Candice Zinner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Candice, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What battle are you avoiding?
If I’m being honest, there’s something I’ve been avoiding—something that’s been sitting in the back of my mind for quite some time now. The thought of closing my business.
It would be easy, even tempting, to simply walk away. To release the stress of rising costs, fluctuating schedules, and the sting of empty appointment slots. To hand back the weight of responsibility that sometimes feels heavier than I can carry.
But the truth is, closing my business would not be what’s best. This space is more than numbers, schedules, or spreadsheets. It’s a place where connections have been made, friendships have formed, and growth—both personal and professional—has taken root. Each challenge I’ve faced has taught me resilience. Each client I’ve served has left an imprint on my journey.
Yes, I am fighting against the reality of rising prices and the natural ebb and flow of clients. But even in the struggle, there’s meaning. There’s purpose. There’s something worth continuing.
So instead of avoiding the hard questions, I’m leaning into them. Instead of shutting the door, I’m choosing to keep it open—for my community, for the connections, and for the growth that continues to unfold, even in the hardest of seasons.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Candice, and I’m the owner of Salty, a wellness space built around the healing power of salt therapy and holistic practices. What started as a dream to create a calming retreat has grown into a community hub where people come not just to relax, but to heal, connect, and recharge.
What makes Salty unique is that it’s more than a business—it’s an experience. From our Himalayan salt cave and red light therapy to our mobile salt tent that can travel to health fairs, events, or even private homes, we’ve worked hard to make wellness both accessible and memorable. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to form incredible connections and friendships, both with clients and other wellness professionals.
Right now, I’m focused on growing Salty in new ways, while continuing to honor our roots in salt therapy. It hasn’t always been easy; like many small businesses, we’ve faced rising challenges. But I believe what keeps us special is the heart behind it all. Salty isn’t just about treatments—it’s about creating a space where people feel better, lighter, and more connected every time they walk through the door.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
When I think about where my work ethic comes from, the answer is clear—my parents.
My father was always a dreamer, but more than that, he was a doer. He built his own business, worked tirelessly, and taught me early on that nothing in life is handed to you. He believed in honesty, loyalty, and showing up on time—values he carried with pride and ones that became cornerstones for me as well. From him, I learned that if you want something, you don’t sit back and wait for it to happen—you go out and make it happen.
My mother, in her own way, reinforced that lesson. She often worked multiple jobs while also running her own business. She embodied perseverance and sacrifice, showing me that hard work wasn’t just an option—it was a way of life.
Hard work was the backdrop of my childhood, woven into everything I saw and experienced. Because of my parents, I carry that same determination and grit into my own business and my own life today.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Yes. I miss the simplicity.
I miss the days of going to work, completing my tasks, and then heading home with a clear mind. I miss the calm that came at the end of the night, the weekends that felt like true breaks, and the peace of knowing I had time off that was both paid and protected.
Owning a business has been a beautiful journey of growth, connection, and purpose, but it has also meant giving up that simplicity. The lines between work and life blur, the mind never fully shuts off, and the weight of responsibility never truly takes a vacation.
Sometimes, what I miss most isn’t the job itself—it’s the feeling of balance that came with it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
No, not entirely.
The version of me the public often sees is soft-spoken, gentle, and calm. That’s the side I bring forward in my business and in many interactions—it’s authentic, but it’s only part of who I am.
The real me? She can be blunt. She can curse like a sailor. She has strong opinions and isn’t afraid to share them. I carry both sides within me—the nurturing presence that holds space for others and the bold, unfiltered voice that refuses to shrink.
Both are real. Both are me. It just depends which part the world needs in the moment.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’ll be honest—sometimes I spend my days binge-watching shows, getting lost in novels, napping, and generally being a little too comfortable with laziness. Yes, I’m healing from being sick, and rest is necessary. But I can’t help but wonder: could I be using this time more productively?
In 7–10 years, these habits won’t have built skills, connections, or growth. They won’t have moved me closer to the goals I’ve set for myself or the life I want to lead. And while rest is part of recovery, it’s also a reminder that balance matters—rest, yes; but action, growth, and intentionality are what truly pay off in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://visitsalty.com
- Instagram: @visitsalty
- Facebook: @visitsalty
