At the Alberta Association of Career Colleges (AACC), we take pride in celebrating the incredible success stories of career college graduates who turn their skills into meaningful careers and businesses. One such inspiring story is Candice Connolly, founder & CEO of Serene Beauty and The Caribbean Night Market.
Candice’s journey as an entrepreneur began with a deeply personal loss, which motivated her to create something more than just a career in hairdressing and esthetics. As a licensed hairdresser, esthetician, and healthcare aide, she combined her education with her family’s expertise to launch Serene Beauty—a brand dedicated to all-natural skincare and haircare. With the help of her sister, a chemical engineer, and her nieces, who specialize in marketing and business, she developed a universal product line designed to nourish skin and hair while promoting healthy hair growth.
Her road to success was not easy. As a Black woman entrepreneur in her late 30s, she faced many challenges, including mental health struggles, medical conditions, and a learning disability. However, instead of accepting defeat, she turned her struggles into motivation. Through Serene Beauty, she now provides handcrafted, chemical-free skincare and haircare products tailored for all skin and hair types.
But Candice’s impact extends beyond beauty. She is also the founder of The Caribbean Night Market, a platform that promotes Caribbean businesses and hosts markets across Canada. Her mission is to rebuild and strengthen the Caribbean business community, providing networking and growth opportunities for fellow entrepreneurs.
Her story is a testament to the power of career education. With the skills she gained in hairdressing, esthetics, and healthcare, Candice transformed her expertise into a thriving business that empowers others. Today, through Serene Beauty and The Caribbean Night Market, she continues to foster community growth, entrepreneurship, and resilience.
MC College has been a leader in career training for hairdressing, esthetics, and fashion design for over 90 years, empowering students with hands-on, industry-relevant education. With campuses across Western Canada, including Alberta, MC College provides aspiring beauty professionals with the skills, experience, and confidence to launch successful careers in hair, skincare, and business ownership. As a proud alumna of MC College, Candice Connolly transformed her education into a thriving beauty brand and business platform, proving the real-world impact of career colleges in Alberta.
Her journey is an inspiration to all career college students and alumni—proving that with passion, determination, and the right support system, dreams can become reality.
Learn more about Candice’s work:
🌍 Website: www.serenebeautystor.com
📧 Email: serenebeauty60@gmail.com
