Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Wang.
Hi Candy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been drawn to creative expression. From a young age, I always loved dancing, singing, writing, styling, and anything that let me express how I was feeling. I was very shy, insecure and definitely didn’t have everything figured out. I didn’t really believe in myself yet, but I had this deep curiosity and creative pull that never went away.
I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people. I love understanding how people think, what they feel, and how to connect with them. That naturally led me into a career in sales later on, even though I didn’t plan it that way.
The biggest turning point in my life came in summer of 2019. I hovered between life and death as I faced a series of major health issues that completely changed everything. I was diagnosed with endometriosis, which led to two bowel perforations and three major surgeries within just six weeks. I was hospitalized for a month, unable to eat, and kept alive with liquid nutrients through an IV bag. My weight dropped to 77 pounds, and I needed a temporary ileostomy for 14 months — a surgical procedure that rerouted my small intestine through an opening (a stoma) on my stomach so waste could exit into a bag. This gave my intestines time to heal before I could undergo another surgery to reconnect them.
At first, it was incredibly difficult. I cried for weeks. I had a 9-inch scar down my stomach and could barely look at myself in the mirror. I was ashamed of my new anatomy. But eventually, that grief turned into anger, not at my body, but at the way I was seeing it. I refused to view it as broken or ugly after all it had done to keep me alive. I made a choice to shift my perspective. With time, I began to see my body as strong, beautiful, and resilient.
To cope, I gave my stoma a name: Bobby. He had a personality of his own and zero regard for timing. He’d do his business in front of anyone, anytime — and honestly, he’s the only male I’ve ever accepted so much crap from, literally. But he also gave me my life back. He added years to my future that I might not have had otherwise. Bobby taught me perspective, revealed strength I never knew I had, and reminded me to laugh through the discomfort. I even threw him a birthday party when he turned one. I dedicated songs to him like “Stuck With U” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, and “Without You” by David Guetta.
In October 2020, I was lucky enough to have the ileostomy reversed, which means no more bags, and I could go to the bathroom like most people again. I never thought I’d know the joy of being excited about having a working bum.
That chapter completely changed me. It showed me I could make anything out of the lemons that life throws my way. And when I started to feel like myself again, I made a promise not to take my second chance for granted. That’s when I found the courage to pursue what I really wanted — both in my career and on social media. I started applying my social media knowledge and started growing my fashion blog on Instagram. Since then, I’ve worked with brands I once thought were out of reach and coordinated elaborate events I’m truly proud of.
I’m so grateful I felt my own mortality at 26 — and even more blessed that it happened at a time when my body was still strong enough to survive it. I’ll never forget that girl in the hospital bed, and I feel that I’ve made her proud.
Today, I split my time between content creation and my full-time role as a hotel sales manager. My creative side gives me freedom to express myself, and my sales role keeps me sharp and connected to people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been easy, but going through everything with Bobby really changed me. When I first started out, I felt a lot of imposter syndrome — but deep down, I knew I could do it. I’ve always had a pretty carefree nature, and honestly, nothing shifts your perspective like having to go to the bathroom through your stomach into a bag. That kind of experience teaches you quickly not to care what people think, because at the end of the day, it’s your life, and you’re the one who has to live it.
I wanted to bring hope to anyone who’s faced similar challenges and remind them that there’s nothing wrong with owning your scars, that it really will be okay. When I was going through it, reading other people’s stories gave me so much strength. I know how lonely it can feel. That’s why I share mine, because stories like ours keep the light going. They remind others they’re not alone.
These days, I’ll set up my tripod and take my own photos in public without a second thought. But back then? I used to freeze and hide the moment I heard someone coming. Now, it’s second nature.
Keeping up with content creation and staying on top of a full-time hotel sales manager role can definitely be a lot. Add in time for friends and family – life definitely stays busy. But I honestly love the growth that’s come from balancing it all.
When I first started this journey, I remember thinking, “I just want to be good enough.”
I learned through growing, that I am.
The drive to keep growing through creativity, reflection, trying new things, and putting myself out there is something I don’t think I’ll ever lose. I never want to feel like I’m done learning or evolving.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I work full-time as a hotel sales manager. I build relationships, manage group bookings, and help coordinate events, basically making sure everything runs smoothly while adding a bit of creativity along the way. I’ve always enjoyed fast-paced environments, especially when I get to help create memorable experiences for clients.
Outside of that, I’m a fashion content creator. I love sharing style inspiration and putting together looks featuring pieces from different brands. What started as just a fun creative outlet has turned into something a lot more meaningful, it’s become a space where I can express myself, connect with others, share my story, and find inspiration.
What I’m most proud of is how I use creativity and curiosity to shape my perspectives, and I think that’s what makes me a little different. I’ve learned to view life through a lens that helps me find courage, resilience, and peace, no matter what I’m navigating.
How do you think about happiness?
Many things make me happy, but at the core, I would say connection and growth. I really enjoy connecting with people. I think everyone’s like their own little universe, and there’s always something to learn from them, whether it’s good or bad.
I also love growth, both in myself and in others. It gives me so much hope when I see someone overcome despite their circumstances and become a stronger version of themselves. It reminds me evolution is possible.
I feel like when you’re stagnant, you miss out on so much. But when you grow, you start to feel more confident, and with that comes happiness, fulfillment, opportunity, and a fuller life overall.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candieshop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hellocandyy
