Unlock Your Main Character Energy!
Transform Your Personal Story into Your Most Powerful Brand Asset
Hi there Sweet Success community – both my ride-or-die readers who've been with me for a while and those who just landed here from my Instagram challenge announcement!
If you're new here, welcome. If you've been following my journey for years, you know I'm all about turning personal stories into powerful opportunities. That's why today I'm kicking off the Find Your Sweet Spot Challenge – a four-week journey that's part branding bootcamp, part personal exploration, and 100% about helping you become the hero of your own professional story.
Starting today, for the next month, we'll be taking steps to level-up your personal brand and find your unique space on social media. Whether you're a founder, creator, corporate rockstar, or someone dreaming of your next big move, this challenge is your invitation to step into the spotlight and own your narrative.
Think of this as your personal brand playbook – where we'll transform those experiences, pivots, and dreams into your standout professional identity. Ready to turn your journey into your greatest advantage? We're kicking things off with the most important prompt: share your story!
Let's dive in.
Think of your journey as a movie in the making. Back when I was standing behind the counter at Sprinkles, covered in flour and focused on perfecting each batch of cupcakes, I was in the opening scenes of my story. I never imagined my banking-to-baking plot twist would become such a powerful part of our brand.
While people came for the cupcakes, they stayed for the story. They connected with the leap of faith, the career pivot, the courage to pursue a passion despite all the naysayers saying "a cupcakes-only bakery will never work."
That story became my springboard. When I sold Sprinkles, I took something even more valuable than the business with me – I took my narrative, my personal brand, and an audience that was invested in my journey. That foundation has enabled every pivot since: becoming a TV personality, producer, NYT and WSJ bestselling author, founder again with Pizzana, and now a Guest Shark on Shark Tank.
The Truth About Your Story
Your story isn't just some fun fact about how you got started – it's your superpower. It's what makes you relatable, memorable, and uniquely positioned in your field. Every time I share my story – whether on stage, on Instagram, or in a casual conversation – I see deeper engagement, stronger connections, and more opportunities flowing my way. And the best part? I never have to "sell" myself – my story does it for me.
Proof in point: In the season premiere of Shark Tank season 15, I met Kristen Dunning of Gently Soap. Her story was more than just a pitch—it was a powerful testament to turning personal struggle into purpose. Kristen shared how she'd been bullied for her eczema, a painful experience that left her feeling vulnerable and different.
But here's where her story gets powerful: Those years of feeling different became her greatest asset. Instead of hiding from her skin challenges, Kristen weaponized her pain. Between late-night study sessions and dorm room experiments, she started crafting botanical soap formulations that eased eczema outbreaks and offered a joyful bathing experience. Her journey of turning adversity into opportunity was so compelling that I immediately opened my checkbook and invested in her company.
Her botanical soap wasn't just a product; it was proof that your biggest struggles can become your most innovative solutions. When a founder connects on an emotional level, magic happens. Case in point - Gently Soap caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, making it onto her coveted Favorite Things list this year
A Story That Never Gets Old
Do you ever get tired of watching your favorite movie? No, because a timeless story resonates... timelessly. I'm still telling and retelling my story over and over again, in different ways and on different platforms. 20 years later, it's still capturing attention. Whether it's on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok, my Sprinkles founder story continues to connect because the core elements of passion, perseverance, and believing in yourself despite the naysayers never go out of style.
This Week's Challenge
This week, your challenge is to create a video sharing YOUR journey. Whether you're a founder, creator, corporate professional, or just starting out, tell (or show) us what got you to where you are today.
This isn't about having the perfect narrative arc or the most dramatic transformation. It's about authenticity. Maybe you're passionate about sustainability and want to be known for advocating for conscious consumption. Perhaps you've developed expertise in digital marketing and want to help others navigate the ever-changing landscape. Or maybe you're building a community around wellness and mindfulness.
Remember: Everyone starts somewhere. Before Sprinkles became a global brand with over 200 million cupcakes sold, 20 stores, and 30 cupcake ATMs, it was just an idea that people said would never work. Before I became a "serial entrepreneur," I was an investment banker questioning if there was more to life than spreadsheets.
So now it's your turn. After hearing my story, and understanding how powerful personal narratives can be, I want to give you the tools to craft and share your own.
Challenge Details:
Post your story video on Instagram
Use #SweetSpotChallenge so I can find and reshare your content
Follow along for weekly prompts and tips
Engage with our community – there are lots of us in this together!
At this point, you may have downloaded my Personal Brand Worksheet. (If not, grab it here!). But if you need another way to frame your story, try this…
Who are you really - Hollywood edition:
If your life was a movie, what would be your character's biggest challenge to overcome? Who or what is the antagonist in your story?
What's the transformation you're fighting for?
What's your character's superpower?
What's the bigger mission you're on?
Is there a message you want to shout from the rooftops?
Need more inspiration? I share my story all the time, in a variety of ways. Here and here on Instagram, and here on Linkedin. If you’ve seen other examples that you love, please link them in the comments below for the community to see.
But wait, I can already hear some of you protesting, "I'm not a professional videographer or content creator."
Same!
When I first started sharing my story online, I was terrified of looking unprofessional. My first videos were utterly cringeworthy and I was convinced everyone would judge me. But here's what I've learned: perfect is the enemy of done. These days, authenticity is in, and people crave real, unfiltered stories more than polished productions. You don't need a professional studio or years of editing experience (though a tripod, ring light and the CapCut editing app are helpful!) you just need the confidence to show up and share your journey.
I can't wait to see your stories come to life this week!
XO,
candace
Love this. ♥️
Love this, really resonated with me!