Yes She Can
This is the interview I did recently with #YesSheCan, which will hopefully provide a little more insight into me & the Butterflyy Productions brand.
#YesSheCan welcomes Candice Lee for an interview. Candice is a former practicing Lawyer who changed careers to set up Butterflyy Productions, and hasn’t looked back since!
Can you tell us a bit about you and your career?
I am a divorced mum of two boys originally from London. I practiced law for many years and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but my work-life balance was suffering. I wasn’t getting as much time with my family as I wanted. Then my personal circumstances changed and sort of forced my hand into really thinking about if I was truly happy in my life and career. This led to me starting up my brand Butterflyy Productions. The Butterflyy Productions brand has three businesses that stem from it; Butterflyy Bliss (Producer & supplier of award winning made-to-order natural skincare products), Butterflyy Property Services (Property maintenance company) & Social Butterflyy Events (Events company).
What do you think gave you the drive and determination to succeed?
My sons focused me & my wanting to provide them with the best possible life I could following my divorce, is a big motivating factor for me to keep on pushing myself to continue to pursue. In addition to that, my mum always taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it well, or not at all. Having that mindset along with my sons being my why drives me and keeps me determined to succeed.
If you’re going to do something, do it well, or not at all!
What is your biggest achievement in life?
Most definitely having my children & then second to that starting my business and buying my house equally.
You don’t have to say yes to everything!
What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learnt along the way?
You don’t have to say yes to everything. Consider all the factors involved before making an informed decision on whether or not to do something. Rash impulsive decisions have never served me well.
Outside your work, what are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?
Spending time with family and friends relaxing & having fun. Quality mum & sons time being silly & childlike, reading and watching films / tv. I’ve also been known to enjoy working out at the gym.
Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she emerged a beautiful butterfly!
Do you have a mantra you live your life by?
Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she emerged a beautiful butterfly.
Thus the reasoning behind the name of my businesses; Butterfly.
What three tips would you give to young females starting their careers?
Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your passion / dreams.
You have nothing to lose and everything to win.
Ask for & accept help, assistance and advice.We’re all learning along this journey
Can you talk about one woman who has impacted your life?
My mum and my old boss. My mum was a strong motivator in aiming for your best and setting goals and working towards them. My previous boss was the first real example I had of a black woman owning and running her own successful business. She made me realise that the dream I had could become a reality.
What are your key motivators?
My sons & my personality of always striving for more and better.
What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?
Go for it! Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it. It may take some sacrifice and a lot of hard-work, but keep going, and if you’re not valued where you are, know that some other place / organisation will. Sometimes that other organisation is one you build yourself.
Its important to listen to those around you that you lead!
What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Its important to listen to those around you that you lead. More often than not, they are the ones most in contact with your clients, they have first hand knowledge of their wants & needs. Lead by example and value the people you lead.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
You don’t have to have it all figured out as yet, make a plan, but it doesn’t have to be rigid, be fluid with it and enjoy life. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
You can read more interviews by many more amazing women on the #YesSheCan website.
