F22_CandaceMarie

1:00 P.M.

11:00 A.M.

9:00 A.M.

4:30 A.M.

Photography by Winnie Au

As told to Jenn Barthole

space

From her lower Manhattan studio apartment, Candace Marie—whose résumé includes fashion influencer, social media consultant and creator, and founder of Black in Corporate—redefines the word and she does most of her work without ever leaving. That’s because she’s built an office, a gym, and the ultimate chill zone—all in just 826 square feet, while also displaying her creativity and passion for Black art and a globally sourced pottery collection. (Don’t worry, we asked her where she shops.) Follow along as Candace chronicles a day in the life at her hardworking home.

8:00 P.M.

6:00 P.M.

3:00 P.M.

“

The gallery wall above my desk helps to motivate and fuel my creativity. It’s a bulletin board filled with inspiration and career milestones: my 2020 feature, Black fashion icons, and, of course, Beyoncé.”

TktktkThey serve as a constant reminder, along with my apartment, that I made the right decision in leaving my corporate job.

I change out of my robe and into my workout clothes. At this point I’m usually waiting for responses to my early-morning emails, so I use the time to exercise. I moved to this space during the pandemic and needed a proper home gym, so I designed a nook to house my weights, bike, and mirror. To keep the equipment from looking clunky, I added a textured rug and a simple shelf; everything practically blends in with the rest of the apartment. I’ll typically work out for 45 minutes to an hour and then hop in the shower and get dressed for the day.

“

Spending time in the living room always feels special, thanks to a framed iPhone photo that I took of my grandmother, who I lost this past year. That picture captures her energy and brings me so much joy and comfort.”

They serve as a constant reminder, along with my apartment, that I made the right decision in leaving my corporate job.

To save space, Marie looked up. Her lofted bed gives her double the square footage to play with, aka she made a laid-back music lounge where there was none. A sheer white curtain further delineates the area from her at-home gym.

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At the end of the night, I decompress with a bubble bath. My bathroom is my place for reflection and self-love. I’ll light candles (Le Labo Figue 15 is my current fave) and just mindlessly scroll social media and reply to texts. I mounted three photos, which were taken in New Orleans by Augusta Sagnelli while my best friend was sewing seashells into my hair. As a Black woman, hair is such a part of my identity, and these images represent that pride. Afterward I head straight to bed, put on a sleep meditation so I can get some rest—and then do it all over again at 4 the next morning.

I return to my desk to answer new emails and finish anything left on my to-do list. I really like to wrap up my workday by 4. And because I’ve been up since 4:30, I’m always ready to unwind. I’ll either curl up on the love seat or the beanbag under my lofted bed. I designed both areas as my designated zen spaces, where I can chill out and be free of any distractions (no TV here!). Once I’m settled, I FaceTime my best friends of 15 years, who live in Dallas and Atlanta, to catch up. Afterward, I listen to classic records by Otis Redding, the Supremes, and Sade.

Most nights, I have events to attend, so I’ll head to my closet and start getting dressed. My boyfriend, model Alioune Badara Fall, usually joins me because we both work in the fashion industry—it’s so nice to have someone to attend these functions with. On nights that we don’t have any social commitments, we lounge on the sectional, just eating and watching TV. Instead of a traditional flat-screen, I use a projector to minimize clutter, and the drop-down screen is actually hidden in the crease of the ceiling, so guests don’t even notice it’s there. Spending time in the living room always feels special, thanks to a framed iPhone photo that I took of my grandmother, who I lost this past year. She had so much personality. That picture captures her energy and brings me so much joy and comfort.

When it’s time for lunch, I always leave my desk to eat in the kitchen. The layout of my apartment is open, so I’m very big on organizing it into zones to visually separate the spaces that have specific functions. For example, a folding screen next to my desk contains my office, and as soon as I step out of my workspace, I’m able to shift my focus. I love the ritual of sitting at my table to eat because it’s quite large. I try to use this time to enjoy my meal and take my mind off work with some TV. Old Sex and the City episodes are my go-to. Most of the ceramics and wood carvings in the kitchen are from The Nopo, a site that employs global artisans who create made-to-order, handcrafted pieces. I’ve also thrifted a lot of my decor while visiting my family in Oklahoma. I’m drawn to items that don’t feel generic, that reference the female body curvature as well as African art. It feels like each one has its own unique story.

