Meet Candis Welch of CanCanOnWheelz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candis Welch.

Candis has lived through more than most would even imagine.

Born and raised throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, she grew up with an unparalleled drive and determination.

Being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of 18 months she knew that her life would be challenging, but she never let that stop her from achieving her goals and living life on her terms.

Upon graduating from high school, Candis moved out and into the world on her own. She enrolled at Santa Monica College to study Journalism, joining an externship program with the Los Angeles Times. Fueled by her desire to earn a higher level degree and to show others that face similar obstacles that it is possible, she then transferred to California State University, Northridge and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations.

Candis began her career in entertainment publicity, interning and working for various boutique firms, as well as freelancing for her own clients. During this time, she was offered an Executive Assistant position with Issa Rae Productions Inc. Since then, she has grown with the company and continues to be an integral part of Issa Rae’s business. After realizing that entertainment publicity was not her purpose, she decided to pivot into the government sector and began working for the County of Los Angeles.

While working both a full-time and part-time job, she enrolled back at California State University, Northridge to earn her Master’s in Public Administration. She graduated at the top of her graduating class in 2016. Candis recently joined the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority where she aids in developing programs to provide shelter and all-inclusive care for the homeless population of Los Angeles County.

In the midst of earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, as well as working two jobs, Candis always finds time to enjoy her life. She loves to explore her neighborhood and try different restaurants, bars, and other local fun activities. She also loves to travel and makes it a point to show others with disabilities that they too can travel the world. Most recently, she went on a trip to Cancun, Mexico, a cruise where she visited St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Grand Turks and Caico, Puerto Rico and is planning to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Spain in the coming year.

Candis lives a full life despite the everyday adversities she faces dealing with a disability that has forced her into a wheelchair with limited mobility. She chooses to persevere and prove people’s stereotypes wrong, wishing to set an example and provide hope for others in her situation. Candis hopes to change the perception of those that are disabled and/or using mobility devices, helping to advocate for their rights to equal access in public and private spaces, transportation, and general accommodations to a group of people that deserve to live life just as anyone else would.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had multiple surgeries, bullying, life challenges.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the CanCanOnWheelz story. Tell us more about the business.
My brand is CanCanOnWheelz, and I am most proud about having the opportunity to tell my story as a differently-abled woman who continues to live and thrive despite the everyday physical and mental obstacles. I want my journey, my story to reach others who are battling similar issues and show them positive, real role models who are accomplishing goals.

What sets me apart from others is my will and work ethic. I don’t allow for excuses. I have learned to work through the pain, discomfort, and get the job done because I want a better life for myself. My wheelchair doesn’t dictate my abilities, my will does!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There is no luck in my option, my life and the blessings and lessons learned are centered and rooted in God and my faith in him.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cancanonwheelz.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancanonwheelz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancanonwheelz
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CanCanOnWheelz/

Image Credit:
Dedee Verdin

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.