Influential Blogger/Clothing Designer, Candy Washington uses her humility and drive to inspire people around the world along through her journey.
There are a lot of Influencers popping up on social media. What separates you from them?
I think that’s the beauty of social media. It provides a platform for all people to share their content, voice, and a piece of their lives with the world. With that being said, I agree, there are a ton of influencers currently saturating the market and it’s more important now than ever to be your authentic self on your social media channels.
What sets me apart from some of the other influencers, is that I treat every brand campaign, tweet, Instagram post, video, etc., as if I’m talking to my best friend. I don’t view them as “followers.” I view them as my best friends that I’m sharing my life and I hope that I’m able to add value to their lives through the stories that I tell.
Whether it’s a teenager suffering from acne and is able to get clear skin based on a skincare campaign that I did or a small business owner scared to take the leap to create their own brand but is inspired by personal stories of perseverance and never giving up, I always want to make sure that my posts are meaningful and adding value to others. Another thing that sets me apart is that although I love sharing my experiences, I never take myself too seriously. For example, I started an #ImBasic series on social media where I poke fun at my basic(ness) which includes my love for Starbucks, avocado toast, Unicorns, Organic acai berry gluten-free protein smoothies, and being #blessed.
Being able to laugh at myself is one of the biggest things that makes me different from a ton of influencers out there. I truly believe that the purpose of social media is to inspire, connect, and uplift.
How did you get started?
After graduating from Georgetown, I moved to New York City and became a PR Intern for Louis Vuitton. I quickly learned the ropes and how to navigate the fashion scene. I started my blog as a hobby but as it grew in popularity, I realized that I could turn it into a full-time job. But that meant investing it in full-time. I would work during the day and then focus on my blog at night and over the weekends.
After working on my blog, saving up a healthy nest egg, freelance writing for other sites, and building up my following on social media, I was in a position to quit my day job and move to L.A. The moment that I decided to be a full-time blogger and social media influencer, I created to plan and timeline in order to make that happen.
It’s been over two years since I made the leap and I’ve expanded into on-camera hosting as a host for Disney Style and into acting as well. I’ve also started a fashion line, 1214 by Candy Washington.
What influences your creative process?
My authentic life and my personal experiences are the two main factors that influence my creative process. When I feel off-balanced, it’s hard for me to get into my flow when it comes to writing, taking photos, designing, and creating characters.
I try to meditate every day and follow a healthy diet with tons of water because I want to be a clear and grounded as possible in my daily life so I’m in a place to find inspiration and be inspiring.
Practicing gratitude and humility also opens me up creatively. Whenever I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, I just get very still and show appreciation for the small things in life. I realize how abundance is all around me and there’s never a true reason to be unhappy. Once I unlock gratitude, creativity flows from me.
This exercise has been super important to me as I’m currently working on my most challenging project to date. More to come on that!
Coachella or SXSW?
Both! They are both such epic experiences, I could never pick just one. But I will say this, I go to Coachella for the fashion and SXSW for the music.
Dream brand collaboration?
Chanel. Since I was a little girl, it’s been a dream of my mine to be the face of Chanel. It’s one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world. Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel are legends. I know it will happen one day.
Candy’s Top 5 Summer Picks
1214 by Candy Washington “Coffee Made Me Do It” Tee, Narasha Faux Fur Vest at Nordstrom, “Lost Boys” by Ocean Park Standoff (Add this to your playlist), Statement Belt by Topshop, White Blazer by J. Crew.
