Exploring Life & Business with Candace Newman of Live Out L!ve

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Newman.

Hi Candace, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been anything but traditional; it’s been one of faith, resilience, and divine purpose. I didn’t grow up with connections in the entertainment industry or a roadmap for how to build a career in live events. What I did have was an unshakable love for music, people, and creating experiences that make others feel seen, inspired, and connected.

After college, I worked my way up through production and event roles at major companies, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up — from logistics and artist relations to talent booking and large-scale festival management. Along the way, I often found myself one of the few women of color in the room. That reality planted the seed for what would eventually become Live Out L!ve — a movement and organization dedicated to creating access, education, and equity for underrepresented talent in the live event space.

Today, I run Live Out L!ve as both a foundation and an agency, producing live experiences while building pipelines for the next generation of professionals to thrive in this industry. It’s been a journey of trusting God’s timing, staying grounded in purpose, and knowing that what’s meant for me will never miss me. Every chapter, the highs and the hard lessons prepared me for this one.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Every step came with lessons that shaped my purpose and leadership. I’ve faced everything from financial uncertainty and burnout to navigating an industry that hasn’t always made space for women who look like me. Early on, I often worked twice as hard for half the recognition, juggling multiple projects to stay afloat. There were moments of isolation and times I felt overlooked in rooms, or questioned if I was even moving in the right direction.

In live events, I had to learn how to navigate spaces where I was often the only woman and many times, the only Black woman in the room. Building credibility, gaining trust, and having my voice respected took time. There weren’t many mentors who looked like me in this field, and resources or funding for my ideas didn’t always come easily. I had to create opportunities where none existed, leaning on faith and grit to push through closed doors. But each challenge refined my resilience and reminded me why representation and access matter so deeply.

When the pandemic hit, I was forced to slow down and reassess everything. That season of uncertainty ultimately became the turning point that led me to build Live Out L!ve, a platform rooted in purpose, community, and access. What felt like disruption at the time became divine redirection.

Through it all, I leaned on my faith, my community, and the belief that God doesn’t waste experiences, even the hard ones. Those moments built my strength and deepened my character. Today, when I look back, I don’t see struggle; I see preparation for what is to come.

We’ve been impressed with Live Out L!ve, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Live Out L!ve is a purpose-driven platform and nonprofit organization that exists to create access, exposure, and opportunity for underrepresented communities within the live events and entertainment industry. We bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, particularly for young people and emerging professionals of color who often lack a clear pathway into this field.

We specialize in live event production, experiential learning, and workforce development. Through our programs, festivals, and partnerships, we’re building pipelines that connect creativity with real-world experience from backstage training and artist relations to marketing, production, and brand activations.

What sets Live Out L!ve apart is our approach. We don’t just teach about the industry; we bring people into it. We expose them to what’s possible, then equip them with the skills, mentorship, and networks to sustain a career. Our work is rooted in both excellence and empathy, ensuring that young people feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving in spaces that weren’t always built for them.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Live Out L!ve has become more than an organization; it’s a community. We’re known for creating experiences that feel both professional and personal, where people can learn, connect, and be inspired. Whether we’re producing a major concert or leading a workshop, our goal is the same: to open doors and create lasting impact.

I want readers to know that Live Out L!ve represents what’s possible when passion meets purpose. We’re not waiting for permission; we’re building our own tables, creating opportunities for others to pull up a chair, and making sure no one is left out of the live event experience.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, life was far from easy. I spent most of my childhood in foster care, learning to adapt to different environments and people while trying to make sense of where I belonged. Music became my escape and my therapy. It was the soundtrack to everything I went through, from heartbreak and uncertainty to hope and healing.

I wasn’t the loudest in the room, but I was always observant, watching how people connected, how a song could shift a mood, or how a space could bring people together. I liked seeing things come to life, even if I didn’t yet have the words for it.

In college, working in the student union on my college campus opened my eyes to the power of creating experiences. Planning and organizing campus events, booking talent, and seeing people light up reminded me how connection and culture could change lives, including my own. That’s when it clicked; I realized that live music and events weren’t just entertainment, but a form of healing and community.

Looking back, everything—the instability, the resilience, the music led me here. It all feels like purpose now, not just survival.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liveoutlive.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveoutlive_la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveOutLive
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-out-live/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Ods-0bcd6hp72rH5b7tUg/featured