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.
To connect with Candace follow her on Instagram @sixfigurespachick
