Meet Candace Morris | Custom Unit Designer & Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candace Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel as though risks are very essential, yet almost mandatory in life. Risks can be scary, discouraging, and even sacrificial. The thought of just a decision that could potentially knock you forward 10 steps or knock you back 10 steps is a thing that a lot of people don’t want to chance, but when the goal and the dream is bigger than the familiarity of fear and complacency… you’ll risk a lot to make it happen .

I’ve taken quite a few risks on this journey i must say! The greatest risk i took lead me to literally where I am right now! I literally quit my 9-5 Job in the beginning stages of a pandemic!! When Jobs were closing down left and right. I thought about it day in and day out but honestly I did not have a solidified plan as to what was next when i chose to leave. All i kept thinking about was how much more time and energy i could put into something that means so much to me and achieve so much if i was not at my job 40 hours a week. The comfortable feeling of knowing how my day to day was going to be, how my schedule would flow, the security of knowing i was getting a consistent paycheck had me extremely complacent. I gave it all up because i saw so much in me and so much in my business that i was ready for whatever. Literally one of the best things i chanced , not only was the result rewarding but the process and the journey of me taking those uncertain baby steps to get to where i am is also fulfilling. I honestly don’t even think i would be doing HALF of the stuff I’m doing now had I not taken that 1 risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Custom Unit Designer (wig maker) and Hairstylist. Honestly, my whole business started as just “something to do”. Wigs were becoming very popular and I’ve always liked to try new things with hair extensions, so it was like a “why not?” phase. Little did i know that phase took itself to becoming a hobby, then into a side hustle, to an entire business. I have no hair or cosmetology background up until 6 months ago when i moved to Atlanta. The hair industry wasn’t the area i thought i would ever get into but it kind of just fell into my lap! The entire journey has had its ups and down and I’ve definitely had my doubts but my potential outweighed that once people actually saw how good i was at it. I’m very proud because i made a lane and a career path for myself that not only fits me but it’s enjoyable, and i make money at the same time. Instead of being somewhere or settling for something that wasn’t desirable for me and me possibly being unhappy. There was a time where i never thought I’d make it this far, but i feel like when it’s something that you want bad enough or you believe in yourself beyond measures the dedication, perseverance, and hustle will hit different. The phrase “keep going” sounds so cliché but that is LITERALLY all i did. When progress was slow, i kept going, when the doubters doubted i kept going, when the support wasn’t given, i kept going. No matter what I kept moving forward. Also, I had to learn that my race is exactly what it is .. MY RACE! and no one else’s, so I ran it at my own pace and didn’t try to keep up with the other contenders. Candace Customs Beauty is a luxury brand where women come to me to feel their absolute best whether it be from a product or a service. I want to cater to all women and ensure them that they are beautiful, and not to ever forget it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is so huge! Within my 6 months of living here i feel like I’ve only experienced 40% of it ! But i would probably take my Bestfriend to the Atlantic Station or Buckhead Village and visit some of their restaurants and bars there. We love a good lounge area so anywhere with hookah! Lol we also love to shop so we would definitely visit some of their Malls and near and around boutiques.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Parents, my Friends and my Peers. My parents definitely supported me during that entire transition, not once did they try to get me to change my mind about what i wanted to do, they just wanted me to be happy. When i got discouraged, my friends were always there to talk me through my self-doubt. They have always gone hard for me when it came to supporting me, promoting my business, and even just giving me positive words when i needed it the most. People who were once strangers to me but now i have a rapport with and have formed a relationship with from cosmetology school has also definitely kept me going. I appreciate every last one of them.

Website: www.candacecustomsbeauty.com

Instagram: @candacecustomsbeauty

Other: Tik Tok: @candacecustomsbeauty