We’re looking forward to introducing you to Candace Fleming. Check out our conversation below.
Candace, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what is most misunderstood about being self employed and a small business is that people think you are making it big time when you are really just trying to get into the black(positive) and out of the red(negative).
That you can compete with big box stores Black Friday pricing and Amazons free shipping.
Now i most definitely can’t do those things but I try my best to make up for it with heart and small town, small business, Canadian Pride.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey my name is Candace and I am the one woman show behind the brand – BUSH Beard.
I make all natural beard and skin care products, apparel and accessories. I work with over a dozen Canadian mom & pop shops to support other small businesses and the Canadian economy.
I started out 7 years ago making products for my husband because truthfully, everything I was buying for him was heavy on the chemical side with the only benefit being a bit of shine and nice smell. I wanted to, and did, make products that were not only good on you, but good in you. Multifunctional products that are safe for everyone in the family.
Not only am I just another small business but a member of the community that uses my business to give back. Our staple charities I focus on every year are Wounded Warriors Canada, supporting ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, First Responders and their families. As well as Open Doors for Children & Youth Mental Health.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Hands down I would have to go with my long time best friend of 35 years.
Her name is Khristal but I like to call her Diesel Linda.
I believe to this day she sees and knows me better than I know myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a plethora of times throughout my life that I have/had almost given up.
Surviving my childhood and adolescence, other than being a mother; is one of my biggest achievements in life.
When I was 15 I was placed in group home for my own safety and well being and it was the first place I was able to take a real breather and start building my “tool box” for life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief or project that I’m committed to is Open Doors for children & youth mental health. This is a Not for Profit organization and charity that is near and dear to my heart, and is one of the core charities I work on fundraising for every year with my clients & businesses.
I am a firm believer in preventative care. There is a very real ripple effect.
1 in 5 children and youth in Canada will be affected with mental illness. And less than 20% of those children affected will receive adequate and proportionate treatment.
And that right there is why I will fundraise ever year, to give them a fighting chance like I received.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in nature,
Amongst the trees.
In the silence, listening to the wind and the crickets.
Looking at sunrises and sunsets.
Mother Nature is pretty magical.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bushbeard.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushbeard.ca/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bushbeard.ca/
Image Credits
Mike Anderson
Cindy Lottes
Kristin Wenberg
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
