Our Founder

Meet Candice Appleby

Candice Appleby is a world champion ocean athlete, elite coach, and lifelong waterwoman—but her journey to founding Cansea Hair Care began long before the podiums and gold medals.

Growing up in San Clemente, California, Candice was often teased for her red hair and freckles. As a young girl, it was a source of insecurity. But over time, what once brought her pain became a source of praise—especially her hair. That personal transformation—from feeling different to embracing her uniqueness—is at the heart of Cansea’s story.

Her journey is beautifully reflected in the verse Genesis 50:20:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

For Candice, this scripture represents redemption—that what once brought pain can be transformed into purpose. The teasing that once made her feel small now fuels her mission to help others feel seen, strong, and cared for. Cansea Hair Care is a piece of that purpose.

Candice’s career on the water has taken her around the globe. She is a 5x gold medalist at the ISA World Stand Up Paddle and Paddleboard Championships and a Pan American Games gold medalist, representing Team USA on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Beyond competing, she is the Team USA Athlete Commission Athlete Representative for Olympic Surfing and the Head Chairperson for the ISA International SUP Commission. She also dedicates herself to coaching through her Ocean Academy, where she empowers and teaches the next generation of ocean athletes, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the sea.

Spending so much of her life in the ocean, Candice wanted a product that reflected her lifestyle—one that was clean, effective, and capable of meeting the unique needs of both high-performance athletes and everyday adventurers. That’s why she created Cansea Hair Care: to offer a solution that’s gentle, high-performing, and inspired by a love for the sea.

That’s how Cansea Hair Care was born: from a lifetime in the waves, a commitment to performance, and a passion for turning struggle into strength. Crafted with care, backed by science, and inspired by nature, Cansea reflects everything Candice stands for—resilience, empowerment, and the freedom to be your full, confident self.