Meet The xoNecole Tribe: Kandice Guice, Writer

Where are you from?

I was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Monroe, Louisiana.

What did you go to school for? And what was your major?

I obtained my undergrad degree in Mass Communication from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I later went on to receive my Master of Public Administration from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy at Southern University and my law degree from Southern University Law Center.

When did your love affair with writing begin?

Since I can remember, I've had an intimate love affair with writing. I'd write poems, stories, and journal entries to cope with familial transitions and issues I faced at school. By fifth grade, I was writing content and pitching it to my teacher. I'd ask him to review my writing, then ask if I could read or act it out in class. The kids loved it! And my teacher started gently nudging me toward considering writing as my career path rather than my original idea of being a veterinarian. High school came and writing was it for me. Classmates would ask me to pass them my stories to read when class was too boring for them. I was getting published in the local newspaper, winning writing contests, and even getting scholarships based on my pieces.

"Since I can remember, I've had an intimate love affair with writing."

How and when did you start working with xoNecole.com?

I told a friend I was starting a blog. After hearing my vision, she thought it aligned well with xoNecole.com and encouraged me to check it out. I was so in love with the theme that I started dreaming of working with the brand. A few months passed, and I sent my first pitch but didn't hear back. After that, I made it a point to study the style of the pieces and keep up with the writers. I also reached out to other freelance writers to get their feedback on how I could sharpen my approach. I finally got the courage to pitch another idea. Our Managing Editor, Sheriden, loved it and invited me to become a contributing writer.

How do you practice self-care?

Playing dress up is my favorite form of self-care. I strongly believe that when you look good, you feel good. On days when I'm stressed or frustrated, I cut on some 90s R&B while I do my makeup and pick out cute outfits. Taking the time to get glam shifts my mood and makes me feel empowered to handle whatever comes my way.

"Taking the time to get glam shifts my mood and makes me feel empowered to handle whatever comes my way."

Are you single?

I'm blessed to be married to Bakari Guice. We've been on this marriage journey for a year and a half, and it has been the most rewarding experience I could've asked for. The ability to see our individual and collective growth is remarkable. Plus, it doesn't hurt to wake up to the coolest friend you know every day.

What are your interests? Do you have any hobbies?

I'm involved in so many things that I barely have time to even think about hobbies. But if I had to list a few, they would include travel, reading, online shopping, and spending time with family. Right now, I am experiencing a mental growth spurt and it's sparked my interests in self-development. I like to feed that appetite by reading non-fiction and having engaging conversations that stretch my thought process and viewpoint.

What is your favorite book of all-time? What's the last book you read?

It's tough for me to narrow down the full gamut of books I've enjoyed into a favorite of all time, but anything written by Toni Morrison is a fave. Although fictional, they include themes that make me more self-aware. The last book I read was The Four Agreements. I can't say enough how everyone should read it. It's been life changing for my perspective about how I view myself and others.

What's your endgame? Why do you do what you do?

I couldn't tell you my endgame. I don't think anyone who intends to be habitually successful really can. So much of climbing is based on reinventing yourself, staying sharp, and remaining flexible that it's impossible to just name one thing and stick to it. For me, the sky is the limit. If I had to answer what's up next for me, I would definitely say getting to a space where I can expand my role at xoNecole, delving into video/having my own show, and turning my #MoreThanPrettyCampaign into a national movement, which shifts the world's perspective on female leadership.

I do what I do for my mother and grandmother who have virtually eliminated any excuse for why I can't be anything I want in this life. I also do it to show multipassionate women and girls that they have a right to explore all the things that make them happy and interest them. There is a such thing as being an attorney and a blogger or a stockbroker and a stylist. The sky is the limit. I hope by seeing me do my own thing, they are inspired to break out of the box others try to build around us.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the most challenging part?

The most rewarding part of my job as a writer is being able to tell stories and relay information from the perspective of a black woman. We make up a powerful demographic of this country and this world. Our voice, our thoughts, our feelings matter in the big scheme of things. Being able to write pieces that connect to women like me makes me feel like our love is on top.

The most challenging part is thinking through new innovative ways to capture the attention of readers. With so much white noise out there, it isn't always easy to get someone to click on an article, even if it's relevant. I'm always trying to come up with new ways to get viewers to stop and take note.

"Being able to write pieces that connect to women like me makes me feel like our love is on top."

What advice do you have for other freelance writers?

In this digital age, your personal brand is so important. Go the extra mile to show brands what you can do by having a great website and investing in yourself. Put in the effort to work hard for yourself and others will pay attention. Aside from that, I'd say stay in the fight. Don't take your first no or even a thousand no's as a sign to quit. It doesn't matter how many no's you get. You only need one yes to make the difference.

How can we keep up with you on social media?

You can follow me across all social networks @kandiceguice.