Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Evans.
Hi Candace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you so much for taking this time to learn about Cleen Market and Me as a person. I appreciate what Voyage is displaying for our community.
I am the founder of Cleen Market. I was Born and Raised in South Carolina, where I developed a love for authenticity in every part of life. From the relationships, people, food, and all around natural way of living. We often forget how important food and the natural way of living is a key point in how we live our lives. When you eat well, you feel good.
When I was young I was the only child and grandchild for many years; I was not drawn to engage in the kitchen with the women in my family; however, I loved being a sous chef lol to my great-grandmothers, both grandmothers, my aunts, and god-mothers; picking collard greens, snap peas, green beans, and churning ice cream the old fashion way. Making Old Fashioned Sweet Tea and homemade biscuits from scratch; definitely taught me how important it is to put love into anything you do. My grandfather and great-grandfathers were the key highlights of my life. Teaching me business, community growth, and the overall big picture; in which I picked up quickly. The men in my family were political community leaders, I valued how they took what our community had and made it better through love. I knew at an early age I wanted to create a community worldwide that received the same love that I was taught. I went on to college and studied art where I finished and moved on to exploring more out of life. Years later, after I relocated to Los Angeles CA, Cleen market was born in 2012.
CLEEN Market takes pride in maintaining the strictest quality standards in the community and using only sustainable agriculture vendors. and products. Our primary objective is to bring a new way to grab healthy snacks and to become a revolutionary distribution outlet for organic items and food. In most urban areas (communities) we lack diversity in not only this department but overall.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating Cleen Market was somewhat of an interesting journey. Our success mainly came in connecting with the community. The obstacles that we endured were created by helping our community understand that you can receive the same satisfaction with healthier options. I also noticed the lack of diversity in urban areas for healthier choices. If you are only seeing unhealthy options in your community, you will always have unhealthy habits.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After 5 years in Los Angeles we have decided to expand Cleen Market to Northern CA. My focus is zoomed in on Oakland CA where the community needs more natural Innovative Grocery Markets.
Also I would like to add… What I do doesn’t feel like work. It feels like living. I am living the life I was put here to do. Failures and all. Creating, Inspiring, Educating, Learning, Leadership, Giving, and much more. Not only do I own Cleen Market, I was also a Campaign Manager for Anthony Perry for two years, and I hold a Volunteer position as a Liaison for my city of Orinda, CA. Where I Advocate and Represent our Aging Community. I have been an Art Director for many years for various companies. I have a community garden I created at Nora Sterry Elementary School in Santa Monica, CA. I am currently finishing my education at Berkeley for Naturopathic Medicine. I have written-designed-published two small books: TEEMAIDE, which are available on IBOOKS.
With that being said…I enjoy what I do, I enjoy inspiring others through my actions. So many people were raised to stay in this box; so many were not supported in their gifts. I mainly specialize in helping others see that their gifts are valid and needed, and I do this by living my life. Especially with women; women are overlooked in many fields; Food – Construction – Bank Ownership – Political Hierarchy; and it is my job to inspire more women to take that leap regardless of obstacles. I am known for creating and being successful in all that I do. Even when I fail I win.
I am most proud of my resilience and my consistency. I feel nothing sets me apart from anyone. I am a Proud Gay African American Woman, and everything I have and will continue to create for myself; anyone can have. It takes consistency and focus, and not just in business but in self as well. Be mindful of your words and energy.
No matter what your desires are, know you are capable of all of this. No one is responsible for your success but YOU!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory surrounds my thoughts with Eating Homemade Apple Pie, Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream; while sitting on the porch with my grandfather debating about old western movies and laughing.
Contact Info:
- Email: garden@cleenmarket.com
- Website: www.cleenmarket.com
- Instagram: @marketcleen
- Facebook: @cleenjuice
- Twitter: @marketcleen
Edward
July 8, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Hey I’m glad we have met last year as I stated before, you’re are a blessing not to only me but a host of people. I felt like I known you forever we vibed related to each other on many levels pertaining with life. I’m glad to see your story appreciate you taking the time to share it with me very encouraging inspiring woman you are. I wish you well all the best of success keep winning my queen much love your boy Eddie David and Edward Group Chauffeuring.
Candace evans
July 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm
To everyone whom have left a comment. Thank you! So much. I truly appreciate having such amazing spirits in my life. This is beyond a blessing to live out my gift as our higher self. This makes me so happy!
Sherrel Gonzalez
July 8, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Love, love, love this!! Awesome story!! Very inspiring!! Can’t wait to visit your store.
Leontine Abdullah
July 8, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Yaaaaassszzzz Candace!keep shining sis👑
Natalie
July 8, 2021 at 5:17 pm
A good read well done keep rising ans shining girl!..
Quinton
July 8, 2021 at 8:17 pm
This is amazing. The next time I’m anywhere California I will make it my business to find and support your business.
Rosemary Crowell
July 8, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Eating healthy is good for me it helps me with my spirit, my mind, and my soul. When I eat clean my thoughts are clear and I am a happier person.
Mood x
July 8, 2021 at 9:06 pm
I love what you’re doing and please keep it up
Alondra Vazquez
July 9, 2021 at 4:47 am
I think it’s amazing to have people like Candace sharing her gifts with the world in creating a natural food source especially in urban communities where you typically don’t find them in every corner. We praise you Candace and thank you for sharing your story. May God continue to bless you with all the abundance, Love, energy, and courage to keep going. Much love 🙏🏼
Alondra Vazquez
July 9, 2021 at 4:53 am
I also want to add just being a young woman I truly appreciate people coming out and wanting to provide more knowledge to us on what we’re currently eating and how it affects our bodies/energy. Being young you think you can eat anything and get away with it but ever since I’ve been eating healthier when I try to eat meat or anything foods that’s been processed I feel it instantly in my body, I lose mad energy and I know whatever I’m eating it’s energy being transferred into me as well. So God Bless you Queen once again. 🙏🏼 You always have my 100 percent support.
Sonja
July 9, 2021 at 2:55 pm
I know Candace personally and she is so committed to growing CLEEN vegetables and giving back to the community. PRAISES to her, for leading by example on how to live a healthy lifestyle and CLEEN MARKET is the BEST place to start and show support to a small black business. Start eating CLEEN TODAY!!!
Melba
July 10, 2021 at 3:02 am
Only strong women succeed! I’m very proud of your accomplishments and I hope you continue thriving!
– chef melba
Destiny
July 15, 2021 at 4:51 am
Love this! Glad to have Black women standing up for the health in our community and advocating for for change in all aspects of life.
Mylekka
July 17, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Inspirational!! Thank you for sharing your story and feeding into our community!!!
Veronica
July 18, 2021 at 7:39 pm
I am super excited that Candace decided provide a solution to end food deserts in poor communities. Not to mention providing families with the education on how to set the standard of living a life quality.
Candace Evans
August 19, 2021 at 6:38 am
Thank you!!!!