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Candice Coles

@iamcandice27

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Army Veteran | Veteran Advocate | Business Owner
@colescompassvetguide
@candy_body_factory
@odmo_tion
📍Texas

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🚨 SCHEDULE CHANGE 🚨

Candy Body Factory is now headed to CHI Town! ✨🩷

Due to a schedule change, we’ll be joining Grind Pretty Fest in Chicago instead of ATL — and we’re bringing the same elevated self-care, boss energy, and Y2K vibes with us 💕🔥

📍 Chicago, IL
📅 Saturday • August 29, 2026

If you’re in CHI Town, pull up! Tickets will be available soon!
Shop. Connect. Glow. ✨

#CandyBodyFactory #GrindPrettyFest #ChicagoEvents #CHITown #TheCBFWay #Y2KVibes #ShopConnectGlow #ScheduleChange by @iamcandice27

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2 months ago

This year revealed a lot—about myself, the people I encountered, family, and life overall. One of the biggest lessons I learned is this:

Value anyone who supports you with nothing to gain.
That kind of support is rare, intentional, and rooted in genuine care.
It’s loyalty without leverage, love without conditions, and belief without benefit.

This season also required purging—letting go of people, habits, and situations that no longer aligned with who I’m becoming. Releasing what no longer served me made room for peace, clarity, and growth.

I’m deeply thankful for those who truly, authentically, and unconditionally supported me, my businesses, and my daughter.

Here’s to closing out 2025 with gratitude and intention, and welcoming the ultimate possibilities of 2026. ✨

#Grateful #AlignmentSeason #PurgingWithPurpose #GrowthMindset
#WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #LegacyInTheMaking by @iamcandice27

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7 months ago

Hard copy of the magazine has arrived.
@shantaquilette @grindpretty @candy_body_factory @creativeassassin23
🩷🖤🩷 by @iamcandice27

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8 months ago

It’s official. 🎓

Today I received the email I’ve been waiting for:

“Congratulations, you’ve officially graduated.”

There’s something about seeing those words that makes it all feel real.

Earning my Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. Not because it’s the end of a journey, but because it’s proof that investing in yourself is always worth it.

Every class challenged me to think differently, grow professionally, and prepare for what’s ahead. I leave this chapter with more knowledge, more confidence, and even more excitement for the future.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me along the way. Your support never went unnoticed.

Now… on to the next goal. ❤️🎓

University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science in Management
Class of 2026

#UniversityOfPhoenix #ClassOf2026 #BachelorDegree #BusinessManagement #LifelongLearning by @iamcandice27

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9 days ago

Two years ago today, I experienced the hardest day of my life.

As adults, my dad and I built a different kind of relationship. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. We talked, we laughed, we worked through things, and we grew to understand each other in ways that only come with time.

The Friday before he passed, I made one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. I agreed to have his defibrillator turned off. The hospice nurse was scheduled to come that day, but she never made it. The plan became Monday.

God had other plans.

On Sunday morning, I called for a video visit. The nurse told me my dad was transitioning. I asked if I could see him.

I wish I could say that image has faded with time, but it hasn’t. It’s forever etched in my mind.

I stayed on that video call for what felt like both a lifetime and an instant—about 10 or 15 minutes. I cried. I prayed. I watched. When I finally ended the video, I stayed on the phone with the hospice nurse as she gently explained what was happening and what to expect.

After we hung up, I started making the calls no one ever wants to make. I called family members to let them know where things stood.

About two hours later, at 3:45 p.m. Eastern, my phone rang again.

This time, I was told my dad was gone.

There are days in life that divide everything into “before” and “after.” July 14, 2024, will always be that day for me.

Grief has taught me that love doesn’t end when someone takes their last breath. It changes. It becomes memories, lessons, quiet conversations when no one else is around, and moments where you wish you could hear their voice just one more time.

Dad, not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I miss you more than words can ever fully express, and I carry your memory with me in everything I do.

Forever loved. Forever missed.

Robert “Speedy” Harris
August 27, 1956 – July 14, 2024 💙 by @iamcandice27

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11 days ago

Good morning, and Happy Sunday. ☀️🤍

One thing life has a way of teaching is that comparison rarely brings peace. It usually leaves you overlooking the blessings that have been right in front of you all along.

Every season looks different. Some people are celebrating new beginnings while others are quietly rebuilding, healing, or simply trying to stay faithful. None of those seasons are less valuable than another.

If today feels slow, don’t rush it. If it feels full, be thankful for it. God doesn’t ask us to keep pace with someone else’s journey—He asks us to trust Him with our own.

Take a little time today to unplug, be present, and thank God for where you are right now. Peace has a way of settling in when gratitude takes its place.

