Life and Work with Candi Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candi Lewis.

Candi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a deactivated blogger turned streetwear pusher… lol. I pretty much have done it all! I worked as an MUA with MAC Cosmetics, worked in the music industry at Sony & Columbia Records in the A&R department, worked in the casting industry for 8 years and loved it! All of these jobs were worked in my 20s. And led me to where I am today.

In 2011, I started this journey by launching my blog www.Addicted2Candi.com. I created the site for all of the music and fashion lovers of the world. My initial goal was to go into radio as a Radio Personality since I’m such an entertaining person and I love music, especially Hip-Hop! With my blog, I planned on bringing the spotlight to me instead of chasing it.

However, after blogging for 6 years intensely. I decided to shift my focus on my other baby: The Addicted Life.

So, just a little background deets; I relocated to ATL from NYC. I was born in upstate NY (Roc, NY) and like most kids from upstate moving to the city.

( NYC ) is goals. I have a degree in Fashion Merchandise and also studied Advertising & Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I would consider myself a jill of all trades and currently mastering one.  Which brings me to The Addicted Life!

Since I attended college for the business side of fashion, it made total sense to create merchandise to put my degree to use. Plus, I have school loans that will not pay themselves…

*HELPPPP * In 2014, I just knew The Addicted Life would come to life, but actually, it didn’t go live until June 25th, 2016. I secured my LLC and started with dad hats that had witty statements i.e “CUFFING SEASON OVER”..” I DON’T DATE F**K BOYS” etc.  The Addicted Life’s mission is to provide stylish streetwear lovers with dope pieces that make a statement without speaking.

I’m currently pushing my anchor collection “Dope Chick With Ambition” which is creating a buzz. It’s a positive statement and I’m receiving such great feedback! D.C.W.A is definitely my staple collection. That will take The Addicted Life to new heights.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in life is smooth. When you’re on the journey of success, you’ll experience highs and lows. I embrace the challenges because they actually make me stronger.

A few of the challenges that I face would be having to dedicate my time to someone else’s business. And not having a lot of funding!

I work in a medical call center full time. However, transitioning into entrepreneurship is my goal. Working for myself solely is what I hope to achieve soon. So, right now, I’m using my main job to fund my dreams.

My advice for anyone trying to achieve their goals would be; Dont listen to dream killers, keep pushing and have patience! A lot of times, many people will attempt to project their fears on you. But don’t allow it. If your desire to succeed is greater than your desire to give up. Keep going. Trust the process. I tell myself often that I’m going to be a millionaire. I dream big, so I must continue to push to reach that goal. And again have PATIENCE! Lol oh and think positive. I know it’s easier said than done. But honestly, when the mind is clear everything flows better: ideas, creativity, energy etc.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Addicted Life – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m known for entertaining, media and fashion. I know what’s going on in the celeb world, music news and I have an eye for beauty & fashion. So, that’s why www.Addicted2Candi.com and www.TheAddictedLife.com were created.  My brand is in a lane of its own because I am more concerned with the presentation. Quality over Quantity. I don’t post trash or fake news just for the traffic, likes or to go viral etc. Blogging has a negative connotation. But I’ve never been with the messy tea. Both of my brands are very clean. Each site is professional, easy to navigate and straight to the point. When it comes to The Addicted Life; clean images, beautiful models and Dope Simplicity, product wise is what you’ll see when viewing my social media page or shopping on the website. So, although my numbers are small yet growing, I present my brand as if it’s a major brand with a small budget.

As a brand, I am most proud that I haven’t given up and I give quality each time. I continue to press forward and create concepts that will increase my reach. Content and concepts that I stand behind. Not only must you build your brand but you must promote it and become it. Everything I do is brand driven. I make calculated moves and don’t jump at every opportunity that’s presented. The move must make sense for Addicted2Candi/The Addicted Life.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Being born to a teen mom really played a major role in my growing up. My mother actually set the bar high. Like geesh ma! But to see a woman do well for herself after being doubted due to the events in her life is impressive. So, it was important to go further than my mother, she set it up and has been working since 15 years old to provide for myself and then 7 years later myself and my brother. It was written for me to be successful. Not sure when the millions will come in but my goal is to tell my mother you don’t have to work anymore. So, until then, it’s “can’t stop won’t stop.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheAddictedLife.com
• Instagram: @ShopTheAddictedLife
• Facebook: TheAddictedLife12
• Twitter: @_AddictedLife
• Other: www.Addicted2Candi.com

  
Image Credit:
Candi Lewis, Jayinthelife

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.