Rising Stars: Meet Candice Turner of Lawrenceville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Turner.

Hi Candice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s definitely been a journey. When you all interviewed me in 2019, it was for my company, Candi’s Creations that I had started in 2018. By 2020, I transitioned into my charcuterie business, Candi’s Charcuterie Creations, after persistence from friends that I should start making charcuterie boards. I’ve learned over time though, that when industries become oversaturated, I prefer to pivot, rather than compete.

Now, here we are in 2025, and I’ve launched Boards & Bottles, which are public charcuterie workshops held quarterly and designed to teach people how to create their own boards. They are held in the Gwinnett County/ Lawrenceville area and are created to blend food, creativity, and community into a memorable experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I started out as a makeup artist for years, and as that space became more saturated, I shifted into custom drinkware, where the same thing happened — suddenly everyone was doing it. Staying relevant in an overcrowded market eventually led to burnout.

When I transitioned into charcuterie, I faced a different kind of struggle. People loved the boards, but often didn’t understand — or want to pay for — the time, artistry, and quality ingredients that went into them. I also found myself with a lot of leftover product after each order, which made it both financially and emotionally draining.

Within my first year, I made the difficult but necessary decision to pause. I chose to protect my mental health and honor the realization that something that I loved was just not serving me at that time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I consider myself a charcuterie and creative experience curator. That sounds fancy, right? lol In 2023, during a time of dealing with some heavy things in my personal life, I began taking myself on solo dates to reconnect with joy. One of my first ones led me to The Bougie Grazers Champagne & Charcuterie workshop hosted by Shandra Turner. I instantly connected with both the experience, the energy in the room, and Shandra herself.

In 2024, she invited me to assist in hosting her workshops in downtown Atlanta, and it turned into something I fell in love with, yet again. Watching people create something beautiful with a little guidance, seeing their excitement and confidence build … that was everything to me! When those workshops slowed down later in the year, while Shandra was also doing her own pivots, I realized how much I missed that environment and connection.

That’s when I decided to bring the experience to my own community. I wanted to create something local, intentional, and consistent.

What sets my workshops apart is that they’re held quarterly and designed around the current season. Every board is curated with seasonal ingredients and flavors, giving attendees something new and exciting to look forward to throughout the year.

More than anything, I’m proud of my ability to continue showing up for myself, for my community, and for my creativity. My goal is to bring people together and support downtown Lawrenceville businesses, which is why I intentionally host my workshops at Painting with a Twist, owned by Beverly Riley, who’s business has been an active part of the community for over 13 years. Through these events, I aim to create moments that people can share, celebrate, and truly remember.

What were you like growing up?
Oh man, you might have to ask my family that! lol

I was always heavily into the arts, and that definitely came from both of my parents who helped enhance my interests. I took art classes, piano lessons, and dance, and I was absolutely Ms. School Spirit. I was a bit of a nerd so I never played sports, but I always found my place by joining event planning committees, decorating committees, and anything creative I could be a part of. If there was something going on at school, I wanted in.

My mother was a wedding florist and decorator as well, and years later I became certified as a wedding and event planner myself. I guess you could say creativity runs in my blood.

Personality-wise, I was always the emotional one in the family. Yet, I was the toughest softie you’d ever meet. My brother and sister would probably say I was the bossy one, and they might be right – but now I like to think of it as being direct and strong-minded. I’ve always known how to express what I feel, respectfully of course, and that part of me has only grown stronger over time.

Looking back, it makes complete sense that I now create experiences for people. I’ve always been drawn to connection, creativity, and bringing people together in meaningful ways, and I hope people see that when they join my workshops!

Pricing:

• Group workshops $75 per person
• Private workshops $300 for up to 6 guests. Each additional guest $50 per person

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Candis.bougiecreations @boards.and.bottles.workshops