Candice Brathwaite is a critically acclaimed author, journalist, and TV presenter. Authentic, straight-talking and exuberant, her energy and smile are infectious. Whatever the medium, Candice is intent on showing the joy to be had in being young, black, and British.
Candice’s first book, ‘I am not your Baby Mother’ (2020) made it to the Sunday Times Bestseller list, and her first foray into fiction (a YA novel) ‘Cuts Both Ways’ was released in August 2022.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Candice (and her chic canine sidekick, Brixton) on the Joy Journal to chat about her wildest adventures, inspirations and achievements.
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE A TOWN OR COUNTRY GIRL?
Definitely a town girl. I was born and raised in Brixton, South London. Even though I currently reside in the Bucks, the plan is to have a six-bed townhouse in New York City and a bachelorette pad just off the Kings Road in London. So clearly my heart still yearns for the town.
NAME A REBELLIOUS WOMAN WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU?
There are far too many to name. I’ll start with my maternal grandmother. She paid the mortgage after my grandfather was mugged and left blind on one eye. Seeing a woman hold it down in the 80’s was a revelation. Nina Simone didn’t take any shit and I love to brag about watching documentaries of her now. The way Kelis can constantly reinvent herself and do it so well, is very inspiring. Tracee Ellis Ross has a style that is very rebellious and refuses to follow trends and I love it. See I told you I could go on!
WHAT SONG DO YOU LET YOUR HAIR DOWN TO?
T-Pain & Young Joc - Buy You A Drink
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A WILD NIGHT OUT?
As a mother to two young children - just being out in general but any party in like a club setting, with a free bar! Whew, then it’s going to be a problem. I can count on one hand how many times the sunrise has beaten me home so if that were to happen again, I would definitely describe that as a wild night.
WHAT'S BEEN THE BEST ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE SO FAR?
The entire trajectory of my life. A little black girl in Brixton watching women like Oprah, June Sarpong and reading books by Malorie Blackman and Alice Walker wondering if I could have careers like them. All the twists and turns that have enabled me to be living my dreams is something that I can’t explain. Even on low days, I’m still having a great time.
WHO WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU ON A ROAD TRIP?
Depends on the vibe of the trip. If it’s camping and stopping at hostels, one bestie is good for that. If it’s chic hotel-hopping and eating oysters another one good for that. But actually, I would take my daughter, she’s 9 and the best travel buddy I can take anywhere.
WHAT RECENT ACHIEVEMENT MADE YOU FEEL LIKE A POWERHOUSE?
Buying our new home. I had a very, very similar house on my 2022 vision board and I wouldn’t relent until something like it ‘magically’ came back on the market due to the fact the sale collapsed on the day of the move! The moment I clapped eyes on this place I knew it was mine. It reminds me what a powerful manifestor I am.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE STARS HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU OVER THE COMING MONTHS?
Ahh that would be telling, I will say I hope the stars align to manifest my deepest desires.
DESCRIBE YOUR WILDEST LOOK EVER (GOOD OR BAD)?
Definitely my first wedding look. I was able to get my hands on a hot pink feather Oscar de la Renta cape. I wore it to the registry office with an Asos dress underneath. It’s still the most audacious piece that I own and I doubt anything will ever top it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE RETURN OF THE SPACE COWGIRL COLLECTION?
The Sundance Organic Cotton Volume Dress (worn below)
Photography by Morgane Maurice
Shop Candice's looks from our new collection below:
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