3 minute read
Blessed + Kech: One Woman’s Journey To Turn Pain And Loss Into Living Beyond A Wing And A Prayer
Blessed + Kech:
Living Beyond A Wing And A Prayer
BY ANIKA JACKSON
Churchill’s quote happens to be Candice Brooks’ favorite - and an apt one considering the curveballs life has thrown her way. What would you do if you lost one of your closest confidants, best friends, and the person in your life whom you could depend on above all others? And, what would you do if this loss and other daily trials and tribulations caused you to feel out of alignment with your mind, your body, and your soul?
Three years ago, Candice Brooks experienced such a devastating loss, as well as continuing health issues caused by an auto-immune disorder. Rather than wallowing in grief, she and her partner, Jory Watson, founded a creative outlet named Blessed + Kech - an amazing line of custom soy and beeswax candles, organic bath and skincare, and athleisure and lounge wear, turning their pain and loss into a growing business endeavor.
Candi explains, “In August 2016, my dear friend Marrakech passed away from cervical cancer at the young age of 33. I was devastated. We had been friends for almost two decades. She was one of the only people in my life I could talk and commune with that I knew understood me 100% and would not judge me. I isolated myself and cut myself off from negative people. During this time, I was really focused on finding out what makes me happy and joyous. The conversations we’d had for decades kept replaying in my mind about our dreams, goals, and ambitions.”
At the same time as Marrakech’s passing, Ms. Brooks had surgery scheduled for her own auto-immune disorder. For months, she experienced the feeling that her mind, body, and spirit were disjointed. Still dealing with chronic pain and illness, Candi made a decision that would change her life forever - and Blessed + Kech was born.
“In an effort to build dexterity throughout my body, I decided to focus on crafting and creating custom baby clothing, t-shirts, jewelry, and skincare products,” Candi reflects. “I chose to push myself through the pain, both physically and emotionally. Life takes us all through turns, and the question ultimately becomes, “How do I find the time, effort, and resources it takes to take care of myself and move forward?” Ms. Brooks continues, “Blessed + Kech came about as a necessity. Our mission is about self-care. For me, selfcare is not a fad, but rather a Lifestyle.
Our motto is “Living Beyond.” For me, “Living Beyond” a wing and a prayer is an affirmation that I tell myself daily. I prayed quite deeply about the issue, and I know Marrakech is an angel watching over me. With that thought in mind, I have no fears. I’m truly blessed, and with Kech watching over me, I know I can take care of myself in order to build and uplift others!”
Today, Brooks and Watson provide inspiration in their local community of Houston, Texas. Blessed + Kech has become a rapidly expanding, environmentally friendly business that also includes collaboration, mentorship, and consultation with other small businesses, as well as educational classes for the public to learn how to make their own scents, candles, and facial and body scrubs.
Learn more at www.blessedandkech.com, and on Instagram @blessed_and_kech.
