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Quick Facts About Candiace Dillard
| Full Name | Candiace Dillard |
| Profession | TV Star |
| Nationality | American |
| Last Updated | March 2026 |
Introduction
Candiace Dillard is a former winner of Miss United States, an Entrepreneur as well as one of the housewives in The Real Housewives of Potomac.
Early Life
Candiace Dillard was born on December 14, 1986, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She grew up in Georgia being raised by her parents who worked in the medical field. They were both Air Force physicians. Though her parents divorced when she was only 2 years old, she says that they were the ones to have given her the values that has helped her reach her desired path today.
She graduated from Howard university and started working for the government. She served as at the White House Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. She was the one who liased between the White House and the African American community for former President Barack Obama. She was also aprt of then President’s reelection campaign in 2012.
Career
However, her life would turn out to be very different within a year from holding this position. She participated in Miss United States in 2013 and took the title which she mentions is the result of a lot of hard work and preparation. This was the main breakthrough she got even though she has competed in numerous pageants over the years including Sunburst, National American Miss, National Miss American Coed, Georgia Miss American Coed, Miss Maryland USA, and Miss District of Columbia USA.
She is also an entrepreneur who has founded Candiace Dillard Pageant Consulting and is currently its CEO. Apart from this business with a purpose, she also has other businesses including being the co-founder of Prima Hair Collection by Candiace Dillard, and co-owner of Chateau Salon Suites. In 2009, she also founded an organization called My Sister’s Keeper, a mentorship and women’s empowerment organization designed to give young girls the opportunity to interact with women in their communities.
Candiace Dillard Net Worth
Her net worth is still under review.
She is a total all rounder who has already achieved so much in her life. She has even been an actor. Contrary to her kind personality, she has played the role of a villain once in the web series called Pivot Point. In her high school where she was the Class of 2005, she was even voted as “Most Likely to be Famous”. Well, it seems that has turned out to be true after all.
Personal Life
Candiace is engaged with Chris Bassett. The two of them first met when they were both working at a restaurant in Washington D.C. They were friends long before their engagement. The two have known each other for many years that eventually led to them falling in love. After Chris proposed, it has been no looking back for the couple. She is also an avid reader and says that reading is her favorite hobby when she has any leisure time.
Commenting on whether, she might have kids with Chris, she said that she was still not sure about it. Candiace says that they are still thinking about it as having kids takes a lot of personal effort and grooming. She doesn’t want to be sleepless and have stretch marks along with the years of nurturing that goes into raising kids, especially considering she is a control freak. But, we never know about what the future beholds.
Candiace Dillard Videos
Watch Candiace Dillard’s latest interviews and appearances:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Candiace Dillard’s net worth in 2026?
Candiace Dillard’s net worth and financial details are regularly updated. Check the sections above for the most current information about their earnings and assets.
What is Candiace Dillard known for?
Candiace Dillard is primarily known for their career in television. They have built a significant following and reputation in their field over the years.
Where is Candiace Dillard from?
For detailed information about Candiace Dillard’s background, early life, and origins, refer to the biography sections above.
Early Life and Education
Candiace Dominique Dillard Bassett was born on December 14, 1986, in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she spent her early childhood before her family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised by her parents, both physicians serving in the United States Air Force, alongside her two siblings, Chris and Crystal. Growing up in a military family instilled in Candiace values of discipline, service, and excellence that would guide her throughout her life. Her parents’ professional achievements and commitment to public service deeply influenced her aspirations and work ethic.
Candiace attended Howard University, the prestigious historically Black university located in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and broadcast journalism. During her time at Howard, she developed expertise in media, public relations, and strategic communications. Recognizing the importance of continued education and professional development, she returned to her alma mater to pursue advanced studies. In December 2020, she enrolled in Howard University’s Master of Business Administration program, which she completed successfully in May 2022, further strengthening her business acumen and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Career Highlights
Candiace’s professional trajectory reflects a diverse and accomplished career spanning public service, pageantry, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. After completing her undergraduate degree, she leveraged her communications background to secure a position in the White House. She served in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs under President Barack Obama, where she contributed to the administration’s policy communication and community outreach initiatives. She further demonstrated her commitment to the Obama administration by serving as a staffer for the President’s 2012 re-election campaign.
In the pageantry realm, Candiace competed across multiple systems throughout her pageant career, including the Sunburst, National American Miss, National Miss American Coed, Georgia Miss American Coed, Miss Maryland USA, and Miss District of Columbia USA systems. Her dedication to pageantry culminated in one of her greatest achievements: she was crowned Miss United States 2013, where she represented the District of Columbia at the national pageant. This prestigious title elevated her profile and provided a platform to advocate for causes she held dear.
Her entertainment career expanded significantly when she joined the cast of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac in 2018, appearing on the show until 2024. During her tenure, she became known for her candid personality and willingness to engage in the cast’s dramatic storylines. Beyond reality television, she pursued music and released her debut album, Deep Space, in 2021, showcasing her creative talents beyond the entertainment medium.
Candiace’s entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate her business acumen and independence. She founded Candiace Dillard Pageant Consulting, establishing herself as an expert in the pageantry industry and mentoring aspiring pageant contestants. She is also the co-founder of Prima Hair Collection by Candiace Dillard, a line of hair products designed to meet the needs of diverse hair types. Additionally, she serves as co-owner of Chateau Salon Suites, a salon suite business venture. Early in her career, in 2009, she founded My Sister’s Keeper, a mentorship and women’s empowerment organization designed to provide young girls with opportunities to interact with accomplished women in their communities and develop meaningful relationships that foster personal growth and confidence.
Personal Life
Candiace’s personal life centers around her marriage to Chris Bassett, a professional chef and businessman. The couple met in 2015 while working together at a restaurant in Chinatown, Washington, D.C., and developed a personal connection that blossomed into romance. Chris proposed to Candiace in May 2017, demonstrating his commitment and setting the stage for their future together. They married on August 11, 2018, at the prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., in a lavish celebration that was attended by family, friends, and notable figures from the entertainment and business worlds.
Chris Bassett brought his own professional success to the marriage, having co-owned Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ in Arlington, Virginia, a well-regarded barbecue establishment. He subsequently transitioned away from restaurant ownership to focus on private catering opportunities, allowing him greater flexibility and the ability to pursue entrepreneurial interests aligned with his culinary expertise. Chris entered the marriage with three children from previous relationships, and Candiace embraced her role as a stepmother to his children.
In October 2024, Candiace and Chris welcomed their first child together, a son named Jett Maxwell Lee, born on October 3, 2024. The arrival of their biological child marked a significant milestone in their family journey. According to Candiace, Chris has been a hands-on and devoted father, demonstrating his commitment to fatherhood and family life. The couple resides in Maryland, where they maintain a family home and spend quality time together with their blended family. Candiace’s personal life reflects her ability to balance her career ambitions with her roles as a wife and mother.
