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

Hi Candis, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Australia to an African-American father and a European-Australian mother. As a mixed race woman growing up with Australian family in a country where 76% of people are of European descent, I was always deeply curious about the other side, my black ancestry and culture. I wanted to understand the full picture of where I came from and the stories that shaped my life. My search for my roots brought me to the USA in 2010.

As a biracial, multicultural woman my search for identity, belonging and self-actualization has been a persistent theme throughout my life and informs the work I do today as a coach helping others to find and fulfill their purpose as mission-driven leaders.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own and operate a business that guides mission-driven leaders through the process of building their personal brands and online teaching and coaching businesses. What I’m most proud of, is that the work encourages clients to go deeper through a process of self-discovery and exploration so they can build a signature body of work that is a true reflection of who they are and that is anchored by their purpose.

Building an online business has not been easy.

I was an Occupational Therapist in Australia and when I moved to the United States in 2011 my professional credentials did not transfer and the degree I had spent years getting was null and void. So I was forced into a period of discovery in which I explored several different career paths—TV Hosting, sports and lifestyle modeling, image consulting and health coaching.

When I entered the coaching industry in 2015 I was swept away by all the “get rich quick” schemes and found myself distracted by all the shiny objects. Every time I tried to emulate or copy someone else who I thought knew better than me, I found myself stuck and uninspired.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years are this:
1. There’s nobody like you, and trying to be anyone but you is a recipe for confusion.
2. It takes time to build a respected brand

What do I want the world to know about me?
I’m as committed to the mastery of my craft as I am to the marketing of it.

Words I live by: Go deeper.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Entertainment: The Palace on Ocean Drive for brunch and drag show
Mangoes for dancing
Ball & Chain for live music and dancing
Everglades alligator tour

If the Wynwood yard was still open! Loved that place.

Dining:
CVI.CHE 105 Dinner
Nikki Beach Sunday brunch
Abba Televivian Lunch
Stiltsville Brunch
Vista
Little Hen brunch

Lounging:
Sugar rooftop
Watr rooftop

Cafes:
Delicious Raw
Bebitos

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Elmer Hickman who is a Personal Trainer as well as my life cheerleader, friend and husband. I think many people feel the same in saying that his model of excellence in his life’s work as well as his encouragement and pep talks are fuel.

Website: https://www.candishickman.com/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/candishickman

Other: email: hello@candishickman.com

Image Credits
Sarah Paynter

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.