Meet Candace Wells

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Candace Wells a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome sneaks in like that annoying coworker who won’t stop whispering, “You sure you know what you’re doing?” For me, it wasn’t some big dramatic moment but a collection of sneaky thoughts: “Who am I to be doing this? What if they realize I’m just figuring it out as I go?”

I felt it most when I transitioned from a 21-year military career to entrepreneurship. In the military, I knew my role, the rules, and how to lead. But stepping into the online world? Building a business from scratch? Putting my face out there? It felt like when I walked into a new high school halfway through junior year…uncomfortable and full of unknowns!

The lightbulb moment came when I realized, imposter syndrome isn’t a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign you’re growing!
Anytime you’re pushing into new territory, your brain will freak out a little. That’s just how it works. It’s that part of your brain clinging to what feels safe and familiar, even though the real growth and magic happen outside of that comfort zone.

But here’s the thing: do you ever fully overcome it? Honestly, I don’t think so.

Instead, I’ve learned to manage it and even make peace with it. When that voice says, “You don’t belong here,” I fire back, “Why not?” No one starts as an expert. The people who seem to have it all together were once just as unsure. They just kept showing up, and so did I!

I stopped seeing failure as something to fear and started viewing it as a stepping stone to growth.
Every misstep was a lesson, every small win a reminder I was making progress. Over time, that inner critic got quieter because I had more proof that I could do this.

Even now, imposter syndrome still pops up, but it doesn’t stop me anymore. It’s just part of the ride and a reminder that I’m stepping into something new; leveling up.

My advice? Don’t let it stop you!

Start messy, start scared, just start. Your story and your journey matter, and someone out there is waiting to hear it!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a Social Media Coach and Marketing Consultant who leads with authenticity and a no-nonsense approach. I help people transform their creativity into meaningful results through the power of social media. After 21 years in the military, I shifted gears to build a digital brand, creating a space where entrepreneurs, content creators, and small business owners can learn to grow their online presence and achieve their goals.

What makes my work exciting is watching my clients go from feeling overwhelmed by algorithms and strategies to confidently sharing their stories and connecting with their ideal audiences. I believe that social media should feel empowering, not exhausting, and I focus on teaching approachable, beginner-friendly methods that anyone can implement.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my online community, The Social Circle VIP, a space where members gain access to exclusive lessons, tools, and support for building their personal brands and growing their income. I focus on breaking down content creation, demystifying marketing, and helping people gain the confidence to show up online authentically.

What’s new? I’m excited to launch my upcoming podcast, Random Candace Thoughts, where I’ll cover everything from building a business to personal growth, sprinkled with plenty of laughs and real-life stories. I’m also excited for new brand partnerships and collaborations, which allow me to connect with larger audiences and showcase products that align with my lifestyle and values.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to empower others to take charge of their digital presence and create opportunities that bring them joy and help them find their freedom. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to level up, there’s a place for everyone in our community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things have been the most impactful in my journey: adaptability, communication, and a growth mindset.

Adaptability: Transitioning from a structured military career to the ever-changing world of social media required me to stay flexible. Trends shift, algorithms change, and you have to pivot without losing momentum. My advice? Stay curious and open to learning. Embrace change as an opportunity to grow instead of fearing it.

Communication: Whether it’s creating content, connecting with my audience, or collaborating with brands, clear and effective communication has been crucial. To improve this, I recommend you practice sharing your story in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Listen actively, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to refine your message.

Growth Mindset: Believing that I could learn and improve, even when I didn’t have all the answers, has been a mind shift for me. My advice? Treat every experience (good or bad!) as a stepping stone. Celebrate progress, however small, and remind yourself that setbacks are just setups for future success.

For anyone early in their journey: focus on building these qualities little by little. Be adaptable, communicate with intention, and lean into the discomfort of growth. The combination of these skills will set you up for long-term success!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to trust my own voice and intuition.

When I first started, I spent too much time second-guessing myself, comparing my work to others, and feeling like I needed permission to take the next step. But over the last 12 months, I’ve leaned into my unique style and stopped worrying about how I “should” do things.

One of the pivotal moments came when I started sharing more personal stories in my content. I realized that people connect more with authenticity than with perfection. This shift not only boosted my confidence but also deepened my connection with my audience. The more I trusted my instincts, the more opportunities seemed to align with my goals, from brand collaborations to growing my community.

My advice for anyone on this path?

Stop waiting for the perfect time or the perfect plan. Trust that your perspective and approach have value. The more you listen to yourself and show up authentically, the more you’ll find your own version of success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Candace and Charlie Wells

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