Meet Candace “Cannye” Anderson-Edwards of iCannye Artistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace “Cannye” Anderson-Edwards.

Candace “Cannye”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve noticed that every time I have made a big move in my industry, pressure was applied. It reminds of the making of a diamond. The more pressure the more the diamond shines. I started off in the funeral home industry as a desairologist. I became Illinois’ first certified desairologist. I grew an interest with cosmetology and attended cosmetology school right after I completed prerequisites for Mortuary Science school and after my summer intern at Cook County Morgue.

I became extremely ill and was hospitalized for several weeks in the ICU. I started making wigs for cancer patients and alopecia clients while I was recuperating and realized that my calling was to work with the living. I have had the opportunity to manage on a corporate level for JCP Salon and Ulta Beauty Salon. I firmly believe that some of my practices have followed me from my time at Dudley Beauty College as student to forever a student as a business owner and freelance artist. I left corporate salon management in 2015. I learned that I was diagnosed with a 1mm brain aneurysm. I was devastated and super depressed.

My family, friends and clients pushed me and motivated me to open iCannye Transformation Gallery. One of my goals since I was 16 years old, was to work for the network Lifetime TV. I was given that opportunity and was so amazed that I spoke it into the atmosphere. To get the phone call that I was referred to be a makeup artist for a project was so fulfilling for me.

To see my name in the credits this year on LifeTime… just made me feel so accomplished. My artistry has been featured at the Stellar and Grammy Awards. I have had the opportunity to do makeup and male grooming for many celebrities such as Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Jaslene Gonzalez, Tasha Page Lockhart, LeAndria Johnson, Beyonce’s dancers (Ashley Everett, Anthony Burrell, and Alvester Martin), Daymond John, Syesha Mercado, Bryshere Gray and the list goes on.

My artistry has been seen on BET, VH1, Centric, Tv-One, NBC, WGN, WCIU, Fox, ESPN, WeTv, Lifetime and Food Network. My artistry has been published in Jet Mag, Essence, Ebony, Vibe, Hype Hair, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago Tribune. I am a recipient of the 2014 Fashion and Arts Humanitarian Award, 2015 Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joynor Icon Award, and 2017 4o Under 40 YWPL. I love transforming my client’s mind, body, and soul. I am always concerned with not just the physical makeup that I apply but the inner makeup of the client. I love doing pay it forward events and activities. Philanthropy is my favorite gift of servitude.

Our latest projects were back to school book bags with supplies for underprivileged children, Walmart gift cards and toys for single mothers, and raising funds for a family to move out of their car into a home in time for the holidays. We did a makeup tutorial and the funds went towards Toy Drives as well as thermal blankets and thermal tents for the homeless.i also enjoy motivational speaking and helping young adults and teens with low self-esteem and prevention for suicide. I am looking forward to launching my product line of hair and face. I am also excited about the release of my book. I have learned to soar with turbulence, because eventually after elevating… a smooth landing seals the deal.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey. Health challenges played a huge role. 2017 has been one of my healthiest years even with living with an aneurysm. I have really embraced the homeopathic journey of healing my body. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint. There are so many sacrifices and compromises that you experience.

Sometimes, small businesses take a huge hit because we have to compete against large corporations. Another struggle was moving my business to a loft space. Space is really dope but I’m on the penthouse suite floor. So if the elevator is inoperable my clients are unable to climb to the 5th floor. Especially, handicap, elderly and pregnant clients. Each part of my journey has strengthened my wings to keep soaring.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with iCannye Artistry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
So as a licensed cosmetologist, I specialize in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails. What sets my business apart is the fact that we are considered a one-stop shop. You can receive multiple services all under one roof. My specialty is makeup. I am known as a freelance artist that works on call for different productions and local clientele base.

I am humbled that my name has created a small buzz in my community. I love the fact that people know me for my before and after photos, my artistry, and my philanthropy work. What sets me apart is that one minute I can be on the set of production, applying a really trendy color and cut to my client, doing makeup or teaching a one on one or group session class. iCannye’s motto is ”I CAN FACE IT”

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that our city is such an artistic landmark. We house so much cool architectural buildings. I love the culture of artists. It’s amazing that people come from all over the world to experience our arts, our schools, our festivals, and our city in all of it’s greatest. There’s always something to do in our beautiful city. I love the set up of what Chicago represents.

Having my salon in Pilsen, one of the coolest art districts is pretty dope. What I like least about our city is the cost of living, the politics, the violence, and the segregation of mankind in one huge city.

Contact Info:

• Address:  15300 S Cicero Suite 100, Oak Forest, IL 60452
• Website: www.styleseat.com/iCannyeArtistry
• Phone: 336.ICANNYE
• Email: icannyetransformationteam@gmail.com
• Instagram: @icannyeartistry
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/iCannyeArtistry
• Twitter: @icannyeartistry
• Other: www.icannyeartistry.bigcartel.com

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