Her beautiful shop, My Blom Shop, has since become super popular with residents, from popping in to buy a bunch for the home to hiring her services for wedding arrangements. Candace says she grew up in Newcastle in a close-knit family with her parents and three younger siblings. “One of the closest relationships I have is with my family, through everything and anything. I attended Stanford Lake College, where I met my husband, Horst-Johann Gubitz.

After school, our paths spilt and we met again nine years later and here we are with three handsome boys and happily married.” Flowers and nature have always been Candace’s happy place and the place she looked for inspiration. “My love for flowers comes from my childhood growing up alongside my gran in her beautiful garden as well as my mother’s pride for a perfect trimmed yard with white roses,” she says.

The desire to own a business and flower boutique lingered for a while. She says during the pandemic she had plenty of conversations with her boys. “Through those conversations, I realised I wanted to be more than just a mom to them. I wanted to live out my dream by making spaces beautiful and people happy.” She shared her ‘crazy’ idea of her opening a business with her best friend over a cup of coffee on her veranda. “I wanted to use my creativity and make people happy, let people see my worth.

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That conversation lit a fire in me and I was driven and inspired to do just that. I knew that if I had the support of my husband, the time was right. And here I am, the proud owner of My Blom Shop.” She says that the support of Horst-Johann made it possible to be successful. “Work and personal responsibilities at home are a matter of balance. Being organised and a good routine makes all the difference to keep all the balls in the air, from work, being a mom, wife and now also an entrepreneur,” she says.

“I wish I knew earlier that one should follow through on dreams. I’m inspired by women that just go for it, especially local business women that make a success and that bring new ventures to our town. I believe everyone should have a chance to live out their passion, desire, and will. With faith, support, and desire you can only succeed,” she concludes.