Meet Candace Elise Orange

We recently connected with Candace Elise Orange and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace Elise, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My confidence and self-esteem were largely shaped by my upbringing. While my family didn’t have explicit conversations about affirmations, my mom’s approach to our interests played a significant role. She always made sure my sister and I had the chance to explore things we were passionate about. Even if we weren’t naturally good at something, she encouraged us to enjoy the experience. At the same time, she didn’t force us to continue if we wanted to stop—unless she saw potential. This created a safe space for us to explore, fail, and try again without fear of failure.

When we did commit to something, my mom became our biggest cheerleader. She also set an example through her own actions. As a team leader at work, she was always confident and driven, winning leadership awards year after year. She’d even take us on the award trips and to the galas. Having that strong, determined role model growing up made a lasting impact on me. Now, I believe that with a solid plan and strong work ethic, there’s nothing I can’t achieve.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Candace Elise Orange, founder of The CEO Connect Agency, where we specialize in helping brands connect, disrupt, and stay relevant through creative strategy and visionary leadership. What excites me most about what I do is the power to bring ideas to life and connect people in meaningful ways that push their brands forward. But beyond that, I wanted to create something that not only showcases my skills but truly helps creatives like myself—those who often struggle to find stable footing in the industry.

That’s why I’m launching Creators Table, a project that’s very close to my heart. Creators Table is my vision for a community-driven initiative aimed specifically at supporting creators of color. Having spent years navigating the challenges of the creative industry, I noticed a significant gap in resources and opportunities available for emerging talents like myself. It took me a long time to find my footing, and I want to make that journey smoother for others.

I’m particularly excited about The Creators Table because it represents more than just a project; it’s a movement to uplift and empower our community. In a time when the creative industry often feels DIY and undervalued, it’s crucial to remind ourselves of the importance of our work. The Creators Table will provide a space for mentorship and collaboration, where we can share our knowledge and experiences.

Some of the exciting offerings will include clinics focused on practical skills and legal advice, free studio hours, engagment dinners, and art therapy camps, for kids, designed to nurture young creative minds, and a variety of engaging events that promote networking and artistic expression. I believe that through these initiatives, we can build a stronger, more connected creative community that celebrates diversity and innovation.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are attention to detail, resilience paired with a strong work ethic, and integrity. These traits have shaped not only the way I approach my work but also how I interact with people.

First, attention to detail is crucial because the small things make a huge difference. Whether it’s the precise execution of a design or ensuring that I meet a client’s specific needs, I believe in going the extra mile. It’s those details that set you apart from others.

Second, resilience and a strong work ethic have kept me going through challenges. Building a business, or even a personal brand, isn’t easy, and there are times when things don’t go as planned. My ability to keep pushing forward, staying dedicated, and maintaining focus on the long-term goal has been invaluable.

Lastly, integrity is non-negotiable. I’m passionate about leaving people better off than they were before they met me. Being honest, transparent, and keeping promises has built a strong foundation of trust in my work. It’s not about focusing on payment but about solving problems and delivering value. The payment always follows when you put integrity and service first.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be: hone your attention to detail—never overlook the small things; build resilience and be prepared to work hard, even when it feels tough; and above all, let integrity guide everything you do. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about building something sustainable and meaningful.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m actively seeking collaborators for my new initiative under Creators Table, which is designed to bring together a diverse group of individuals to accomplish a significant dream. Specifically, I’m looking for people who have expertise in event planning, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and art instruction—individuals who are not only knowledgeable in their fields but are also passionate about sharing that knowledge with creatives and Black business owners.

If you’re interested in teaching, mentoring, or collaborating to empower others in the community, I would love to connect with you! Your skills could make a tremendous impact on the growth and success of aspiring entrepreneurs. Please reach out to me directly via email or through my social media channels. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities and foster a supportive environment for our community!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theceoconnectagency.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/born_ceo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theceoconnect1
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/candaceliseeorange/

Image Credits

Hannah Ayree, Keilan Scott