Dr. Candace Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Candace , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a blend of creativity, strategy, and hands-on work.
I usually start my day with quiet time with Jesus to think and plan before the pace picks up. From there, I move into creating—whether that’s restoring a chair, experimenting with color combinations, or working through design ideas for an upcoming piece. The process is very hands-on, and I enjoy seeing something transform in real time.
Right now, a lot of my days are also focused on preparing for my class at the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair. That includes refining how I teach the chair transformation process so it feels approachable, even for someone who has never done it before. I want people to leave feeling confident, not intimidated.
In between, I’m building out the next phase of The Chair Affair, which includes developing creative retreats. Those are especially exciting to me because they go beyond teaching a skill—they create space for people to slow down, create something meaningful, and experience a sense of personal renewal.
No two days look exactly the same, but they all center around creating, teaching, and helping others see the potential in what they already have—whether that’s a piece of furniture or their own creativity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Candace Jones, founder of Expanded Educational Services and the creative force behind The Chair Affair, a luxury furniture transformation brand that turns overlooked pieces into statement works of art.
While my background is in education, what makes my work unique is how I’ve blended teaching with creativity and hands-on craftsmanship. Through The Chair Affair, I don’t just restore chairs—I teach others how to see potential, develop skill, and create something beautiful from what might otherwise be discarded.
Right now, I’m expanding that work beyond individual pieces into experiential learning. I’ve been invited to teach at the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair, where I’ll guide participants through the chair transformation process in a way that feels approachable and empowering. I’m also developing curated creative retreats designed for women who want to step away from their daily routines, learn a new skill, and reconnect with their creativity in a meaningful way.
What makes my brand special is that it sits at the intersection of art, restoration, and experience. Whether someone encounters my work through a finished piece, a class, or a retreat, the goal is always the same—to help them see what’s possible, both in what they create and in themselves.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A defining moment for me wasn’t a single event, but a realization that happened over time—seeing how often things that are overlooked, dismissed, or considered “too far gone” still hold incredible value.
That perspective didn’t just shape how I see objects—it shaped how I see people, opportunities, and even myself. I began to understand that what something looks like in its current state doesn’t determine what it can become.
That mindset is what ultimately led to The Chair Affair. When I look at a chair that others might pass by, I don’t see damage or age—I see potential, structure, and the opportunity for transformation. The same is true in how I teach and create experiences. Whether it’s through a class at the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair or a creative retreat, my goal is to help people shift how they see what’s in front of them.
Because once you learn to recognize potential, you start approaching everything differently—with more vision, more patience, and more intention.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to believe that if something didn’t work the first time—or didn’t gain traction quickly—it meant it wasn’t meant for me.
Over time, I’ve had to completely change that mindset. Some of my most meaningful work came after things didn’t go as planned, or after ideas had to be reworked, refined, and approached differently. What I once saw as failure, I now recognize as part of the development process.
That shift has shaped how I approach everything I do now, especially with The Chair Affair. Transformation doesn’t happen instantly. A piece may need to be stripped down, reworked, and rebuilt before it becomes something beautiful. The same is true for ideas and even for people.
Now, instead of walking away when something doesn’t work, I lean in and ask, “What does this need in order to become what it’s supposed to be?”
That perspective has allowed me to build something more intentional—whether I’m creating a piece, teaching at the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair, or designing retreats that give others space to go through their own process of transformation.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building a space where creativity is not treated as a luxury, but as something essential.
So often, people put their creativity on the back burner because life gets busy or because they don’t see it as “practical.” I believe the opposite. Creativity is what helps people think differently, solve problems, and reconnect with themselves.
That belief is what’s driving the direction of The Chair Affair. It’s no longer just about transforming chairs—it’s about creating experiences where people can step into that process for themselves. Whether it’s through a class at the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair or the retreats I’m developing, the goal is to create environments where people can slow down, learn a skill, and leave with something they’re proud of.
I’m committed to that vision long-term—building something that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and experience in a way that feels both meaningful and lasting.
Because when people are given the space to create, they don’t just produce something beautiful—they begin to see themselves differently.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’m building something that goes far beyond finished pieces.
Right now, I’m investing time into creating experiences, teaching at events like the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair and developing creative retreats that may not show their full impact immediately. But I believe deeply in what they’re creating long-term.
I’m building a brand and a body of work that reintroduces people to creativity in a hands-on, meaningful way. That takes time. It takes consistency. And it takes a willingness to focus on depth instead of quick results.
Years from now, I don’t just want people to remember a chair I created. I want them to remember that they learned how to create something themselves; that they experienced transformation, not just observed it.
That kind of impact doesn’t happen overnight, but it lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.expandededucationalservices.com
- Instagram: Expanded Educational Services
- Linkedin: Dr. Candace Jones
- Facebook: Expanded Educational Services
- Youtube: Doctor Candace Jones EdD & Expanded Educational Services
