We had the good fortune of connecting with Candi Hussle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Candi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe in the motto “No Risk No Reward.” Calculated risks are important. In November 2019 I was laid off from my job. I heard whispers around the office that a layoff was coming but nothing was confirmed. I started to plan for the launch of my podcast earlier that year. I was determined to achieve my goal. I was laid off on November 8th and recorded my first podcast on my birthday ( 11/12) as planned. I took a risk of launching a new business venture during a layoff and was able to remain committed. Had I not taken the risk I wouldn’t have a successful podcast. Dope Chick With Ambition Is a top podcast achieving great numbers and allowing me to build relationships with other ambitious women. I encourage anyone reading this interview to take the risk and have confidence when making the move. The rewards will come eventually.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My name is Candi Hussle and I am the Host/Creator of Dope Chick With Ambition! Podcast. Dope Chick With Ambition was created in 2017. It was originally a message put on clothing being that I have a clothing brand called “ The Addicted Life.” It was such a confident message that I had so many ideas come to mind from it. So I started to brainstorm and came up with kicking off a podcast! Dope Chick Ambition is my second podcast. As I mentioned before I am a deactivated blogger. As a blogger, it was my goal to get on the radio as a radio personality. My first podcast was called “ Addicted 2 Candi Live.” It didn’t have much direction so the content wasn’t there. So I canceled it and focused on The Addicted Life. On my journey to success, I learned when you’re passionate about something it doesn’t go away. In 2019 the podcasting bug bit me again. That’s when I started to plan my launch. I knew with Dope Chick With Ambition, I’d have tons of content. I always knew it was my calling. I love to motivate and clap for others. On my 2018 vision board, I have the word “ connect” on there. My goal was to connect with like-minded individuals. Especially women of color. There are so many dope women in Atlanta. Launching this podcast with this content was a no brainer. Connection is a powerful tool. So with D.C.W.A Podcast. I can do just that. Connect with Dope + Ambitious women. So not only do I connect with women from different industries. I also make sure I am pouring into my listeners and dropping motivational dopeness. D.C.W.A Podcast is a space where gems are dropped, relatable topics are discussed and conversations with Dope Chicks With Ambition take place. Life itself can be a challenge. So of course challenges will come when you’re attempting to launch a business and even during the running of your business. I truly believe in the saying; “Anything worth having isn’t easy and anything easy isn’t worth having.” When you want something bad enough you figure out ways to achieve your goals. As a podcaster a few lessons that I’ve learned so far are
1) ALWAYS double confirm your guests
2) Always have more than one show idea ready
3) don’t stress over the things you cannot control.
I want the world to know that Dope Chick With Ambition! Podcast is the dose of motivational dopeness that everyone needs in their lives. I am for the ladies first, but ambitious men are encouraged to tune in. I produce quality content and I’m sure it will keep you hooked. What’s separates me from the rest is…..I’m the BEST..lol. No seriously. It’s not on me it’s in me. Meaning that I was born to interview and entertain humans. I’m authentic and confident in my skills. I’m just blessed and happy to be here 🙂
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.
Well, I am a transplant myself. Hailing originally from Rochester, NY. I’m still learning the spots in the city. But if my best friend came to visit me. I’d take them to Nana’s Chicken N Waffles for breakfast. Although it’s on the outskirts of ATL, the owner is a college mate with an amazing restaurant! So putting people on to her spot would be 1st and foremost. After I’d say let’s go shopping and walk around Ponce City Market. Once we finished there we’d head to L5P do a little more shopping, sightseeing and work up an appetite. For dinner, we’d go to The Busy Bee Cafe for some good ole soul food. Depending on the season, if it were holiday time. I’d take her to botanical gardens for the light show.
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?
My mother Jeanette Morrison. She’s the epitome of being a Dope Chick With Ambition. Being a teen mom, she never let the challenges she faced get in her way. I watched her and I am thankful for her. Her work ethic, dedication, and AMBITION are top-notch. Thank you, mommy. Next would be my mentor LaShawnna Stanley. She is the CEO of Ethnicity Models. She gave me a chance to intern in 08 and I’ve been down ever since. She taught me so many things and was the one that encouraged me to start my blog Addicted2Candi.com. Although I am a deactivated blogger now ( kinda lol..I’m still in the mix) I am grateful for that part of my story! Last, be not least S/O to my friends that are super supportive of my brands & business. I love you all. To my first best friend Marquita; thank you for being my biggest cheerleader. I am proud of you and admire you. Dwan, my second bestie! I love you much! You’re always very supportive in every way. Once I get my millions you’ll get your Benz. Lol Last but not least Sarah T from the chi! My very good friend/cousin that’s always motivating me and dropping those gems. I’ve been blessed to have great people in my life. If I didn’t mention your name don’t be mad at me. It’s all love.
Website: www.DopeChickWithAmbition.com
Instagram: @DopeChickWithAmbition & @CandiHussle
Twitter: @CandiHussle @DCWAPODCAST
Facebook: Dope Chick With Ambition
Image Credits
Photos: Dope Chick With Ambition Podcast