When Grace Meets Grit: A Conversation on Resilience and Renewal

This week, I sat down with my dear friend and fellow creative, Candice Lorraine Soffner — a woman whose career can only be described as a smorgasbord of creative brilliance. From teaching first grade to designing interiors, producing large-scale events, and now leading her own company, Candice Lorraine LLC, Candice has done it all with an ease and authenticity that’s rare in our industry.We talked about the real stuff — resilience, burnout, bravery, and the decision to choose yourself even when it feels terrifying. Our conversation moved between laughter and truth-telling — from stories of wrangling groomsmen like first graders to the lessons that come from divorce, reinvention, and rebuilding. What I love most about Candice is her honesty. She reminds us that resilience isn’t a trait you’re born with — it’s something you earn by standing back up.This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s time to start over, or if saying “yes” to something new might just lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Candice’s path from teaching to event production shaped her approach to leadershipThe importance of treating people with kindness — even when the pressure is highWhy resilience is the greatest strength in creative industriesThe courage it takes to leave a stable path in pursuit of alignmentHow honesty and integrity always reveal true characterThe freedom that comes from saying yes to the projects that truly excite youWhy negative space — in life and design — mattersWant more behind-the-scenes stories, trends, and inspiration?Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, updates, and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes moments, trending ideas, and so much more.Tune in to our Wine and Dine Me Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, where we explore all things weddings, life, and business.