We had the good fortune of connecting with Candace Oates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been in the health and wellness field for decades as a health coach, diabetes prevention specialist and a personal trainer. When Covid hit, it broke my heart to see that hospitalizations and deaths were highest in the black/brown/underserved/underprivileged communities-especially those faced with Metabolic diseases such as diabetes or high cholesterol. . Obesity Awareness IN Action (OAA)was born out of a burning desire and calling to help others and possibly save lives. OAA’s free youth educational health and wellness programming is partnered with Boys and Girls Club Larimer and AIMS Community College to educate 5th-12th graders in health and wellness with the goal of creating a path for future generationsto have a healthier future.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Obesity Awareness IN Action non-profit (OAA) is my baby. I had a dream to create and disseminate health and wellness educational programming to our underpriveledged and underserved youths. After a year of disappointments, lack of financial support and frustration -I wanted to quit. I did not have any kids to educate, any programming in place nor any way to garner financial support. I learned a very valuable lesson in those low times – it doesn’t take everyone’s support to help you to the next level. It takes THE RIGHT person in your corner and to support you. One person connected to another person until I met the right person. A connection was made with our local community college. Another connection led me to the Boys and Girl’s club. Another connection who happened to have a master’s in Education helped me with programming. The list goes on. You have to have 1000 doors slammed in your face before 1 door opens. Every time a door slams in my face, I tell myself “999 more doors to go so I can find my yes.” Never give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Blue Door Fort Collins Social Fort Collins
Rocky Mountain Zipline
Pikes Peak and Garden of the God’s Tour
One Shot Back Denver
Botannical Garden Denver
16th Street Mall Denver
Top Golf – Thornton
Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Ride – Boulder
Union Station-Denver
Estes Park
Cherry Creek Mall
Comedy Works- Denver
A Nuggets a Game
Concert at Red Rocks

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dixie Daly from the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is absolutely amazing. She did everything in her power to support OAA’s annual Walk last year and this year (June 9th) while taking her personal time to guide me and connect me to other community leaders so our non-profit could thrive. I lean on her for answers, mentorship, and support.

Website: www.oaamovement.org

Instagram: LowCarbCandace.OAA

Linkedin: Candace Oates

Facebook: Facebook.com/OAAMovement

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@HealthyLivingWithCandace

Other: Oaamovement@outlook.com

Image Credits
A.B. Consulting and Media

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