Meet Candice Ellis | Business Consultant & Mental Health Practitioner

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

Hi Candice, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Starting my own business – I remember it being “all a dream”; dealing with imposter syndrome – doubting my education, experience and natural gifts. The idea of being independent and having my own business was always a far-off goal. I worked many years in management since I was 19 years old. I knew when my checks were coming, and what tasks were involved. It was a lot at times, but manageable. No matter, it seemed like a great task to walk away and start my own business. I remember a few times questioning myself as to whether I made the right decision. While it was tough, it has been the most amazing ride I have taken.

What should our readers know about your business?
Coach Candice helps working professionals and business leaders to create a balance of work and play by merging business and psychology resources and tools to deliver long-lasting and effective change and results for personal, professional, and organizational growth.

We specialize in providing organizational development, process and systems optimization, project management, business consulting, leadership training, and executive coaching.

My business started by what I call, happenchance, after updating my LinkedIn profile status about stepping away from a business in which I grew up and in for over 15 years, to complete my practicum for my Masters’ in Psychology. That call came in May 2016 from a small minority business owner who needed assistance in organizational and leadership development. I was able to utilize both my education and hands-on experience in business and psychology to assist that company along with many others over the past 5 years.

I absolutely love what I do – assisting businesses and individuals reach their pinnacle of success. My business has word simply by hard work and word of mouth from previous clients.

Overall being an entrepreneur is hard – to not know when the next contract will come in while attempting to live a fruitful life and practicing what I preach – balancing work and play. It is a daily struggle, that I overcome by reminding myself that I am where I am supposed to be and living in my purpose.

I have learned along the way to believe in TAGS – talents, abilities, gifts, and skills.

I would like the world to know that hard work and dedication pay off; that even though your journey may not look like others – you write your own path. I was constantly questioned about my decision to go from a Bachelor in MIS, to MBA to MS in Psychology – others didn’t see my vision; however, I did. It is my unique skills that coin the title of Coach Candice and Therapist for Entrepreneurs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite spots in Minneapolis to eat are Soul Bowl, Mama Sheila’s, Pimento, and Salt Eatery. I would provide a tour of the murals in the city including the George Floyd Memorial, Pasley Park, and hang out at one of the many lakes. I have the privilege of traveling to many places one of my fondest and most memorable places would be New Orleans. The food and the culture are absolutely amazing. The people are friendly and personable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are quite a few people and organizations which has aided in my success and where I am today as a business owner. I’d like to start with Gloria Freeman, she gave me the opportunity at a young age to show my leadership qualities and provide me hands-on experience in learning how to run a business. I would also give a huge Shoutout to Lea Hargett, who has continued to be my mentor, provide guidance, reassurance, and encouragement along my journey. I’d like to thank Shawntera and Char with Certified Access along with Mark Cooper with PTAC MN – with their help and support, I was able to get my business minority women certified which in entailed assisted me in expanding my business. And lastly, my family most importantly, my daughter – she is my motivator, my biggest cheerleader, my greatest love.

Website: www.coachcandice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcandicee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceaellis/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mscandiceellis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachCandiceE

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kandicaine1980