Early Feelings About Beauty and Colorism

Candice Brathwaite has become an internationally recognized author, speaker, and big sister for women on both sides of the pond. She would say, her candor, public displays of self-discipline, and incredible sense of style are the result of years-long trial and error. Fans of hers would just say they’re grateful to have access to her charisma. Born in London, Candice grew up in what she calls a “naked house,” surrounded by beautiful women who modeled confidence and the joy of living through style and fashion. Outside of her home, she chafed against early experiences with colorism and racism as the only Black girl in her extracurricular activities. She continued to experiment with her style and personal choices until early adulthood. Candice’s early 20s were like many of ours, spent chasing the wrong men, watering the wrong friendships, and wearing outfits we wouldn’t dare repeat. She accepts that time in her life, and believes that all Black girls deserve the space to be messy and make mistakes. 

As she moved into her 30s, Candice evolved in her relationships and motherhood. During our conversation, she talks about finding love, the joy of marrying “the nice guy,” and what her failed relationships taught her about herself. Candice details the joy of parenting children with unique styles and how good it feels to honor their self-expression. She dishes on the obstacles she has overcome while building her career, like going from pet to threat when she expressed a greater interest in understanding the business behind her brand. More than that, we discuss what handling these challenges in the public eye is like as a dark-skinned Black woman. She opens up about what it’s like having her husband manage her, and how they set boundaries between their personal and professional relationships. Of course, we talk about her incredible fitness journey and how her self-discipline is part of her commitment to building the life she has been dreaming of since she was eight years old. Candice is already thinking about the next phases of her life and her future careers as a funeral home director, pilates instructor, or world-renowned orator. Her dream for her life is ever-expanding, and we are so excited to follow along.

Tune in as we discuss:

(1:36) Why She Didn’t Feel Beautiful Growing Up

(2:40) How Colorism Impacted Her Confidence

(2:58) She Started Feeling Beautiful In Her 20s & Beautiful In Her 30s

(3:35) Mothering Children With Unique Personal Styles

(5:50) What Living In A Naked House Is Like

(11:08) How She Defined Success As A Child

(13:00) Her Advice To 20-Year-Olds

(14:55) Valuing Male Attention & Trauma Bonding In Friendships In Her 20s

(16:15) Black Girls Deserve The Space To Be Messy & Make Mistakes

(21:50) Why You Should Marry The Nice Guy

(27:02) Managing The Transition From Pet To Threat

(30:30) What Working With Her Husband Is Like

(33:07) How She Defines Her Personal Brand Now

(35:55) Her Mom’s Influential Fashion & Style Choices

(37:37) How Self-Discipline In Fitness Transformed Other Areas Of Her Life

(42:44) What Inspired Her To Take Her Fitness Journey Seriously

(45:40) Candice’s Favorite Skincare Products 

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Products Mentioned:

• Lush Sticky Dates Bodywash
• Lush Rose Jam Bodywash
• L'Occitane Shower Oil
• Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
• Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Sunscreen
• Haruharu Wonder Daily Sunscreen
• Dieux Forever Reusable Eye Patches
• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
• Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
• MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth
• Prada Monochrome Lipstick 
• MAC Lipglass
• Benefit Eyebrow Pencil
• Maybelline Super Lock Brow Gel
• Charlotte Tilbury Mascara
• Merit Great Skin Moisturizer

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