Beachburg

Candice Goldberg

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Candice Goldberg.

Hi, Candice! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello everyone!

My name is Candice Goldberg. To say I was shocked to be asked to do this was an understatement, and it takes a lot to make me speechless! I was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley in Pembroke until I moved to Beachburg at a young age. I reside in our beautiful village with my partner of nearly 24 years. We are high school sweethearts and the proud parents of two 16-year-old twin boys. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment.

I’m the oldest of four kids and the only girl, which had its advantages growing up. I step danced for years with the Gardners (Debbie), and my family had many animals, which instilled a work ethic in me that I’m passing on to my kids. We travelled for hockey, took family trips, and camped. Those were the good old days.

As an adult, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, concerts, girls’ nights out, trying new things, and just staying in and hanging with my family. Most people still recognize me from my days at McDonald’s, where I got my first job and worked my way up to a manager. The skills and experience I got there helped me move on to my newest career and challenge.

I’m now most recognized as the bubbly, talkative, 1st assistant store manager at Maurice’s in the Pembroke Mall. I fell in love with the store when it first opened in 2015. I loved the clothes, the vibe, and the philosophy they stand for. Fast forward to 2018 — I applied and got the job, and have never looked back. It’s a job I love going to every day. Everyone plays a role in helping make the store and community a better place.

Once I stepped into the role, it was “WOW, this brand is amazing.” If you’re a regular shopper, a newer customer, or never heard of us, you have to check us out. We carry the latest clothes in sizes 0-24 and have something for everyone. I love the challenge of running a business in a small town, connecting with the ladies who shop with us, learning their stories, and making them feel good. Over the last 7.5 years, I have made many new friends. That’s how I met Kim (my fellow ginger), who convinced me to do this interview — which is 100% outside my comfort zone. I’m very outgoing but kind of shy at the same time until I get comfortable in a situation.

With Maurice’s, I love how my team can make someone who may be having a rough day or may not be loving their body, go from having a bad day to smiling and laughing and feeling like a whole new person when they leave. Everyone has a story and a style to express themselves, and my favourite thing to do is to help them find it. We are always joking, and our customers come for the entertainment as well. The constant training and development make the job more rewarding, and I’m becoming the person I’m meant to be.

I love giving back to my community through Maurice’s. As a team, we have hosted clothing drives, household item drives for Renfrew County Victims Services, and every March, we do a bra donation and feminine hygiene products drive for International Women’s Day. We have one coming up and would love you to help support our community. We also host free personal styling events where you can shop with my team one-on-one to take the pressure off finding that perfect look or treat someone who needs a pick-me-up.

In Beachburg, I loved being a member of the parent council when my boys were students. I have so many memories of hot dog days, fundraisers for trips, classroom wish lists, pancake days and community dinners at the school, and so much more. I was part of the amazing committee that planned and executed the 100th anniversary celebration of Beachburg Public School, which started the fundraising efforts for a new playground. There was so much history showcased and fun had.

I love to give back to my local church in the village by helping with the summer vacation bible school, church dinners, yard sales, and whatever else the lovely ladies need (they know who they are ❤️). I feel the more you invest in yourself and your community, the better the world becomes.

What is your least favourite household chore?

LAUNDRY! It never ends. Some days, it feels like I’m washing clean items again due to living with 2 teenage boys. Or I have extra people who live in my house who I haven’t met yet. lol 😂Who knows?!

What three adjectives do you think your family and friends would use to describe you?

        1.      Bubbly
        2.      Energetic
        3.      Empathetic

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Anywhere in Europe — the history, the food, the culture, and so many new and exciting things to experience.

What is your perfect combination of pizza toppings?

Hawaiian pizza with mushrooms and green olives added. I’m guaranteed to have leftovers.

What fictional TV or movie character would you most enjoy hanging out with for a day?

The Golden Girls. I love them and have many memories of watching them growing up with my nanny and then rewatching them as an adult. You realize the script was ahead of its time. I love Sophia as the main character to hang out with. When I’m older, I’d like to say what I want and have people say, “She’s just old.” She’s who I want to be like. If you know, you know.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I have always loved shoes, but since working at Maurice’s, that number has grown. I would say roughly 35+ and growing.

Are you a cat or a dog person? Why?

100% a cat person. I own two, and they couldn’t be more opposite. I love their personalities and snuggles. Cats are a mystery, and it takes trust for them to fully connect with you.

If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would you choose? Why?

Big Brother. I’ve watched it every season. I love the thought of the challenges and seeing if I could handle the scenarios and outsmart people to win. And who doesn’t want a shot at $750,000?!

If you could have your very own personal assistant, what would you have them do?

They would do the chores I despise — laundry, mopping, and vacuuming. That way, I’d have more time for cooking, baking, and doing fun things.

What do you miss the most about being a kid?

There are so many things: not having to make dinner every night, not having to work every day, being able to sleep the whole night, eating whatever I want without consequences, seeing my friends more, and not having any worries.

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Candice.

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Next week, we will welcome Gloria Deane-Freeman.