Around midmorning, I escape the apartment for a short walk in my South Street Seaport neighborhood, right alongside the East River. I usually head over to Café Patoro, a Brazilian spot with the most delicious pastries, to pick up my second coffee of the day. Once I’m back, I take a few client meetings and speak with my manager about any new projects. When it comes to pitching myself to brands, the gallery wall above my desk helps to motivate and fuel my creativity. It’s a bulletin board filled with inspiration and career milestones: my 2020 Vogue feature, Black fashion icons, and, of course, Beyoncé. They serve as a constant reminder, along with my apartment, that I made the right decision in leaving my corporate job to venture out on my own as a consultant and influencer.

Candace employs a cane room divider and a patchwork rug to create zones that separate her day job from the rest of her life.

Normally I’m up around 4:30—it’s insane. This is what happens when you run your own business! The first thing I do is make coffee, because, well, I always need coffee immediately. Then I go straight to my desk and begin working. I start my day early to take advantage of the quiet and stillness of the morning, and my office area is positioned so I can watch the sunrise as I gradually wake up. Usually I go through emails and really take time to think and focus on my social media consulting, knowing this is the sharpest my mind will be all day.

Great Taste

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Stash 117-Inch Fabric Sectional Sleeper, Kardiel ($3,697)

Cotton Napper Weighted Blanket, Bearaby ($199)

Roan Wood Office Chair, Crate & Barrel ($599)

Fryken Boxes, IKEA ($16)

Above, opener: Roan Wood Office Chair, Desk, and Boveda Stone Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel; Spring Rug, EQ3. On Marie: Suit, Peter Do; Mid-heel Slingbacks, Gucci. Apartment overview, above: Dunewood Dining Table and Bench, Crate & Barrel; Lunnom Light, Vadholma Kitchen Island, and Burhult Shelves, IKEA; Bromelia Porcupine Lampshade by Silvestre Artesanos, The Nopo.

Sawyer White Leaning Bookcase, Rug, and Edge Brass Capsule Mirrors, Crate & Barrel; Vault Fitness Mirror and S27i Studio Bike, NordicTrack.

Slice Teak Wall Art, Crate & Barrel; Framed Photographs by Samuel Trotter, Augusta Sagnelli, and Juan Veloz; Equality Clay Pot Danzante 03. by Raíz, The Nopo.

Kitchen, above: Eight Coffee Maker, Ratio; One Line Mirror by Soufiane Aissouni, The Nopo; Lina Stripe Mug and Ora Stoneware Mug, Crate & Barrel. Kitchen butcher block, above, left: Spongeware Pitcher and Lettuce Ware Candlesticks, Tory Burch; Warrick Vases, Crate & Barrel; Ceramic Teapot by Anna Lebrija, The Nopo. Seating area, above: Room Divider and Maya Print by Michel Smith Boyd, Crate & Barrel; Goddess Side Table, Urban Outfitters; Cotton Napper Weighted Blanket, Bearaby; Curvo Sofa, CB2.

Seating area, above: Wicker Hanging Chair, HomeGoods; Havsta Console Table, Tjillevips Basket, and Fryken Boxes, IKEA; Merriman Black Vase by Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel, Crate & Barrel; Framed Photograph by Christopher Tomás, Tomás Visuals. Living room: Mini Portable Projector, Walmart; Stash 117-Inch Fabric Sectional Sleeper, Kardiel; Rug and Hemnes Coffee Table, IKEA; Warm Thoughts: Women With Coffee by Phresh Laundry, 1xRun.

Pendant Lamp, Crate & Barrel; Framed Photographs by Augusta Sagnelli.

Credits

Top, opener: Roan Wood Office Chair, Desk, and Boveda Stone Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel; Spring Rug, EQ3. On Candace: Suit, Peter Do; Mid-heel Slingbacks, Gucci. Apartment overview, above: Dunewood Dining Table and Bench, Crate & Barrel; Lunnom Light, Vadholma Kitchen Island, and Burhult Shelves, IKEA; Bromelia Porcupine Lampshade by Silvestre Artesanos, The Nopo.

Credits

multi-hyphenate,

Vogue

Credits

Side Ladder Loft Bed, Chicago Loft Bed; Shelf and Teca Storage Trunk-Bench, Crate & Barrel; Knitted Beanbag, Not on the High Street; Bubbles LED Lamp, Lumens; Stool, IKEA; Gig Turntable, Crosley.

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