1. Introduce yourself! Where are you from, what are your hobbies? Who do you share your days with?
Hey guys! My name is Candace Temple and I'm 26 years old! I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia but I was raised here in GP since I was 4. My hobbies include going on walking adventures with my dog, Rue, my boyfriend Andrew and our friends. I love going on hikes and camping trips in the summer, snowboarding in the winter and Yoga all year round. 2. Introduce your business! What do you do/sell/offer? How long have you been in operation?
I'm a 500hr certified yoga teacher and I offer weekly drop-in classes both online and in GP at Seva Yoga Collective and MY Studios, as well as the occasional workshop/series. I've been teaching yoga since 2016 but I started my own business in October 2019 and have absolutely loved making decisions for ME and paving my own creative path. 3. What got you first thinking about starting this business?
Yoga found me when I was 20 years old and extremely heart-broken from the loss of my best friend. I had practiced yoga before but this is when the passion truly started. It healed me by forcing me to work through the heartbreak rather than around it and I knew that this was the path I was meant to be on. 4. When did you decide to make the plunge? What was the catalyst that motivated you to officially open?
I started working at a local studio in 2016, and in 2019 I travelled to Thailand to take my 300hr YTT. I travelled around SE Asia for 2 months after my training finished and it just inspired me to take off on my own path - there are so many possibilities out there and I wanted the freedom to choose my own path.
5. Has your business evolved since starting it and how? Who helped you get to where you are now?
So much! Taking that training in Thailand opened up so many doors for me. I have my many teachers to thank for their wisdom and passion. My boyfriend, Andrew for his endless support and encouragement. My many students, co-workers/creators, teachers and friends in my community that are always there to support me - there's so many, I'm truly blessed. Of course, my amazing friend and photographer Liza Curtiss for her constant creative encouragement and the way she captures my passion for yoga in every photo she takes. 6. What are your most popular services/products?
I started making Japa Malas as a creative outlet and that took off into a "side gig" that I never expected! Malas are meditation tools that have been used for years in Yoga traditions. Check out my work at @lucid.creations__ on IG or Lucid Creations on Facebook. For yoga, my weekly classes are my most popular service. At Seva Yoga Collective you can join me either in person or online. You can join me in person at MY Studios. For my full schedule and other offerings, check out my website www.candacetempleyoga.com⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7. What are you most proud of in your business?
Finding my creativity, overcoming limiting beliefs and putting myself out there as ME. I never believed that I could be my own boss but now I can't see myself operating any other way. 8. What’s one of the best moments or days on the job since you’ve opened?
About a year ago, right before the very first lockdown I remember feeling so incredibly stressed and overwhelmed about what was going to happen to the world. I felt physically sick to my stomach and on the verge of a major panic attack. I stepped in to teach a class and it was filled with my people. It was a meditation and mantra class. The energy in the room was so intense in the best way! As we sang mantra together I felt every ounce of stress and worry leave my body. It was one of the most powerful classes I've ever led. These are the moments I live for. 9. Do you have any big goals you’re working towards or have accomplished?
I have many big goals! One of my biggest goals coming into this business was to travel and lead retreats internationally and that's definitely still a goal I'm working towards. Launching my own "brand" was something that I didn't think I was capable of and being just over a year into that, I think I'm doing a great job with it! I will also always look for new trainings to take and new ways to learn/stay inspired - I hope to take a new training every year.
10. What’s coming up next?
BIG PLANS ;) My friend and co-creator Sam Edgar and I are planning our very first retreat this summer! Think yoga, meditation, hiking and other wilderness adventures in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. More info will be available soon at www.candacetempleyoga.com 11. How can the community support you during this time?
Signing up for yoga! Now that we can practice in person again, I would LOVE to see some new faces in class! I will also have a pre-recorded series available for purchase in the beginning of April for those who love to practice at home on their own time. I also absolutely love my little Mala and bracelet making business, so please reach out with any inquiries on that. 12. How can people connect with you?
There are a few ways! For yoga inquiries you can email me at candacetempleyoga@gmail.com or follow me on IG @candacetemple.yoga or FB Candace Temple Yoga. For Mala inquiries, @lucid.creations__ on IG and Lucid Creations on FB. Bonus: What’s one other local business that people *have to* check out in the Peace Region?
SO MANY. Both studios I teach at, Seva Yoga Collective and MY Studios are beautiful spaces to practice. For coffee my go-to is either GP Coffee Co or Ole Smokes. For food - there's so many! Off the Wheaton Path, Better than Fred's, Sheshus Sizzling Tandoor, Fourteen14, Tito's Bistro & Cafe. Just to name a few. ;) For great quality pre-loved clothing, you NEED to check out Jaimes Tailor Consignment. For beautifully hand-made signs and decor check out C&S Designs. I could go on and on, there are so many local gems!
