Meet Candeece Gibson | Jr. Cloud Admin & Hair Stylist

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

Hi Candeece, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind my brand ‘Black Label Hair’ believe it or not was based on my journey in college April of 2016. Being an international freshman from the Bahamas in New York City I was quickly humbled by the beauty industry. It was a culture shock, nobody prepared me for this, I was shook because I never knew that it would be such a jump in price for something I perceived to be so simple. I was accustomed to spending under $100 for basic sew ins, braids and wigs installs which at the time were becoming a thing again. I went and found a job with the quickness to be able to keep up with my braids/installs, because I couldn’t ask mommy ( a single mother; paying out of pocket), she was busy funding my education. During this time I also became more interested in using my Instagram. I was introduced to another world because once again back home, we used Facebook more! As I searched for stylists in New York, I found a flyer posted by the great Arrogant Tae and thought to myself, I got to attend this! Of course at the time I could’ve afford this but I was nervous because this would be my very first time spending such a large amount of money all at once. So I took to YouTube & began practicing on my roommates, friends, anyone who would let me and my clientele grew from persons on campus. People wanted to PAY me for my services. In my second semester while pursuing a BS in Computer Information Systems, I wanted to be a hairstylist. and that’s how I started at the time ‘Stitched by Candy’ now known as ‘Black Label Hair’. I worked, went to school and did hair, I was determined to succeed and that I did. Tae’s class came and went about twice before I decided to take the leap. I got stamped by the GREAT ARROGANT TAE. As a result of taking his master class, I mastered doing my own hair and anyone who booked me & i’ve been doing it ever since.

What should our readers know about your business?
Black Label Hair is a brand created by myself to offer an experience that’ll change how you see yourself in the mirror. I ensure that my clients leave my studio feeling even more beautiful than they did when they arrived,. Its almost a feeling of being on cloud 9 when my clients look in the mirror at the end of their appointment and smile telling me how much they love their hair. In that moment it gives me fuel to keep going.

Currently we function as a studio which allows you to relax, unwind and enjoy getting styled with just the stylist. Each appointment is detailed to the client. I pay attention to my clients, the music they prefer, the movies/shows they watch, the snacks they love, the setting for the air condition its about them and how they want to spend their appointment. To some it may sound simple but its how I gained my clients, they remember their experience and they continue to book That’s what make me different, I make it more than an appointment, customers get the Black Label Experience.

Consistency and being able to take constructive criticism is what brought me here today! It’s never easy running a business, its more than a 9-5. I’m on the clock 24-7 about my business whether its promoting on social media, answering clients or thinking of ways to expand and grow. The only way I’m able to stay sane given the fact that I also have a career in IT is that I keep my end goal in mind, tunnel vision. I’m learning that I have to be patient, I have to wait my turn. Everything happens in God’s time, so I told him everything that I wanted and I find comfort in knowing that its already taken care of.

I want the world to know that I am going to be recognized and booked in every country for my craft, I want everyone to know and remember Black Label Hair!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It all depends on where I am. I’m mostly between Atlanta and the Bahamas.

The perfect week in Atlanta would start off on Sunday, at Cascade, then through the week lunch at the local American Deli, and Juicy crab my top favorites, Top golf in the evening, site seeing around the area of Tyler Perry Studios a day at Lennox square for shopping, the Trap Museum and Botanical Gardens for great souvenirs and photos, Studio Movie Grill for movies & fine dining, and finally for night life, any event picture boy may be hosting or a night at opium night club.

The perfect week in the Bahamas would start off on Sunday, brunch at Aquafire, followed by a boat excursion exploring the beautiful beaches. Throughout the week there are options to visit the Fish Fry for native food, purchase day passes at either Bahamar or Atlantis which are the two most popular hotels in the Bahamas, site seeing using ATVs at our historic points and the downtown area, experience fusion for movies and fine dining and for nightlife, Enve, the Plantation, Bond, or any bar and lounge hosting an event

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
What’s a success story without a support system, a mentor & encouragement? I’ll Wait! I want to first acknowledge that without God and my Mom, I wouldn’t be here today! My mommy? She made SACRIFICES, some she’ll never discuss with me to make sure I made it. She gave me everything I needed even if it were words of encouragement! After losing two sons, she let her only child, her baby girl explore a new country, at her expense. How could I begin to repay her? With God and the support of everyone around me including Shoutout Atlanta I’m beginning to be recognized for my crafts! We’re going to be BIG and i’m going to invest in my mother once I am, just as she invested in me. Also, I want to shout0ut Mr. Dionte Gray ‘Arrogant Tae’ for giving me the confidence I needed, and being worth the train, subway, uber and taxi it took to get to his class in Brooklyn. Finally, to my supporters, my clients in New York, Atlanta & the Bahamas you are appreciated. ‘Black Label Hair’ is blowing up and it’s all because of you guys!

Website: https://blacklabelstudio.setmore.com/

Instagram: @roquell.g | @blackklabelstudio

Twitter: @CandeeTV

Facebook: Candeece Gibson

Youtube: Candee TV | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC48qyvKpz6zj-X6mL2Y3rUA

Image Credits
Black Label Studios