Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Laxa.
Hi Candice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began modeling as a way to help me feel better about myself, especially after my postpartum pregnancy body and being in a long-term toxic relationship that tore my confidence and self-esteem down. Spoiler alert, it didn’t work. If anything, I started to feel worst about myself and absolutely refused to be in front of a camera. Fast forward to the pandemic and I decided to walk away from that relationship and begin a new journey on internal work.
Along the way, I learned the importance of documenting the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of my life. One of the ways was through modeling. Seeing the work I’ve done 10 years ago compared to where it now has completely shifted. I’ve learned to embrace and celebrate everything that has made me today! In modeling, I can share joy, laughter, sadness, madness, and everything in between!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not. I never thought I would start modeling again, let alone enjoy it. I used to expect modeling to fix the things I hated about myself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now I’ve learned that it’s not the external things around me that would fix me, but that I’ve had the power all along. Modeling just allows me to share that power with others now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Oddly enough, I keep my creative modeling work quite separate from my full-time career of being a financial counselor for a non-profit organization. I specialize in budget counseling, but teaching about credit and debt is my jam! Most of my clients are surprised when they meet with me for the first time that I actually only spend about a quarter of our time talking about actual numbers.
I’m known for really digging deep with my clients in order to find out how and why they have their beliefs about money. What I’m most proud of is also what I believe sets me apart from most financial counselors and it’s how I build rapport and actively listen with empathy that creates a safe space for my clients to put their pack down to not only a dream, but to set their goals (financial, personal, and even internal).
What do you think about luck?
I believe luck can actually be a neutral idea. What one believes is good luck can translate as bad luck for another.
What I can say is that luck has landed me exactly WHERE I needed to be exactly WHEN I needed to be. Sometimes I believe I’m too late in the game and that being a single mother can hinder my chances and opportunities, but luck quickly reminds me that “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/CandiceLaxa
Image Credits
Stephanie McDonald, Sarah Mich, and Neil Miles
