Meet Candace Torres of Gladstone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Torres

Hi Candace, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hair has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was little, I loved braiding and experimenting with different hairstyles. My Papa Luiz was in the military, but he was also a hairdresser and later became a cosmetology teacher before retiring. I like to think I inherited his skills! He had a salon in his house, and I thought it was the coolest thing.

I started doing hair in middle school, styling my neighbors hair for school dances and doing my mom’s hair for work events. I’ve now been in the industry for 13 years. A good friend of mine in high school had a mom who was highly respected at Beauty Brands and also owned a salon in her basement. She was—and still is—such an inspiration to me!

Before cosmetology school, I got a job at Beauty Brands working in retail and eventually moved up to booking appointments. I absolutely loved it there! Naturally, after finishing school, it was the first place I worked as a stylist. I didn’t initially get the location I wanted, but I eventually made my way there. I’m so grateful for my time at BB and all the amazing people I got to work with. While there, I participated in several Kansas City fashion shows and took advantage of every extra education opportunity I could.

Now, I’m at Moxie by KC, and I couldn’t be happier! Kylie, the owner, is an absolute badass—another inspiring woman in the industry. A former coworker and good friend worked there before I joined, and I just knew it was going to be my salon home. The vibe is empowering, fun, and has that perfect boho feel. Kylie specializes in textured hair, so I assisted her for a few months and picked it up quickly. Curly hair has become a huge passion of mine!

I’ve been at Moxie for three years now, and I love it. Growing up, when teachers and family asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” my answer was always either a hairstylist or a lawyer. I’m so glad I chose hair!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasn’t an easy journey. I had my son at 20, and my mom and stepdad helped care for him while I worked. I primarily worked in the bar industry because the money was good, and I also juggled a job at Beauty Brands. In 2012, I finally decided to pursue my passion and enrolled in cosmetology school to start my career.

Shortly after starting school, I became pregnant with my first daughter and had to take a leave of absence. Returning to school was incredibly challenging, especially leaving my baby in daycare. My days were long—I’d drop her off and get my son to school by 7 AM, be at school from 8 AM to 4 PM, and on some days, go straight to work after class. I wouldn’t get off until 1 AM, meaning I wouldn’t be home until around 2:30 AM, only to wake up a few hours later and do it all over again. I was exhausted, sacrificing time with my family, but I pushed through—and it was worth it!

My husband had two kids before we met, and I had one. Together, we’ve added three daughters to our family, making a total of six kids! As you can imagine, that alone is no small task. Being a hairstylist while growing both a family and a career has been tough. Building a clientele takes time, and having to pause for maternity leave made it even harder.

The journey has been anything but smooth, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every struggle has made me stronger, and I’m grateful for all of it. I take nothing for granted.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With 13 years of experience in the hair industry, I specialize in blonding, grey coverage, and extensions. While I’ve been working with curly hair for three years, thanks to Kylie Crinnian, I can confidently say it’s also one of my specialties. I have a passion for haircutting, blowouts, and styling all hair types.

One of my biggest accomplishments is investing in my education. I believe ongoing learning is essential in an ever-evolving industry, and staying up to date with the latest trends is a priority for me and my clients. I’ve completed the Balayage Masters Program, attended numerous haircutting and extension courses, including one from Laced Hair Academy, and taken multiple hair coloring classes, with Ashley Norman’s being a favorite.

As a hairstylist, I know that high quality tools and products make a difference, and I’m committed to using only the best for myself and my clients. The number of harmful ingredients in beauty products is alarming, so I’m extremely mindful of what I use.

I’m always up for a challenge and love knowing that my work has a positive impact. Seeing the confidence in my clients after a service is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m happy with where I am right now, and with my children at an age where I can focus more on my career, I’m excited to continue growing. I’ve always dreamed of owning my own salon and becoming an educator, but for now, that dream remains on the horizon. The future is always evolving, so who knows what possibilities may come my way!

Pricing:

• 95hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.babegotmoxie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kccurlybabe?igsh=YXBiaHpxaThraDR2&utm_source=qr