We recently had the chance to connect with Candace Cantu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Candace, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I was recently teaching a young girl, and when she came up to say thank you after the class, the glow of her smile and the authenticity of hearing her express something she didn’t think she could do made me feel incredibly proud. She even made me a little bracelet with a hoop on it (to express the lyra). Seeing children express themselves is the biggest part of why I do this.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Candace Cantu. I started an aerial arts study in Takoma Park, MD, and recently opened a second studio in Fairfax, VA. We teach students of all ages and talent levels in aerial silks, lyra, and other aerial apparatuses. Aerial arts is a form of dance, in which you’re creating a healthy outlet to express your creative ideas and get in a great workout. Our students build self-esteem and do things they didn’t know they were capable of. I’m currently building up my student base at the new studio in Virginia, and get particular joy from the children’s classes.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong work ethic. For that I thank my father. He was an entrepreneur who ran an autobody shop. He gave several of his siblings jobs, helped his sister get her real estate license, and made time to enjoy life, particularly music. I give him credit for helping me appreciate music and learn the accordion.
Early mornings, he would have me help him sort receipts and take shop clothes to the laundry, so I was exposed to the world of work an a young age.
That combination of hard work and living life fully through the creative side of music had a profound influence on who I am today.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I was seriously thinking of opening my first studio, and even before, one of the things that drew me to aerial arts was that it was a great may to release stress — you’re processing your emotions in a healthy way. It’s a physically demanding sport, so you have to be very in the moment and focus.
I found that it was a very positive way to deal with emotional pain and baggage I was dealing with at the time.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say I’ve got a strong work ethic. They’d say I get hyper-focused on goals. They’d say I have strong, expressive talents in aerial and circus arts that give me an outlet that helps me shine.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am most definitely doing what I was born to do. It took me a while to get here, but I am 100% certain this was where I needed to go and where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aerialcandyfit.com
- Instagram: aerial.candy
- Facebook: Aerial Candy
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