Meet Candice Ferguson | Vocal & Live Performance Coach | C.E.O of The Performers Suite

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candice Ferguson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Candice, how do you think about risk?
Risks have always played huge part in my life, and I’ve always been a risk taker and one who has stepped out on faith. I feel in order to see the type of success you want to see, and move in the direction of pursuing your dreams, you have to take risks. You can’t sit on the sidelines, and at some point, you have to take the risk and get in the game. When it comes to risks, I think of how I was bold and left a comfortable salaried job working at a Property Management company. I dreaded going to work each day, and it was so hard to get out of bed. I knew I wasn’t walking in my purpose. I felt like I was just existing, and not really living, and I was over it. I remember one morning going to work feeling like this is it, I can’t do this anymore. I sent an email to both of my bosses to have a meeting that day. We met, and with tears in my eyes I told them I was miserable and wasn’t happy working there, I knew I was meant to do more, and I wanted to wake up every day and love what I was doing, and I didn’t want it to feel like work. I cried as I told them I was passionate about Music and wanted to work in the music industry. I continued working there, and three weeks later I received a call back from a job I applied to at a record label. I went on the interview and was offered the job. I was terrified of taking it because I knew financially it just wasn’t enough, but I knew I had to take the risk and leave what was comfortable, to work in an industry where I am most passionate and would thrive. That’s the thing about risks. It may be scary, but it’s always worth it. You only grow when you take the leap into the unknown. I want to live a life of no regrets, and I never want to look back and wonder what a period in my life would’ve been like if I would’ve taken a step of faith and stepped into the unknown. 2 years ago I was faced with a health crisis, and I made a decision at that point to do everything that makes me happy and what brings me joy. I made a list of everything I wanted to let go of, and that job was the first thing on my list, so when the opportunity came, I had to take that risk.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is called The Performers Suite. It’s an Artist Development company that focuses on vocal coaching and live performance coaching. I started The Performers Suite because I have a passion for working with artists and seeing artists become their best on the stage and off. Most labels are no longer developing artists, and artists are left to figure out how to navigate being an artist without the proper tools needed to be successful.
I’ve always been a singer ever since I was a child, and I always had a love for music. I was signed to an independent label when I was a teenager as part of a gospel group called Agape 3:16, and I used to be an R&B artist years ago when I lived in Houston and Atlanta. There were a few things that led to me starting The Performers Suite. One could say I was being pushed into it. I began working at a record label that develops young up and coming Rock artists, and through the development program I started working with the artists on their vocals, harmonies, image, and live performance. I realized I was really making a difference, and it was something I truly enjoyed. Outside of working at the label, I also worked on an artist management team and was asked to help a Rap artist who’s signed to Columbia Records with one of his live performances. At that point I knew I was on to something, and was passionate about it. Through that same manager I started working with International R&B/Pop artist, Lara D who was signed to Sony Music Australia. I worked with her and coached her on her live performances and coached her vocally for her shows. All signs were pointing in this direction, and I felt as though I was being pushed to create my own lane.
My goal is to always pour into artists, and help them build the confidence and skills needed, because I understand it’s not always easy. When it comes to me, I’m most proud of my decision to step out on faith and leave my last job in property management to work in the Music Industry. I feel blessed, and although I had to take a huge pay cut, and I honestly didn’t know how it would turn out, the move was worth it. I really love Music, I love my business, and I’m happy doing what I love working in Music. If I didn’t leave that Property Management job, I probably wouldn’t have started The Performers Suite. I’ve learned when you are supposed to do something, and it’s meant for you, no one can stop it. You will be pushed into it, and the signs will be clear. I also learned when you pursue the thing you are put here to do, a way will always be made for you to do it. Your job is to move in that direction, trust the process, and keep going. Starting something new comes with a lot of fears, but you have to push past them. I’m a believer in God, and I am really trusting Him on this journey, and following His lead.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to relate to artists, my passion, and I really do care about artists, what they go through, their growth and how they are treated. I pursued music as an artist at one point, and I’m still a singer who enjoys singing and performing. Whether I’m singing the National Anthem for a major sporting event, singing locally with a band I recently joined, or singing in church, I understand what singers and artists go through. I know how tough it can be for music artists trying to navigate the world of the music industry. It’s a business with a lot of ups and downs, and I want to continue passing on my knowledge and what I’ve learned, encourage, motivate, and help artists grow and become their best. I’m most excited about continuing to work with, and positively impacting the lives of artists in whatever way I can….that’s what’s most important to me.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend’s name is April, and if she was visiting LA, I would take her to Catalina Island for a day. It’s such a beautiful place. I would also take her to Runyon Canyon for a hike, and so she can see the amazing views of the city. I would take her riding through the hills, so she can see the million dollar homes and views. It’s so motivating, and I always drive through the hills when I need motivation. I would take her to eat at Frida Mexican Cuisine in Beverly Hills, and we would take a stroll down Rodeo Drive. We would also dine at Toca Madera on a Friday night, and have a weekend brunch at The Henry. We would have dinner at Nobu Malibu or at Geoffrey’s. We might do a movie studio tour for fun. We would do a beach day at Manhattan Beach and lay out. I would take her to a live music spot where she can hear live music, or if there was a concert we would do that. I would also take her to Palm Tree Street on Windsor Blvd for pictures of the Hollywood sign.
In my view, some of the most fun and cool places to check out are the Grammy Museum or The Broad Museum, a football or basketball game if you’re into sports, spending a day in San Diego, definitely one of the beaches and riding bikes on the bike path, Universal Studios, Disney Land, or roof top restaurants/lounges are always fun and cool.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mentor, my Mom, brother, and my tribe (friends) for keeping me going, pouring into me, and helping me realize my gifts.
Website: www.theperformerssuite.com
Instagram: candiceferguson.la