Candice Hilton is the Director of Renaissance Refuge, an addiction treatment center dedicated to supporting women on their journey to recovery. Having personally struggled with addiction and trauma for many years, Candice brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role.
In 2017, she was introduced to recovery and has remained committed to that path ever since. Her journey began through participation in Narcotics Anonymous and extensive individual therapy, where she developed the tools and resilience necessary for lasting change. Through her own healing process, Candice discovered a deep passion for helping other women find recovery and reclaim their lives.
She began her professional career in the field at Renaissance Ranch while simultaneously pursuing her education, steadily working toward her long-term goals. In 2023, Candice was given the opportunity to help bring her vision to life as a key contributor in opening Renaissance Refuge.
Today, Candice is dedicated to being part of the solution, walking alongside women as they navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a profound commitment to empowering others to heal and thrive.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typlical day is just the same as everyone elses. Wake up, get ready, go to work. Work just never seems like work because I am very passionate about what I do. That’s not to say that it isn’t difficult, but I love every minute of it.
How do you bring ideas to life?
If I have an idea or theory I would like to test out I bring it to the team. It’s very important to include everyone in decisions like this because everyone works with different parts of the program. It’s important for me to know how major ideas or changes will impact every part of the program before doing it.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love how views on mental health and addiction have been changing over the last 20 years and is changing still. Mental health used to be ignored and addiction used to be viewed as a “choice”. Now that addiction is recognized as a disease and mental health is brought to the forefront people are recieving the help they truly need.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Communication with other staff and making notes daily to make sure I am achieving daily goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to hang on, it gets better, and your suffering has a purpose that is so great.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
My addiction and trauma are my super powers and if I was given the chance to go back and take it all away, I would not do it. I know now what I was being prepared for. I went through what I went through because God knew I could handle it and that I would be able to give back and provide safety and support to many women who suffered the same past.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Stay humble and remember there is a team of people alongside you. I did not get here alone and I would never claim I did. I had people believe in me before I did. I had people teach me everything I know. I have a wonderful team. Stay honest and open. I know I don’t know everything and I never will. I am surrounded by people and I value their input. Continue to pass on your knowledge.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I talk to people, I meditate, and I take a personal inventory. Being successful is about balance. Balance at home, balance with self, balance at work. I check my self care.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Never be afraid of failing. Don’t horde knowledge for fear of someone surpassing you. I want everyone to know what I know. I want everyone around me to achieve success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’m dead wrong about many things. I admit when I am wrong and take action to correct it. The biggest mistake people make is trying to cover up their mistakes because their ego doesn’t want others to know they make mistakes. Realistically, I am human, I make mistakes all the time, and that is perfectly okay, as long as I learn from them.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Free therapy for everyone that works in mental health
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Bestnotes. Or Google Drive. We use both all day long.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I recently bought a flagpole and a Goonies flag for my home and I am obsessed with it.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Favorite podcast is Morbid, true crime helps clear my mind and focus. Favorite book, Harry Potter. Harry Potter taught me that where you come from doesn’t matter, healthy connections and bonds are necessary for survival and no matter how many times the dark lord tries to kill you, there’s always something bigger to fight for
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Overland. I love History and magic.
Key learnings:
- Stay Humble
- Appreciate those around you and show your appreciation
- Admit when you are wrong
- Stay present
- Work the 12 steps or some form of self-help