Not Your Typical Girl Next Door

We spotted Candice breezing through the crowd of suited professionals in this ethereal, blue-grey dress. Exuding a laid-back charm that perhaps is native to Australians like herself, she finishes the look with a bare face and tousled hair, and a pair of flip-flops that work surprisingly well. “I always strive to dress professionally, but I also like incorporating my individual style to make it my own look,” she says. “Having just recently arrived in Singapore, I’m learning how to change my outfits to reflect the humid warmth.” She contrasts the femininity of her look with a rugged, well-worn sling bag, borrowed from her boyfriend. Candice and said boyfriend moved here at the start of the year, where she’s about to embark on a major career change — she worked in the advertising industry for 5 years, but is now pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood teaching. “The things I loved most about advertising were the relationship building and constant opportunity to meet interesting people,” she says. “So far I love everything I’m learning about teaching, and I can’t wait to put my new skills into action.” She’s taking her new role into her stride: “Everyone was new once, so don’t stress; you’ll learn everything you need to get going in the coming weeks.” Candice loves travelling, and considers herself to be a real lover of food (“I blame working on the food portfolio in London for that!”) She balances out her indulgent diet by making sure she ramps up her exercise regime — she trained for the London Marathon last year, and makes sure she hits the gym or goes for a long run at least four times a week. Perhaps she owes her active lifestyle to her childhood, spent on the beach on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. “I had a really fun upbringing and I’m blessed with an awesome group of friends and close-knit family,” she says. “We had a skate crew and surfed together every weekend until I moved away to Brisbane to go to university. A bunch of tomboys!”