In a world that is rapidly changing, fueled by online media sources, start-ups, and gurus, it can be difficult to navigate the ever expanding swamp of knowledge. It seems there’s a recipe for success around every pop-up window and subscribe button. Especially when it comes to starting your own business. According to the online “experts,” it’s never been easier. Just buy their course! Fortunately for the Advice Giver reader, there’s people like Candace Carson who give us a much needed reality check. As the founder and president of The Intelligentsia Agency Inc., she’s no stranger to hardship. In fact, she’s releasing a memoir later this year that walks through her journey as a survivor. From abuse to homelessness, the murder of her fiancée to single mom, and now most recently successful business owner. To push through these trying times, Candace turned to her faith, which she credits as the most important part of moving forward. From there, she also sought out motivational speakers and dove into books. This journey lead her to discover the foundation of what would become The Intelligentsia Agency, previously known as Lily of the Valley Speakers. It’s purpose: To represent and connect the most brilliant minds, contributors, and intelligence to the world’s greatest companies and organizations. But, it wasn’t an overnight success. In fact, Candace fully admits she had no idea what she was doing when she got started, with barely any knowledge in the industry she sought to improve. By all accounts, she was destined to fail. And at first she did. What carried her through? An unrelenting force of passion, purpose, and curiosity. Her message to anyone with doubt, [you] can overcome any hurdle that’s in your way. Entrepreneurship is not only about solving problems for other people, but solving the problems within yourself that prevent you from reaching your own human potential. “If I can apply myself and go to the library multiple times per week, sit down, read, and eat peanut butter jelly sandwiches for a week at a time, or live on $20 per week for groceries, which I did. I can tell you exactly what I bought. Ramen, eggs, pasta, bread, cheese, etc. If I can do that and come out as successful as I have, anybody, anybody, anybody who is willing to do the work can succeed.” Today, The Intelligentsia Agency is quickly becoming renown for its unrivaled speaker and consultant vetting system, tailored for any business. You can learn more about The Intelligentsia Agency here at: www.theintelligentsia.co
