Today we’d like to introduce you to Candi Cylar.
Hi Candi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m just a little ole girl from Gadsden, AL. I had no idea what I really wanted to do in life growing up. Folks thought I should be an attorney because I talked all the time and often too much. But that wasn’t it for me. I ended up getting a degree in Electrical Engineering and worked as a process engineer for a few years. While I liked the work I was doing as a process engineer, I was still constantly in search of purpose because I knew there was more for me to do. Little did I know, I was already living on purpose and doing more.
My life has been a constant evolution to where I am today. Being reared in the church with parents who served in many capacities is definitely a huge part of the journey. For years I grappled with a call to ministry because I saw myself in such a non-traditional role. Back then, there weren’t as many people serving in ministry in non-traditional ways like there are today. If you were called to ministry, you served in the church as a pastor and preached. But I didn’t see that as being what I was called to do. Over the years, so many people have tried to put me into that traditional church role, but through it all God has kept reminding me of who I am and what I was meant to do. As I look back over my journey, I realize just how God has allowed me to use that Engineering degree, my life experiences and my gifts to do exactly what I do.
I would say it is going pretty well. Through every client and every church I work with, my goal is to intentionally work to create experiences for people to continue to see God…an experience that will cause them to build or grow in a relationship with God. I have been blessed with some awesome clients doing amazing things. I have the opportunity to work alongside them to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s to create initiatives, movements, conferences and special events, we create experiences for people and I love every bit of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
People often want to walk on the road that is smooth, you know that new asphalt that will give you a smooth ride. Well, I started on dirt, then it became gravel, then finally pavement but the road hasn’t stayed paved through each leg of the journey. So no, the path has not always been smooth but it has always been rewarding and educational.
Since I have taken a road less traveled and gone the non-traditional route, people don’t often understand what I do. But I get it, I haven’t run across that many people who work to create experiences for others to experience God either. Since it’s so uncommon, people have tried to put me into a box of what they think I should be doing. I’ve had to work so hard to remember who I am and what I bring to the table. Knowing that speaks volumes and keeps you on the path that’s meant for you. I’ve tried to navigate the right spaces where people see my value and it is not always easy. Opportunities do come and some I’ve had to let go. Yet, constantly putting ourselves in spaces where we can learn and expand is how we grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When you are good at multiple things, people will try to get you to do everything. I am there to help coach and process with people through a vision – from inception to fruition. I am an Experience Director, a Strategic Envisioning Consultant, and a Project Manager.
The hardest part about what I do is people think that I know and do everything since I am resourceful. But that’s just it, I am resourceful. That’s what engineering teaches us. It taught me to build relationships, connect dots and build bridges. I take that strategic thinking of Engineering and pair it with my creativity to help people’s dreams come true.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Everything happens for a reason. Every trial, every win, every meeting, every cancellation happens for a reason. Take the time to process each moment and understand the lesson in it.
“The road to success is always under construction…growth” – Craig Lewis
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@candicylar.com
- Website: candicylar.com
- Instagram: @candicylar
- Facebook: @candicylar
- Youtube: @candicylar
Image Credits
@stanchezkenyata
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