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In a world where people are constantly on go mode, attached to their phones, rushing to the next task on the to-do list rarely pausing for self-reflection, the simple act of journaling or ‘catching our thoughts’ can be a powerful tool for mental well-being. Studies show that expressive writing can reduce stress, improve mood, and even strengthen emotional resilience. Candace Cox-Wimberley, a visionary literary artist, educator, and creative entrepreneur, champions this practice as a path to self-discovery and empowerment. She amplifies voices, fosters community, and inspires personal growth through storytelling and the arts, one journal entry at a time.
Candace recalled stepping back from public speaking and appearances to concentrate on creating, developing, and building her brand. This decision allowed her to focus on personal growth, navigate her grief, and reflect on how to enhance the impact of her work through journaling.
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“Through journaling and self-exploration, I gained even greater clarity on the role my platform plays in helping others process life’s challenges and transformations,” Candace said.
“I have long understood the power of journaling—not just as a creative outlet, but as a tool for self-inventory, personal reflection, and private escape. My experiences during this period reinforced that belief, fueling my excitement for what’s next”.
As a prolific author, Candace has made significant contributions to the world of guided journaling, crafting works that support mental wellness, gratitude, and self-improvement. Her publications, including I Am A Genius: Career Journal and I Am Grateful: 90-Day Gratitude Journal, have reached a global audience. Distributed through major retailers such as Meijer Marketplace, as well as independent bookstores, art galleries, and wellness centers, her books are embraced by institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, and Alternative for Girls.
“I learned journaling, the practice of it and beauty of it as early as middle school, and it’s been something that has continued to evolve throughout my life,” Candance said.
“Being able to have opportunities to learn, connect with your thoughts, being able to have that space and listen it’s another form of meditation. It’s an opportunity to connect within yourself, engage within yourself, to even engage with God, your higher being. When you’re journaling, it allows that opportunity to take place.”
Journaling, a key component of Candace’s work, has been widely recognized for its transformative benefits, especially for women. For women juggling multiple roles in their personal and professional lives, it serves as a tool for self-care, helping them process emotions, set goals, and cultivate gratitude.
“It’s (journaling) a great opportunity to allow you to go within yourself, and I’ve learned that over the years as I continue to practice and seeing the transformation of power the takeaway is feeling more balanced, feeling healthier,” Candance said.
“For example, let’s say I’m going with gratitude, I’m connecting with that perception of gratefulness and gratitude. My thoughts are healthier. My frequency is higher. After you feel the power to transform.”
Candace’s guided journals are specifically designed to empower women, offering structured prompts that encourage reflection, creativity, and mindfulness.
“Journaling for me personally, has served in different spaces every time in my life. There have been times when I recall when I was in college, and I felt extremely lonely, and it allowed me to have that companion, where I was able to write in my journal,” Candace said.
“It may seem sound really weird to some, but journaling can serve as your companion too.”
At the heart of her work is She’s A Genius, a movement that celebrates the brilliance of women artists and entrepreneurs. Through her podcast, She’s A Genius, Candace curates a space where women share their journeys, triumphs, and challenges. The podcast has become a hub for creatives, visionaries, and change-makers, inspiring listeners to embrace their talents and embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Beyond the podcast, Candace’s commitment to nurturing creativity extends to the next generation. As the founder and president of She’s A Genius, she also serves a nonprofit that helps young people explore their artistic talents, she has created programs that build self-confidence and emotional strength. Through creative mentorship, young individuals learn to appreciate who they are and express themselves in their own unique ways.
“I am continuing to introduce new offerings that further support personal growth, including the new journal expansion and the relaunch of my podcast, She’s A Genius, which will create more spaces for meaningful conversations,” Candace said.
Candace has a strong impact that goes beyond her writing. She is an experienced creative consultant and leads workshops, having collaborated with well-known organizations such as Wayne County Community College, the Charles H. Wright Museum, and Bamboo Detroit. By using creative methods in both work and personal growth, she creates welcoming spaces where people can explore and develop their creative abilities.
Candace is not just making a difference through her work; she is also a yoga and meditation teacher who weaves storytelling into her sessions. By leading retreats, workshops, and speaking events across the U.S., Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other places, she helps people connect with their own stories and live more purposefully.
Her leadership has received several awards, including the Motor City Match grant, the Elevate Together Grant from the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and recognition from the Detroit Small Business Stabilization Fund. These accolades demonstrate her strong dedication to creative expression, education, and community engagement.
More than a storyteller she is a catalyst for change, a champion of women’s voices, and a guiding force in the world of creative empowerment. Through her work, she reminds us all of the power of words and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we take the time to write our own stories.
Candace highlights it’s necessary to catch your thoughts, even though you may be feeling the stress of life at the moment, but to take that moment for yourself.
“You’ll look back and you appreciate that moment while journaling. You look back and appreciate whatever you might have journaled or journalied through. It’s also important to write down your story, what you’re going through. Sometimes you have one of your greatest challenges become your greatest testimony,” Candace said.
“Then you have it in writing as a reminder of how and what you went through, it helps you continue to stay determined. Helps you continue, to press forward and ahead throughout life.”
For those eager to follow Candace’s journey, stay updated on upcoming projects, or be the first to know about her next journal release, visit https://iamagenius.net/.