Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Houston.
Hi Candace, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career in media began over 25 years ago. I entered into the industry as a receptionist, worked my way up to a sales assistant, a sales rep and eventually a sales manager. I didn’t like being in sales, but I became good at it and made a lot of money! I built a great rapport with my clients and earned a reputation of being trustworthy and reliable. God instilled in me the passion for encouraging people, particularly women. One day, in 2009, the name “Nspire U!” was placed in my spirit. I didn’t know at the time what would come of it, but I began a side business under that name. I began working with clients on other areas of their business needs, such as marketing and event planning. In 2017 I was asked to manage a political campaign for one of our City Councilman. I had never worked in the political realm, but my mouth said yes before my brain actually processed the question. The campaign was a success with an 81%-19% lead. It was after that; I knew it was time for me to soar. I walked away from the corporate world and launched Nspire U! full-time.
Our Marketing/Event Management Platform was the first to launch. Through this, we handle marketing and promotions for large and small companies. Currently, we work with: Mobile City Councilman C.J. Small. Small’s Mortuary and Cremation Services, 100 Black Men of Mobile, Mobile County Commission and Coca Cola United. On the events side, we plan and manage large events such as MOB Music Fest, a three-day outdoor music festival, and The Gulf Coast Challenge HBCU Football Game, which included a weeklong list of prequel events.
In March 2018, we launched The Nspire U Network. This is a lifestyle show in which we share things going on in the community and topics on important things that affect the African American Community. We also provide media coverage for Red Carpet Events, Mardi Gras Balls, and several other events. We are a full-service media coverage company.
In June 2019, we launched Nspire U Online Magazine. This is where we highlight, educate, and empower women globally through stories of challenge and triumph. We highlight women in business as well as highlight fashion, beauty, relationships, finances, overall health, and more. This is a free monthly publication and can be accessed through our website.
In February 2021, my daughter, Amberly Harris, and I launched and became the owners of the first African American Female owned Internet Radio Station on the Gulf Coast, Nspire U On Air The New Beat Of The Bay! We created this platform to fill a void in our community. That void is a connection between the community and a media company whose primary focus is providing information, entertainment, and inspiration. Our programming consists of different genres of music from the ’70s through today. We have something for everyone! We also utilize this platform to allow non-profit organizations to share information and resources that are available to our community. We partner with organizations that keep us updated with information to share with the public. Small Businesses are especially important to us, and we provide an affordable alternative for them to advertise their products and services while providing additional promotional support to our clients. We dedicate a segment of our programming to local artists music and interviews so that their music and stories can be highlighted as well. Our free app is available on Google Play and Apple Stores at Nspire U On Air. We have come a long way, and we are definitely not finished!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a bed of roses, that’s for sure! We have faced financial struggles, just as many new businesses have. Being an African American Woman business owner is definitely not an easy task. People don’t take you seriously. If you stand your ground, you are seen as angry. If you remain silent, you are seen as not knowing what you are doing. We have faced many “no’s,” and having the weight of an operation on our shoulders is scary at times. We remain focused on the outcome, and it reminds us that our labor is never in vain. We must persevere in order to be successful in fulfilling our mission and leading a growing company.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nspire U!?
Nspire U! is an Events, Entertainment and Marketing Firm. We plan and manage large events, create marketing campaigns for clients, and provide engaging entertainment platforms. We are unique because we are able to offer all of these different services under one umbrella.
I am most proud of our team. We have over 75 years of combined experience in every area of our business. Our team never lets up when it comes to creating innovative ways to help grow our client’s businesses. They are loyal, dependable and represent the Nspire U! brand at all times. Even during the pandemic when we lost all of our contracts, they stuck it out with us and we will be forever grateful for them.
Through our Marketing Platform, we are available to create custom campaigns for companies looking to brand, grow or set a call-to-action for their business. We do work with companies outside of our market. Our online magazine, Nspire U Online, is available to businesses whose target market is African American Women.
Nspire U On Air Internet Radio is available to any business who is looking to grow their business locally or globally, rising artists who want to get exposure for their music, and anyone who is looking for a home for their podcast. The free app is available on Google Play and Apple Stores.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, when I have time to read or listen to anything other than our platforms, I prefer something that has nothing to do with the industry I am in. I need that outlet!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@nspireu.org
- Website: www.nspireu.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nspire.u/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nspireunetwork
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ur4YQFbPY98j73TzLolGA
