Candice Helgeson-Nagel
Candice Helgeson-Nagel is the founder and owner of Kre8tive Spaces, a commercial furniture and space design company based in the Greater Chicago Area. With over seven years of experience in product management, HRIT technologies, IVR/telephony systems, and SaaS applications, she combines technical expertise with a creative vision for workplace and educational environments. Her career also spans marketing, communications, and public relations, giving her a unique interdisciplinary perspective that informs her approach to designing adaptable, vibrant spaces.
Candice’s professional journey began in the museum and cultural sector, where she held leadership roles including Museum Manager and Curatorial Aide. She later transitioned into technology and business systems consulting, serving as a Senior Technology Business Systems Consultant at Wells Fargo. These experiences, combined with her academic background—a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Civil War Military History from American Public University—fueled her passion for creating environments that inspire creativity, learning, and engagement.
At Kre8tive Spaces, Candice focuses on designing and outfitting educational and corporate spaces that balance structured work areas with hands-on, creative zones. Her services encompass everything from space design and furniture procurement to installation, ensuring that each project supports the growth and wellbeing of its users. Beyond business, Candice integrates giving back into her model, donating furniture and resources to schools and institutions, helping ensure that learning and working environments are not just functional, but transformative.
• American Public - M.A.
• AASLH
• Museum Council of Philadelphia
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to mentorship, education, and following my passion. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors—especially women—who encouraged me to think creatively and take risks. One piece of advice that stuck with me: “It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.” That mindset has guided me to take initiative and embrace ownership of my work.
Combining my museum and cultural background with experience in technology and education allowed me to create a unique niche in commercial furniture design. Ultimately, when your work comes from the heart and aligns with your values, passion drives success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a manager who told me, “It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.” That mindset has stayed with me—it encourages me to take initiative, move projects forward with confidence, and trust my decisions. Even if adjustments are needed along the way, forging ahead empowers me to create momentum and drive results.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to first understand your “why.” Ask yourself why you’re pursuing this path—is it your passion or someone else’s expectation? Success comes when your work truly fuels your heart and aligns with your values. For me, it’s designing spaces people love, but for someone else it could be something entirely different. Knowing your purpose gives you the motivation and resilience to navigate challenges and thrive in your chosen path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is how corporate America is approaching workspace design. While the education sector is making incredible strides in creating thoughtful, engaging spaces, many corporate environments are still falling behind. Employees are often expected to return to downsized offices without a designated workspace, leaving them without a sense of ownership or comfort.
This is not just an aesthetic issue—it impacts mental health, productivity, and overall employee satisfaction. The opportunity lies in helping leadership recognize that thoughtful, human-centered design is an investment in their people. When employees feel valued and supported by their environment, it transforms the way they work and thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me—both personally and professionally—are dedication, passion, hard work, consistency, and drive. These values are deeply rooted in my personal life as a wife and mother. My seven-year-old daughter inspires me every day as we explore new places, experiment with cooking, enjoy the arts, and support her ice skating and guitar lessons. Watching her pursue her passions reminds me of the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and commitment.
The same dedication and passion I bring to my family guide me in my professional life. I’m committed to creating environments where people can learn, grow, and thrive, whether working with children or adults. Education, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful experiences are at the heart of everything I do.
Locations
Kre8tive Spaces
Plainsville, IL 60585