We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candace Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candace below.
Hi Candace, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I get it from 1. God’s Word because reading and meditating on scripture daily renews my mind and spirit.
2. Prayer and honest conversation with God, I tell Him exactly how I feel. He is my strength when I feel weak
3. Remembering who I am, I am a child of God so even when things feel broken, I know that God is at work
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 run a printing business that specializes in bringing ideas to life through personalized and brandable items. If it can be printed on, I can do it! From t-shirts, tumblers, mugs, tote bags, and journals, to just about anything else you can imagine, I provide high-quality, customized printing that adds a personal touch to everyday items.
What sets my business apart is the joy and excitement I see on my clients’ faces when they receive their personalized products. Whether it’s a custom gift, business merchandise, or a one-of-a-kind keepsake, I take pride in making each item feel meaningful and unique.
I especially enjoy working on custom orders because no two jobs are the same. Each piece tells a story, whether it’s a name, a logo, a favorite quote, or a cherished memory. It’s this creative process, combined with attention to detail and customer satisfaction, that drives my passion and purpose.
This business was born in the middle of one of the most uncertain times in our generation—during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the world was slowing down, something in me was just beginning to spark. With a professional background in marketing and a deep love for branding and creativity, I had always found joy in the visual side of business—especially graphic design, which I studied and earned certification in (Level 1).
Branding had always been more than just logos or colors to me. It was about identity, expression, and connection. And during a time when many people felt disconnected, I saw an opportunity to help others express themselves, whether through a customized gift, a personal message on a mug, or a branded t-shirt that made a statement without saying a word.
I had already been surrounded by design, creativity, and branding in a professional setting, transitioning into printing felt like a natural step, like all the dots were finally connecting. I understood the power of a well-placed design, and I was excited to take those digital ideas and bring them to life on physical products.
That’s how my custom printing business came to be.
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, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey?
1. Creativity and Personalization
Being able to take a client’s idea and turn it into something unique and meaningful has been at the heart of my business. Creativity isn’t just about design, it’s about listening, interpreting, and adding that special touch that makes each item feel personal and memorable.
2. Customer-Centered Mindset
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing the smile on someone’s face when they receive their personalized item. That emotional connection is everything. Building strong relationships with customers through good communication, patience, and genuine care has made a big impact on the growth and trust in my brand.
3. Versatility with Materials and Techniques
The ability to print on a wide variety of items, from t-shirts to tumblers to journals has allowed me to meet different customer needs and stay flexible in the market. Understanding the right methods, tools, and materials for each item has been key to delivering quality results consistently.
What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Nurture your creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment with styles, colors, or materials. Every custom job is a chance to learn something new. Take inspiration from trends, but always aim to put your own spin on it.
2. Put people first: Learn to really listen to your clients. Ask questions, clarify details, and go the extra mile to make them feel seen and heard. Happy customers often become repeat customers and they bring others with them.
3. Invest in learning and quality tools: The more you understand your craft, from printing techniques to material compatibility, the more confident and efficient you’ll become. Start small if needed, but never stop improving your skills and equipment.
Remember, it’s not just about making products, it’s about making people feel something through what you create. When you lead with passion and purpose, your business naturally grows.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
As someone running a hands-on, creative business, feeling overwhelmed sometimes just comes with the territory, especially during busy seasons or when juggling multiple custom orders. Over time, I’ve learned not to ignore that feeling, but to manage it intentionally.
Here’s what helps me most:
1. Reconnect with my “Why”
When stress starts to cloud things, I remind myself why I started. That smile on a customer’s face when they receive their custom item? That joy is fuel. Focusing on the impact behind the work helps me push through the hard days.
2. Take small breaks
I’ve found that stepping away for 15 minutes to pray and have some quiet time helps me come back with more energy and clarity than if I’d tried to power through.
Advice for others:
1. Stay organized. Whether it’s a planner, an app, or sticky notes, having a system helps you keep your head above water.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s hiring a part-time assistant, automating parts of your business, or leaning on your support system, no one builds something great alone.
3. Give yourself grace. You’re building something meaningful, and that takes time, learning, and patience. Overwhelm isn’t a sign of failure, it’s just a signal to slow down and recalibrate.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Rusheda Barrett
Weston Bryan
Niketa Fung
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
