Meet Candace N Lee | Actor, Model, & Film Festival Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candace N Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace N, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has become the answer to the question: What do I have to admit to myself? I changed the trajectory of my life when I started my career as an actor, film festival director, and model. This question is something I ask myself more often now. Each time I recognize the feeling of, This is good, but is it great? It’s alright, but is it the best?—I sit down and admit to myself where I want my career to go and what I need to stop doing or start doing to avoid the risk of losing myself.

Sometimes that means making a drastic change in what I allow myself to accept or continue doing, so I can focus on what I know will make my work exceptional. Those decisions don’t always feel good—sometimes they feel like loss. But intentional, calculated, and inspired personal growth is never truly a loss—it’s an investment in what matters most.

After each decision, I’ve found that commitment to the choice is key to making the risk pay off. I take each step into the future knowing that without those choices—without those risks—I won’t be able to wake up and know I’m achieving what I’m meant to achieve.

The most rewarding choices I’ve made began with a quiet inner prompt—the whisper to ‘go,’ the wisdom to ‘stay.’ Following it has brought me treasured bonds with remarkable creatives, unforgettable filming moments, and family ties strengthened by a deeper understanding of sacrifice and love. I’ve witnessed growth around me and within me—and that makes every risk not just worth it, but essential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The word No — it truly is redirection. And when it’s received with an attitude of seeing the beauty in why the answer is “no,” it changes the success in every way. Doing that is much harder than that sentence lets on. It has been hard and still can be. It also is the only thing for me and so fulfilling that all the difficulties are worth it.

It hasn’t been easy. Each day is a process of removing a layer of what I thought worked and replacing it with what I see does. It’s a constant dance between accepting that I am capable and talented, and holding the humility that it doesn’t have to be about me.

For me, overcoming challenges comes from staying in a posture of gratitude. Gratitude teaches me to be consistent in both love and discipline for my craft.

I want people to know I’m here because I want to be. I am here to make every endeavor as successful and as beautiful an experience for everyone as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Atlanta United game is a must. Music Festivals are a nice touch, and stopping at some of the establishments that have been here for a long time—like the Red Light Café, Laughing Skull, Little Five Points, and the Alliance Theatre for a show—adds a lot of local flavor.

I’d suggest giving each day its own grand, themed “life in a genre.” Lol. One day, go to the Fox Theatre and then have dinner at a nice downtown restaurant. There’s The Sun Dial or Polaris—both worth it, even if just for a drink, because the view is an experience in itself.

Try the Porsche Experience, then dine at Restaurant 365 and head up to the roof. Sometimes there’s live music, and there’s always an incredible view of planes landing—welcoming those returning home or visiting this beautiful city. If the timing’s right, catch Mesmerica at the Fernbank Museum.

A walk on the BeltLine at sunset offers limitless possibilities for food and interesting stops along the way. And Café Intermezzo has the best desserts and espresso.

Cirque du Soleil is always a nice touch at Atlantic Station, and—even though it sounds touristy—I volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium, and a behind-the-scenes tour really shows the impact of what’s done there.

Go dancing one night—the Havana Club is great. For a concert, the Tabernacle is a fantastic venue. I know I’m forgetting things I love about this city, because there’s something to love on every corner.

For a day to relax, head to the Chattahoochee River—sit on the rocks, jump in the water, and let the day slow down.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my acting career – Jeff Cole. Training in the Anatomy of Acting Studio has been life and career changing. Giving me all the tools to keep growing and being impactful.

In my modeling career – Jessica Jones. She has given me the directional freedom while still directing.

Cindy Hogan and her emotional recall class opened up access to an entire playground for me in my craft and work.

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Image Credits
Jessica Jones
Candace N Lee
Brian Jones