Meet Candice Washington | Business & Project Manager Specializing in Process Improvement and Experience

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

Hi Candice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business to transform the transactional essence of the B2C business model into one that is guided by experience. A considerable number of businesses, especially those in the entrepreneur space, focus heavily on the products and services they provide but fail to consider how consumers experience doing business with them. The result is a poor customer experience (CX) that impacts the revenue and sustainability of businesses.

Since 2019 my company has supported entrepreneurs and small businesses in making the shift towards more client centered operations to improve CX and revenue growth. Through education and partnership we aim to reshape CX to improve business performance and sustainability.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

After earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Butler University I spent 2.5 years in the Sports & Entertainment industry working for a professional NBA/WNBA team, transitioning from there into the field of education for 14 years where I held positions in Corporate Work Study, Career Counseling, Business Development and Program Management. Progressing out of education I entered the entrepreneur space and also worked for a startup providing client experience and operations development.

My differentiating factor is that I bring a unique approach to everything I do because of the value and importance I place on experience. Experiences are influential and transformative and drive decision making, and when leveraged in business, can have a significant impact on business growth and sustainability.

In addition to this, my magnetic personality has been a driving force behind my ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and clients throughout my career. I also bring a unique appreciation and respect for collaboration due to the high value I place on experience.

Although my journey has been one I’m grateful for, it hasn’t been easy or always pleasant. In corporate I was often one of very few women of color, if not the only, on the teams I was a part of, which caused me to have several unfortunate experiences of discrimination and unfair treatment from colleagues and management. Fortunately I had mentors who were able to help me navigate through those situations. And as with all things, I was intentional to learn lessons that have helped me become a better person and professional.

Entrepreneurship has had its own set of challenges, some of which I’m still navigating my way through. But you can’t be a person who consults and teaches on the impact of experience while devaluing your own. But through it all, I just continue to seek God for direction and press forward knowing the greatness He has in store for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d definitely have them visit the Museum District, POST Houston (although I’ve yet to go myself, but I’m going soon!), and maybe catch a concert at The Smart Financial Center or Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. I’m a foodie, so we’d definitely have to visit Trez Art & Wine Bar, El Tiempo on Navigation (the original location is the best location…in my opinion), Kumo Sushi, and Calibomb-nia. I’m not one who hangs out in public much, so there are plenty of places that we could explore together!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’m grateful to the first business coach I hired for helping me to identify my gift for client experience and operational processes development. Often times we aren’t able to recognize our strengths because they come to us naturally and are things that we don’t have to give much thought to because it’s just who we are. So I’m grateful that God placed someone in my path to help me uncover and develop my gifts.

The book Profit First by Mike Michalowicz also revolutionized the way I structure and manage my business finances. I highly recommend this book to anyone in or considering entrepreneurship.

Website: www.iamcandicewashington.com

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