EnterprenuerCandice Hilton is the Director of Renaissance Refuge, an addiction treatment center in Heyburn, Idaho, focused on helping women rebuild their lives through recovery, support, and connection. Drawing from her own recovery journey that began in 2017, she leads with compassion, authenticity, and a strong commitment to helping others heal from addiction and trauma.
She played a key role in launching Renaissance Refuge in 2023 and believes that lasting recovery comes from addressing the root causes of substance abuse while building accountability, community, and emotional resilience. Under her leadership, the organization emphasizes sisterhood, personal growth, and long-term support.
Outside of work, Candice enjoys history, true crime podcasts, sushi, and spending time with loved ones while remaining dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and purpose in recovery.
1. What inspired you to build “Renaissance Refuge”?
My addiction and trauma are my super powers and if I was given the chance to go back and take it all away, I would not do it. I know now what I was being prepared for. I went through what I went through because God knew I could handle it and that I would be able to give back and provide safety and support to many women who suffered the same past.
2. What challenges did you overcome at the beginning of your journey?
In the beginning we had limited staff, then staff changes and we were having all staff do all roles. We had 3-5 clients for a long time. Our very first client was not the nicest while intoxicated and honestly made me question all of my life choices. We were up and down and all learning policies and procedures together but eventually we figured it out.
3. What is unique about your business?
I love how views on mental health and addiction have been changing over the last 20 years and is changing still. Mental health used to be ignored and addiction used to be viewed as a “choice”. Now that addiction is recognized as a disease and mental health is brought to the forefront people are recieving the help they truly need.
What sets The Renaissance programs apart is connections. We focus on a sisterhood, creating a support system that follows you through the rest of your life. Our alumni program ensures the sisterhood stays connected. We also focus on treating the cause. If you are focusing on the reasons people turn to substances, chances of success are much higher than if you just focus on the substance.
4. Is there anything you would have done differently when starting?
I would tell my younger self to hang on, it gets better, and your suffering has a purpose that is so great. I know it hurts but I promise you will move mountains and you are gaining the ability to help so many women.
5. What advice would you give to someone trying to become an entrepreneur?
Stay humble and remember there is a team of people alongside you. I did not get here alone and I would never claim I did. I had people believe in me before I did. I had people teach me everything I know. I have a wonderful team.
Stay honest and open. I know I don’t know everything and I never will. I am surrounded by people and I value their input. Continue to pass on your knowledge. The 12 steps continue to aid me as well. They keep me grounded, they keep me honest, open and willing. I always say the world would be a better place if everyone worked the 12 steps.
6. What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
Early on I asked the owner of the company “what if I get fired?” His answer was “so what if you do?”. I thought about that and the reality is if you operate afraid of losing what you worked so hard for than you will never experience it’s success.
7. How do you define success?
I would define success by looking at the people around me. If the people who work alongside you are successful and happy you are doing something right. Providing a safe and educational environment for people to grow in is the key.
8. What’s your favorite book or podcast, and why?
My favorite book, Harry Potter. Harry Potter taught me that where you come from doesn’t matter, healthy connections and bonds are necessary for survival and no matter how many times the dark lord tries to kill you, there’s always something bigger to fight for.
9.What strategies did you first use for marketing your business?
Never be afraid of failing. Don’t hoard knowledge for fear of someone surpassing you. I want everyone to know what I know. I want everyone around me to achieve success.
10. TL;DR by Hilton
I turned my pain into purpose by helping women heal from addiction and trauma through connection, accountability, and sisterhood. My journey taught me that recovery is possible when people feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.