Have a beautiful, blessed Sunday. 🙏🏽🤍

#HappySunday #GodsTiming #ChoosePeace #BlessedSunday by @iamcandice27

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a month ago

Just a little while ago, I submitted my final assignment for my bachelor’s degree.

It’s hard to believe I’m finally here.

After stepping away from school for more than 10 years, I wasn’t sure what it would be like going back. I had to relearn how to balance deadlines, discussion posts, group projects, and everyday life. There were plenty of late nights when I told myself, “Just one more assignment.”

Today was that last assignment.

After I hit submit, I stopped by a small local flower shop in my town and bought myself some flowers. 🌸 It felt like the perfect way to celebrate this milestone. Sometimes we spend so much time chasing the next goal that we forget to pause and recognize how far we’ve come.

Earning my Bachelor of Science in Management means so much because I know exactly what it took to get here. The path wasn’t always smooth, and it certainly wasn’t quick, but I stayed with it. Today, I finished.

I’m thankful to God for carrying me through every season of this journey and grateful for the family, friends, and everyone who cheered me on along the way.

One chapter is complete, and another is already waiting.

Master’s… here I come. 🎓❤️

#ClassOf2026 #NeverTooLate #MastersHereICome #FaithOverFear by @iamcandice27

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a month ago

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a month ago

As part of our Summer Work Challenge, veterans were asked to submit a photo from our time in service and then recreate it with a current photo.

When I started looking through old albums, I came across this Army photo from my days as an 88M Motor Transport Operator. I remember exactly where I was in life back then—young, learning, and focused on whatever mission was in front of me. During my time in service, I experienced things that taught me some heavy lessons about responsibility, resilience, and life itself. At the time, I didn’t realize how much those experiences would shape me.

For the challenge, I pulled out my old BDU uniform and had my Specialist rank sewn on using gold thread. It wasn’t regulation, but it was a fun way to add a little personality to the photo while still honoring my time in service.

Seeing the military photo next to the current one was interesting. The hairstyle is different. The responsibilities are different. Life looks very different than it did in 2000. But some things haven’t changed. I still believe in showing up, doing the work, and helping others when I can.

The team that organized the photo session did a great job. The backdrop looked amazing, and the editing on the current photo was done really well. It still looked like me, just polished and professional. They made the whole experience enjoyable and gave us something special to look back on.

What started as a work challenge turned into a chance to reflect on a chapter of my life that continues to influence who I am today.

🇺🇸 U.S. Army Veteran

#VeteranRecognition #SummerWorkChallenge #ThenAndNow by @iamcandice27

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a month ago

☀️ Good Morning ☀️

Starting my day with a little gratitude, a good cup of herbal tea, and a reminder that not every step has to be big to count.

Life has been teaching me a lot lately, and I’m learning to trust the process, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Some days are easier than others, but showing up for yourself still matters.

I hope today brings you peace, purpose, and at least one reason to smile.

Have a blessed day, family/friends/associates. 💛

#GoodMorning #GratefulHeart #FaithAndFocus #KeepGoing #BlessedAndThankful by @iamcandice27

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a month ago

Today is one of those days where the memories hit a little differently.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I’m remembering my dad, Robert Vincent Harris. The stories, the laughter, the lessons, and the love he gave so freely continue to live on through all of us.

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him, but I’m grateful for every moment we shared and every memory we continue to hold close.

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day, Dad. 💙

Robert Vincent Harris
August 27, 1956 – July 14, 2024 by @iamcandice27

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a month ago

Father’s Day looks a little different for me these days. 💙

Today, I’m celebrating two men who helped shape my life in different ways.

My dad, Robert “Speedy” Harris, may no longer be here physically, but his impact continues to show up in my life every day. Growing up, most of our time together came during summer visits. It wasn’t until my adult years that I really got to know him beyond being “Dad.”

As his health declined, I found myself spending more time with him, talking with him more, and learning things about his life that I never fully understood before. I started seeing his journey through a different lens—the challenges he faced, the sacrifices he made, the things he carried, and the strength it took to keep moving forward.

Now that I’m older, I find myself understanding him in ways I couldn’t have years ago.

Some of our most meaningful moments happened during one of the hardest seasons of his life. While I would give anything to have him here, I’m grateful for the time we shared, the conversations we had, and the opportunity to walk alongside him during that chapter.

I’m also grateful for my bonus dad, Bobby, who helped raise me and has been a constant source of love, support, and guidance throughout my life. His presence helped shape the foundation I stand on today, and I’m thankful for the role he’s played in my journey.

Today, I honor them both.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, bonus dads, grandfathers, father figures, and especially those who continue to live on through the memories, lessons, and love they left behind. 💙 by @iamcandice27

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a month ago