We recently connected with Candace Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Candace, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being a minority in any room can present unique challenges, but it doesn’t have to hinder your effectiveness or success. I have been in this situation most of my career. Few of the things that I practiced were. Embrace my identity as a minority and recognize the value I can bring being the minority. Acknowledging that my diverse perspective can contribute to innovative solutions and foster inclusivity. Educating myself. I learned about the experiences and contributions of other minorities who have achieved success. Lead with confidence and assertiveness. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Speak up, share your ideas, and contribute to discussions. Confidence and assertiveness can help you gain recognition and influence in the room. Find common ground. Look for shared interests or common goals with others in the room. Building connections based on commonalities.
Finally, be resilient and adaptable. Recognizing that challenges may arise, but maintain a resilient mindset. Adapt to changing circumstances, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Success is not solely determined by the room you are in, but by your own growth, achievements, and impact. By leveraging your unique perspective and talents, you can contribute to positive change and achieve success, regardless of being a minority in the room.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a second generation fashion retailer and enthusiast. Daughter to two entrepreneurs. I was introduced to fashion in grade school. My mother made clothing items and I was a model. It’s embedded in me. Being the youngest of three, I’ve always been close with my Mother so everything she had a passion for was instilled in me. Then my father instilled the business sense. He’s a white collar entrepreneur who taught me how to represent yourself as a person and a brand. Fast forward to today, I am the owner of Barks Fifth Avenue and Partner in Teasers Boutique.
Barks Fifth Avenue is Detroit’s only Luxury Dog Clothing Boutique. Barks Fifth Avenue provides personal styling services as well as quality clothing and accessories for your fur baby.
Teasers Boutique is Detroit’s most exclusive Women’s Clothing Boutique. We not only provide clothing but we provide an experience. From clothing to accessories and alterations to make sure you go out looking flawless.
Being apart of Detroit’s fashion industry not only makes our community look good, it’s makes them feel good. So being in an industry that can build or reinstill confidence is nothing short of amazing.
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 I can say that the qualities that were most impactful in my journey are my ambition, willingness to work and learn, and asking questions. There is no blueprint to entrepreneurship but what I can say to anyone who is starting on this journey or in the process is to build a support network. Connect with other individuals who share similar backgrounds or experiences. Seek out mentors, allies, or affinity groups that can provide support, guidance, and a sense of camaraderie.
Set goals and track progress. Define your goals and create a plan to achieve them. Regularly assess your progress, celebrate milestones, and make adjustments as needed.
Always be learning. Keep your eyes and ears open when people who are successful are around. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, put your razzle dazzle on someone’s plan that work.
Finally, never give up! Failures are only stepping stones for success. Push through.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believing in, investing in, having faith in and trusting in me. Even when things didn’t turn out right they never gave up on me.
Contact Info:
- Website: barksfifth.com
- Instagram: @barksfifth
- Facebook: Barks Fifth Avenue
- Twitter: @barksfifth
Image Credits
Rt.wrldfamous
