Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Simone.
Candice, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These are the words that I live by. Growing up with a drug addicted mother and an absent father, my only release was music. I found my love for music at the age of three and that love has only grown ever since. Looking up to moguls in the entertainment industry such as Sean “Diddy” Combs. I wanted to use my talents singing but also use my other talents on the business side. I was determined to make a career in the music industry but knew that St. Louis wasn’t the city I could do it in so I decided to use college as an escape from the city and traveled to Atlanta, where I attended Clark Atlanta University on a full-ride with the Dean’s Scholarship.
While at Clark Atlanta, I interned for Warner Bros. Records, I Am Music, Artist Factory and more. I wanted to continue to pursue my music career but struggled to find the balance with music and school so I decided to honor her mother and grandmother’s wishes of getting a degree and I put my music on hold. In May of 2012, Candice graduated Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University. While many would consider this a fulfilling accomplishment, I still felt empty. Rather than pursuing a career in my degree, I decided this was the perfect time to focus on my music. After ending up a less than ideal job, followed by countless months of failed attempts of a substantial internship and singing opportunities, I finally found a home at Music Box Studios, where I met Sammye-Ruth Scott and Amber Grimes. The internship also helped me learn the different aspects of the music business and hone in on my marketing skills.
In 2015, noticing my great work ethic, Amber Grimes referred me to be the executive assistant to Girvan “Fly” Henry who is the CEO of Atlanta-based independent label Think It’s A Game Records (TIG). After receiving the position, I grew from Executive Assistant to JR Product Manager to now the Senior Project Manager and spearheading the marketing department. I’ve had the pleasure of working with and playing an important role in the careers of YFN Lucci, Q Money, Damar Jackson, Rubberband OG, Posa and Dooley Da Don. While doing rollouts and marketing plans for the previously mentioned artists, I ended up doing different release parties, holiday parties, dinners etc. I realized putting the events together came naturally to me and last year I launched my own event planning company, CandieLand Events. I’ve planned mixtape release parties for YFN Lucci, dinners for Lil Durk, birthday parties, holiday parties, bridal showers, gender reveals and more. I know that nothing good comes without hard work so I’m constantly grinding, evolving and striving to be better. I know that this is just the beginning for me and I believe that I’m capable of doing anything that I put my mind to. What’s next for me is continuing to learn, grow and elevate into new positions in the music industry while simultaneously growing my event planning company and planning extraordinary events.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. Dealing with several different artists and learning their personalities and how to motivate them can be a challenge. Continuously keeping up with the trends and constantly brainstorming new, innovative, creative ideas can be challenging as well.
Please tell us about Think It’s A Game Records and CandieLand Events.
Think It’s A Game Records-Product Manager – I oversee the rollout and marketing & promotion of everything that is released from the company from singles to albums, music videos, documentaries etc. I’m proud to be a part of a team that is all black and has no problem grinding no matter the time and always wants to win. I’m also proud of the #1 records and RIAA certifications we’ve achieved. CandieLand Events-CEO/Founder – I’m proud that took a leap of faith and bet on myself. I saw an overwhelming amount of support, which was hearwarming. I specialize in creating special moments for any occasion.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success by having a peace of mind, happiness, genuine relationships, good health, being surrounded by love and being comfortable financially. If I’m able to have all those things and live comfortably and not worry about how I’m going to make ends meet or pay my next bills that’s definitely a bonus.
Contact Info:
- Website: candielandevents.com
- Phone: 678-404-6987
- Instagram: @_candicesimone @candielandevents
- Facebook: @Candice Simone @CandieLand Events
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