Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Gasper.
Hi Candace, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I studied merchandising/marketing in college and afterward I assumed that I would work in fashion. I was a merchandise assistant for a bit and I couldn’t stand being in an office, so I left. I always loved writing so I started to pursue that, taking classes, entering contests, writing copy for brands like Marchesa, NerdWallet, Walmart, etc. Meanwhile, I was helping my friend Sky manage a few Instagram accounts while living in LA. Helping coordinate photo shoots, managing, and scheduling content, managing the accounts, writing and planning copy and it was a lot of fun. Eventually, I moved back to the NKY/Cincy area and continued to freelance write while helping Sky.
One day out of the blue I get a call about a job opportunity at a start-up and I take it. My parents had been begging me to get a “real” job so I was excited to be like my friends and have some structure and appease my parents. 8 months later he decided to take a job offer at a prestigious agency with a lofty title in North Carolina and close the agency we were starting. He asked what my plans were next and I said I didn’t know. He said I could do “this” and I said, “do what?” and he said, “this. have your own agency.” I said, “I could?” and he said, “yeah why not?” and I said “why not!” and that’s pretty much been my motto ever since.
I’ve been working at my own agency, Digital Candy LLC, since 2019 and it’s been really fun. I started with my niche being in food and beverage but when Covid hit, I pretty much got wiped out. I’ve had to pivot and now have a nice little portfolio of pets, entertainment, sustainability, and lifestyle brands. I’ve gotten to work with some really wonderful photographers, creatives, and businesses here in Cincinnati and NKY. I’ve learned a lot from each person and I’m very thankful for the creative community here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not really no, hah! If I’m being honest. But I’ve never really been the type of person to take the easy way. Covid was a major struggle. Trying to help small businesses navigate the constantly changing guidelines and updates, having to deal with people whose only reprieve and outlet was social media, and the just general instability of everything in the last 2 years. Outside of that, there have been other challenges but I enjoy the fact that, for the most part, I’m in control. For me, it’s been a lot of great lessons in shifting my perspective. Rather than fearing change or being surprised by change, knowing that change is really the only constant in life.
I do kundalini yoga every day and that’s been super helpful in keeping me centered through all the storms life brings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Digital Candy is a digital marketing firm though most people think we sell wholesale candy and I kind of wish that too.
We specialize in email marketing, influencer marketing, and social media marketing (organic and paid). What sets Digital Candy apart from any other firm is that we take a very hands-on, calculated approach to creating marketing strategies and campaigns that help businesses form deep connections with their audience. These deep connections help build consumer confidence in both past, present, and future consumers. At the end of the day, business is about relationships. It feels good for both business and consumer to have this really strong connection both online and offline.
We are also really great at strategizing and executing what needs to be done. I’m a big believer in “ask and you shall receive” and I try to bring that energy to every client.
I’m most proud of how I was able to help clients pivot their original market(s) during the initial lockdown. Whether that was getting them out of the wholesale sector and into direct-to-consumer (DTC) or getting their in-person business online for online and contactless ordering, it was fast, fun, and we learned a lot along the way.
I’m also really proud of the influencer campaigns and influencer relationships I’ve helped clients build. Influencer marketing is the future of digital marketing whether you like it or not. The influencer community here in NKY/Cincinnati is really warm and welcoming and they make it super fun and easy to do work with.
I would love to work with another food and beverage brand here in Cincinnati or NKY. If it’s for a 1-time influencer marketing campaign or something more long-term, I’m ready to jump back in!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always looking for copywriters, social media assistant(s), photographers, graphic designers, models, influencers, and of course businesses to work with. You can always contact me at candace@digitalcandyllc.com. For businesses, I’m open to single campaigns or long-term work. I also work mostly just with my pug so if anyone ever wants to get lunch and bounce ideas around, that would be fun.
Contact Info:
- Email: candace@digitalcandyllc.com
- Website: www.digitalcandyllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalcandyllc/
Image Credits
Catie Viox
Kellie Coleman
Josh Faust
Tiffany Marie Photography
