Rising Stars: Meet Candy Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Harris.

Hi Candy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story is one that doesn’t get good until a few chapters in so I will fast forward to my 30s. After I checked all of the boxes after high school: Graduated college, established a career as an educator, married my high school sweetheart, and started a family (proud mom of 3), I began to entertain the thought of “What next?”

It was a bypassing thought that I would suppress because as far as I was concerned and the plan I made for myself, I had accomplished all that I was supposed to. However, God said, “There is more that I require of you”.

Social media (Facebook in particular) has always been something I enjoy. I’ve always loved journaling and scrapbooking. So for me, posting pictures with captions came easy and my personal page/account became my electronic scrapbook that friends and family could see and enjoy.

Sharing my life as a believer, wife, mom, and educator began to encourage others. I know this because followers (then mostly family & friends) would tell me that a post I shared made them laugh or helped them realize they weren’t alone in whatever circumstance I would randomly share. It wasn’t until multiple people at different times suggest that I write a book, a blog, or something that I began to warm up to the possibility.

At the time, it sounded ludicrous. Me, an author? Nah… not me. And even if I entertained that thought, what in the world would I write about? But a blog? That sounded perfect! A mix of two things I enjoy: journaling and social media! And the SWEETEST part is that my random pictures and stories of doing life could encourage someone else. That’s what was next! I would use a social media platform to uplift, inspire, and encourage. So, in February of 2020, “Sweeter than Candy” was born.

Initially, Sweeter than Candy was just a personal blog but one year into blogging, I introduced a small business idea to my followers and the support was overwhelming! I’ve always been crafty and creative so I combined that talent with my love of giving gifts and boom, my business adventure began!

What makes my gift boxes/baskets different is the personal touch. Customers are given the opportunity to share their loved ones favorite things such as hobbies, snacks, sports teams, etc. Then I take that information and create a gift box or basket made specifically for their loved one. The recipient will feel extra special as they pull out items that only someone that loves them would know about. It doesn’t get any SWEETER than that!

Sweeter than Candy was no longer just a blog, it was becoming a brand!! My brand would still focus on inspiring, uplifting, and encouraging others but not just through social media posts, it would also come in the form of a gift box.

Oh but wait, there’s more. Remember the author thing mentioned earlier and how I dismissed the ridiculous idea? Well, those who told me that I would one day write a book we’re absolutely right! I will be releasing my first book this year! Imagine that… a rising social media influencer, entrepreneur, and author. Who would have thought? I surely did not.

Just when we think we have reached our peak and have done all that we are purposed for, God says, “I’m not quite finished beloved, there is more that I require of you”.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This two-year road trip has had its fair share of ups and downs, but the true blessing has been the overwhelming support from my family, friends, and community.

The greatest challenge of my road trip is running out of gas. Trying to juggle it all while still maintaining my roles as wife, mom, and educator has had me pump the breaks a couple of times but I have a mighty village that continues to push and encourage me.

However, as I continue to push forward, I know that more challenges (speed bumps and roadblocks) will come my way, but with God, I’m moving full speed ahead.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I’m not blogging or creating a gift box, I am helping educate and counsel youth.

This year will be my 15th year in education and I absolutely love what I do! While in the classroom I taught all things history and enjoyed every minute of it. However, I recently transitioned to serving students in a different capacity and I am now working as a professional school counselor.

I am known for being the school emcee for all pep rallies, the hype lady, and one of the most school-spirited. In the words of my daddy, “One thing for sure and two things for certain.” Mrs. Harris loves the kids and a good time. If we gotta work, we might as well have fun while doing it. #Ayeee.

Over the years, if I had to choose one thing that I am most proud of, it would be the relationships that I build with my students. I try to be very intentional about forming relationships because I strongly believe that once a student knows you truly care, the rest is history.

(See what I did there? History… because I was a history teacher. No? Not funny? Fine).

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
If I’m being honest, I see myself doing book tours!

I imagine myself speaking and encouraging mommas (my book is about motherhood) all over the world and interviewing on national tv shows. I get giddy thinking about it! But I ultimately see a brand/industry that uses her platform to disciple, encourage, uplift, and inspire.

I think the big shift is on its way. I’m just praying for God’s will to be done in whatever he ultimately has planned for Sweeter than Candy. I’m just the vessel.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweeter-than-candy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweeter_than.candy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyfeIsSweet/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCr8YpIGjB7AWm-oDpFq-sng 

Image Credits
Wild Dreams Photography and Vickilynn Gilmore