Meet Candace Boyd Simmons
Candace Boyd Simmons is a Midwestern based award winning, multi-genre creative. Born and raised in Indiana, Candace writes to give herself freedom.
Candace has become a sought after leader in the blogging, food education, food creative space. She’s known in the Indianapolis community as “The Spice Slanger,” sharing her love of cooking and leaving no dish unseasoned via her blog, FoodLoveTog.com. Find her in community as co-host of the award-winning podcast Black Girls Eating or seasoning the masses with her handcrafted spice line.
Candace resides in her hometown of Indianapolis with her wife and daughter. Candace is currently a Master of Divinity (M.Div) and Theological Studies (MTS) candidate at Christian Theological Seminary.
Candace believes that our joys and our grief must hold hands. Her first book, Joy Yet Resides Here, was released by VK Presses in 2025.
IG: @kendence | WEBSITE: https://www.candacebsimmons.com/
Joy Yet Resides Here
Joy Yet Resides Here is a collection of prayers, laments, and homage for folks who dance in the margins. It is a book by a shaky Christian who still believes and seeks solace in the arms of faith with her soul laid bare. Through love, grace and trembling faith, Candace Boyd Simmons uncovers peace amidst a storm of doubt.
Every prayer is a beacon of light.
Every lament is a testament to truth.
Every word reminds us - joy yet resides here.
This is what the journey can look like when we are guided by faith, fueled by love, and anchored in the sacredness of our joy. It shows the flickering ember of what unwavering hope can be. Joy Yet Resides Here begs us to look at the intersections of love, joy, grief and everything in between.
Book Credits:
Author: Candace Boyd Simmons | Editor: Januarie York | Illustrations: Tania Wineglass | Design: ess mckee | Photography: Leah Rife | Publisher: Shavonne Holton, VK Press
