4 minute read
True Zen
Staying Grounded is the Answer for this Modern-Day Approach to Natural Living
EDITORIAL BY STACIE STANDIFER | STYLING BY COURTNEY KIVELA ROBINSON | PHOTOS BY ALAINA MULLIN
Just a few years ago, Candice Bruder was at the top of the luxury public relations game, serving as a top exec for luxury travel and goods clients at one of NYC’s most notable boutique firms. Her work and wanderlust took her all over the globe, but it was on a bus to Southampton that her life dramatically changed. On that ride, she casually messaged an elementary school classmate that she hadn’t connected with in over twenty years after seeing a social media post of his children at Dollywood. From there, her entire existence completely changed in almost every way, resulting in her leaving the Big Apple for Nashville and the PR world for wellness. “If someone told me (at the time) that I would end up marrying him, move to Nashville, and open a sauna and float spa, I would have never believed it. From this, I learned to listen to intuition, take a chance, and look for where the doors open. I marvel at the domino effect of our life experiences,” shares the 45-year-old lifestyle guru.
Since relocating to Music City, Candice has had quite an impact on locals seeking higher levels of health, awareness, and self-care as her Pure Sweat + Float and Pure Sweat Sauna Studios have grown in popularity since inception. With benefits ranging from an improved immune system to finding stillness and calming meditation rituals, her studios are actually a reflection of her own approach to living and finding calm despite what most would consider quite a hectic schedule.
Endless Summer
A native of Palm Beach, the casual, happy ‘beach vibe' still applies to all facets of Candice’s style. She considers herself a minimalist at home, splurging on experiences rather than material things, and admits to consistently purging, sometimes prematurely. She insists that she has all she needs with a steam shower and a jacuzzi, her ultimate home essentials. For personal style, she dresses to be comfy and chic – reflecting her bohemian tastes. “I’m almost always in a dress, even in winter, and always covet the perfect throw-on dress. I need clothing to be comfortable, quick, and effortless. I would also be quite happy being in a bathing suit, sarong, and sandals every day. I also don’t wear any makeup. I’m not against it, but just don’t know how to apply it,” she shares. Candice finds inspiration on her travels and through nature, always seeking one-of-a-kind items that are often handcrafted. She’s always considered herself ‘allergic’ to trends, finding much more value in independent thought and presentation. She also has a refreshing approach to social media, keeping her Instagram totally private and limited to friends. In today’s oversaturated online environment of influencer overkill, she’s got our attention with this attitude. “I joke with my (much younger) team members that to be really cool on Instagram, you have to have a low follower count,” Candice proudly shares. Being authentic and keeping it real is just who she is, not something she strives to be. It’s what makes her style, approach to living, and business healing others a source of inspiration for all of us just taking notes.
ROUTINE: I use an infrared sauna 3-5 times per week and float every 1-2 weeks.
WARDROBE ROTATION: Fara, Myrah Penaloza, Tulum dresses, Manitobah, Palm Beach sandals, Wayuu bags.
DAILY FUEL: A Perfect Bar for Lunch (my main morning/ lunch meal for the last year—I never cook and have been intermittent fasting for years).
SKIN CARE: KPS Essentials for my face. Dr. Bronner body wash; Lavido body lotion
BEAUTY SECRET: Monthly facial at Organic Skin DenTREASURED POSSESSIONS My grandmother’s rings
DE-STRESS TIP: Say, ‘I surrender' and just let it go. Deeply liberating!
NON-NEGOTIABLE: I have to travel somewhere every three months. Best somewhere is with limited cell service!
COFFEE TABLE BOOK: Peter Beard (my cousin!)MORNING MUST Coffee with a scoop of Truwhip
BEDTIME RITUALS: A steam shower in darkness, full bottle of water, silk sleep mask, spiritual or energy healing podcasts.
JOY AT WORK: Helping people feel deeply cared for by providing a space of healing and connection.
STAYING WELL: If I ever think I’m about to get sick, I do a series of saunas and drink lots of water. I flush it out before it can latch on. It works every time. I also just refuse to let illness enter my mindset/being.
WEEKLY UNWIND: I do a steam shower with my husband or daughter. We do a full body scrub and cleanse, hydrate copiously, rinse with cold water, and conclude with a meditation on the bed in silence and darkness. It is deeply calming and cleansing, and I love sharing this with my family.
FAVORITE QUOTE: 'God can’t hand you anything new until you let go of the old.'
