With times becoming more and more obsessed with design, décor and renovations- FW searched for a sensational star in our Canadian heritage. When we talk design, it would be foolish not to mention one of the most skilled, creative and hardworking designers out there- Candice Olson!
FW had the pleasure of having a one on one conversation with Candice Olson this past month and we want to share her experience and vision with our readers!
A graduate from the University of Calgary- she travelled to Ryerson University to fulfill her long term dreams of Interior Design. Since then, she has just been climbing the ladder starting with all sorts of work experiences, running her own practice and then becoming one of the most familiar faces on television with her hit shows Divine Design and a recent production, Candice Tells All. She has numerous partnerships with industry leaders in the design world and has also had a book come out back in 2006 called Candice Olson on Design: Inspiration & Ideas for your Home. Just this past March 2011, she also launched another book called Candice Olson Kitchen & Bathrooms. On top of all her career based achievements she is also a wife and mother of two lovely children. How does she do it? Well FW ASKED…
FW asked Candice why she switched from Sciences to Interior Design.
She told us she was the only kid to a single mom and wanted to make her mom proud so she stuck to sciences. Back in the day it wasn’t the most popular option to be in anything art based. She applied to Ryerson at the end of her degree, got in and chose interior design because she wanted to push both sides of my brain since she was interested in design building.
FW asked if she felt it is crucial to have work experience before one starts their own practice.
Candice to us, “Absolutely!” She went on to explain that residential work is popular and great area to start in, to get into design offices and work for little or no money because all that experience teaches you. Participate in school shows and be ready for the real world.
FW asked Candice how she got into T.V. –sheer luck or calculated?
constant high spirit, she informed us that she had been approached by producers many a times but she did not want to do just any show. She wanted to do a show that would promote great calibre of style. She simply put that she would only get into television if it promoted, “damn good design”. However, it wasn’t until City Line producers approached her because she had been featured in a Canadian House and Home Design Contest. The day of their taping, luckily Candice got to host her own show and the producers loved it which led to her being on City Line for 7 years! Then when W Network was looking for a flagship show for their channel- Divine Design fell into place and well, let’s just say- the rest is history!
FW went on to ask her about her design aesthetic and her tips for other wanting to get in into this field.
She advised that she has always kept a good relationship with all her trades and that is crucial for one to be successful. She went on to emphasise that, “this is a business, not a hobby”. It is common to think we are all budding designers, but she believes in the old school approach where one should have an adequate amount of talent but more importantly a fantastic work ethic. Those are the ones who survive and progress. She explained that one part of the job is also psychology where you have to understand the needs of client, respect their budget and style- so there is a lot involved. Work ethic plays a big role.
FW was highly intrigued with Candice’s ability to juggle a successful career, television productions hours, a home, kids and hubby! We had to ask her how she does it.
As most working mothers act when asked this question- Candice broke out into a laugh and shared that when mothers try and portray that they have the perfect little family and the perfect work scenario, well the truth is “ you are delusional!!!” She is married to a builder, has a daughter and son both under the age of 10 and assures us that the only way things really work is when you do the best you can and hope for the best. She further explained that there are always some sacrifices to be made, but currently she has a nanny who is a life savour in her jam packed schedule, her husband’s schedule and in between her kids swimming and figure skating lesson- that’s how she keeps her world under manageable design!
Candice is an interior designer, a TV Show host, a published author and entrepreneur with her own business and various partnerships – FW wondered is there room for more?
She exposed that she is in the works for something new which she can’t let out just as yet but she did drop us some hints. She is going to be branching out into different types of design and is working with an integrated design company that specialise in overall design. This will be a more public venture with graphics, packaging and much more.
FW was amazed by her down to earth attitude, her quirky humour and it just assured us that her vision truly is divine!