Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Cohen
Hi CANDICE, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with a deep passion for the performing arts. As a young performer, I discovered my love for the stage through auditions and acting in plays, which also revealed my natural leadership abilities. I immersed myself in community service projects across Charleston and competed in my first leadership and scholarship pageant, earning the title of Miss Black Teen Charleston. This experience sparked a drive that led me to achieve state and national titles in subsequent pageants.
In college, I majored in Mass Communication, where I continued to lead and develop the skills that would shape my career. After graduation, I explored acting, embraced the roles of wife and mother, and began a career in advertising and marketing. However, I quickly realized that my ideas and vision for innovation were limited by traditional frameworks. I wanted more than just to keep up—I wanted to help businesses rise as industries and technologies evolved.
In 2015, I founded my own agency, blending creativity, strategy, and cutting-edge technology to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. My approach is built on three key pillars: building thoughtful and future-proof brands, implementing smart and innovative marketing strategies, and creating experiences that make customers loyal advocates for their favorite businesses. I believe that as technology transforms the way we live and work, businesses must rise alongside it to remain competitive and relevant.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Facing treatment alone was one of the most difficult periods of my life, yet it became a turning point for both me and my business. That year, despite personal struggles, I achieved one of my highest-grossing years. I learned the power of setting boundaries, respecting my time, and leaning into disciplined planning. Those lessons continue to guide me today.
Now, I am preparing to scale my agency through strategic partnerships, launching in 2025, with the goal of helping even more businesses harness the power of technology and innovation to grow and succeed. My mission is clear: to lead businesses in not only navigating change but thriving in it, creating a ripple effect of growth and excellence in every industry I touch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. If you’re looking for an easy path, running a business might not be the right choice—stay at your job. The entrepreneurial journey is challenging, unpredictable, and full of ups and downs. That said, I’d still choose it every time because I dislike the monotony of traffic and the limits of a 9-to-5 far more than I dislike navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of knowing your strengths and hiring help for the rest. Early on, I made the mistake of assuming that what seemed simple was actually simple—like managing finances. “How hard can it be to count money?” I thought. But as a marketing professional, I quickly realized that I needed someone skilled in finance to ensure my business was not only tax-compliant but also resilient during economic highs and lows.
Another significant hurdle was building a team. It’s a process that requires patience and persistence. The first challenge is proving that you can sell your products or services consistently. Once you achieve that, you can focus on structuring your business to scale. For me, that meant identifying key roles, delegating effectively, and ensuring I had the right systems in place to support growth.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and become better prepared for the next stage of growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
CĒSUITE DIGITAL AGENCY is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive in an ever-evolving digital culture. We specialize in providing strategic and tactical solutions to grow businesses through smart marketing, cutting-edge technology, and tailored client experiences. Our primary services include SEO, web design, Google Ads, social media management, and advanced geolocation marketing techniques such as geofencing.
What sets us apart from others?
What makes us unique is our commitment to understanding the local business community and providing solutions that make a measurable difference. We don’t just deliver marketing services; we provide businesses with the tools and strategies to rise as the industry rises—staying ahead of trends, embracing innovation, and leveraging technology for sustainable growth.
Our expertise goes beyond marketing—we integrate systems like HubSpot, Monday.com, and advanced automation tools to create seamless workflows that save time, drive sales, and enhance client experiences. We are known for our ability to adapt complex strategies into actionable, easy-to-implement solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of our ability to create undeniable presences for our clients in their marketplaces. Seeing small businesses grow their influence, expand their reach, and turn customers into loyal fans is what drives us. Whether it’s a local tax firm achieving record-breaking consultations or a bridal boutique becoming the go-to destination for luxury shopping, we measure our success by our clients’ wins.
What do you want readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?
At CĒSUITE, our goal is to empower local businesses to stand out in a crowded market. We work with clients across a variety of industries—from tax preparers and home service providers to bridal boutiques and pet care specialists—to create customized strategies that produce real results.
We believe in the power of partnerships, and in 2025, we’re launching new collaborations to further expand our ability to serve. This next chapter will allow us to reach more businesses and continue helping them grow through advanced technology, innovative marketing strategies, and unparalleled support.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The key to successful networking and mentorship is proactivity. I never wait for opportunities to come to me—I create them. I’ve mastered the art of identifying individuals or brands I genuinely want to serve and approaching them with a well-thought-out opportunity. If I see a potential partnership, I take the time to research their goals, find gaps, and craft creative solutions tailored specifically to their needs. This approach—leading with ideas—has been my “secret sauce” for landing meaningful partnerships.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t approach someone just because of who they are or because they seem interesting. You must come with value—something tangible that benefits them. And no, I don’t mean sending generic gifts like mugs or tumblers. True value comes from doing your homework, understanding their business or challenges, and presenting actionable solutions that make a real difference.
Networking isn’t about luck; it’s about boldness. Don’t let fear hold you back. If you’re afraid of making money or taking risks, it will show—and success will elude you. The truth is, success doesn’t have to take a long time. Good ideas happen daily, but the difference lies in execution. The faster you can bring your ideas to life, the quicker you’ll see results.
Time is your ally, not your adversary. When you view time as a resource to be leveraged rather than something working against you, you’ll find yourself achieving goals more efficiently. This not only accelerates your path to success but also allows you to enjoy the rewards of your hard work sooner.
Seriously, Be bold, be prepared, and lead with value. If you consistently execute your ideas and approach relationships with intention, you’ll create opportunities that are mutually beneficial and fulfilling.
Pricing:
- Website Design: $$$
- SEO: $$
- Local Listings Management: $
- Brand VIP Sprints: $$$$
- Systems and Automations Set Up: $$$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cesuitedigital.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/im_candicemichelle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialCandiceMichelle
