.
What would you describe as the highlight of your career thus far? Certainly, representing Trayvon Martin’s family is up there. That, with becoming the first black Chair of the Florida Bar Intellectual Property Committee and being recognized by Beyoncé and the NAACP for my intellectual property advocacy in underserved communities is my top three.
When looking back over your resume, what has been one lesson that you carry with you? Do what makes you happy. I remember going on a job interview and the interviewer asking me why I kept changing careers. It hadn’t even crossed my mind that there would be confusion because I was tapped into what I wanted to do. I had gone from rapper to promotions coordinator and personal assistant to Bobby Brown, to video production work. For me, all those positions were different opportunities to exercise my writing skills. Specifically, I was writing lyrics as an artist, writing copy for the Bobby Brown Fan Club, writing with pictures as a photographer and video editor, and now writing about legal concepts as an attorney. Society can make us believe there’s only one way to become a thing, and I’m glad I was open to non-traditional ways of developing my skills. That diverse background is exactly what some clients are looking for.
What message do you hope women specifically take away from your brand? Keep investing in yourself. We tend to give to a fault. At the end of all that giving, we must make sure we’ve covered ourselves. My brand is about making sure others understand that intellectual property ownership is one of the most important steps in building a successful business. You wouldn’t build a house on land you don’t own. Don’t build a business on a brand identity you haven’t protected.
What is next for you, where can we expect to see Major-Morris Law in the future? We’re excited about our upcoming course offerings and subscription services. Intellectual property education is a national issue, and we look forward to moving the needle to raise awareness about these important legal protections and how to access them.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? An attractive woman of integrity who rises above challenges to thrive in her purpose.
What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs and Lawyers? Do what you love, be consistent, find your tribe, and trust God and His purpose for your life.
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 