Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Broich.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
You know how everyone waits for that sign? The one that falls out of the sky right in front of you and says “HEY, YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO DO (Insert career/life path here)!” Yeah those. Looking back I’m pretty sure I had some falling out of the sky telling me that I’d end up in the beauty industry, but I think I just walked around them and pretended they weren’t my sign.
Of course there’s stories about the makeup and hair accessories I would sneak in my backpack in second grade (I would get to school and put on blue lipstick, sorry mom!) and how much I loved playing dress up on my little sister, but the signs (that I still missed) really started in high school. I had always been attracted to theatrics. The idea of getting in costume and makeup and becoming a whole new idea, a whole new person was amazing to me. This was so cool to me because it wasn’t about escaping who I was but about creating someone that people may identify with. Like I had in so many shows, plays, and movies. I auditioned for a role freshman year and was honored to have been cast in a small part in Anne Frank.
The old costumes, the retro hair, the makeup, the set, it was magical. I didn’t quite know how magical until opening night at the close of the show when the audience actually felt what we were portraying. Seeing the emotions and feeling the emotions of the audience brought a whole new idea into my heart that I loved being able to change the way people felt, even if only for the time they sat in the audience of a show. From there, I went through college as a musical theater major. One of my requirements was a costuming hair and makeup class, and that was the big sign, the one that I couldn’t walk right over. I loved that class more than any other I had taken. I had the ability to change appearances of someone and see the reaction on their face when I gave them giant hair, wrinkles, or a beard! I realized that maybe my path was changing but it still involved the power to change how people feel, and for the better.
From there, I enrolled in hair design school. It all just clicked. The signs didn’t have to keep falling, I knew I was in the right place. Being a hair designer allows me to help people see their beauty, that was always there, and to add some spice here and there. It allows me to really know people and know their hearts. The connections that are made between my clients and I, even in a 45 minute haircut session not only affect them but me, it has shaped my life and who I am. I could never be more grateful for these people and friends that have shaped not only my career but who I am. Feeling the emotions on stage to feeling them in my chair, this path all lead to a more fulfilled me. The “work” is hard. It’s long hours on your feet and working late nights and Saturdays and crossing your fingers you get a five minute break to shove food in your face, but this industry has my heart.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road is never smooth, the struggles are there (maybe while we’re stepping around the signs) It’s not always that you get that client that meshes with you right off the bat. Sometimes you have clients that seem cold or harsh or intimidating. Or you get a color correction that seems impossible (“I’ve been box dying my hair black for ten years and I want it silver today!”) There are definitely challenges along the way. You know what I’ve always found though? You can break through it. That client that seems that way, she’s probably the one who needs your love and kindness the most. I’ve seen it so many times when those clients let me in, the struggles they carry. And as for that client that wants to go silver, I had so much support from my work family (Yes, we’re a fam! #124fam) that they would help me through if I was lost! Long story short, at the end of the day, the road wasn’t always smooth, but the people on the road with me definitely helped it be less bumpy.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a part of the #124fam with Salon 124/Genesis Salons. That means that all of the employees and all of the clients and everyone in between is family. How amazing is it to “work” with a company that actually calls you fam?! I’m blessed. Within the fam, I specialize in color. I am Keune color certified, a Network Ambassador, a mentor, an educator, and a manager of our Suwanee location. Blondes are my thing, maybe because I know the struggles of finding that perfect tone, being a blonde myself, but I love all my blondes. I also specialize in color corrections, and extensions (hello instant mermaid hair!). I’d love to get my hands on your hair, come be a part of the #124fam!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think luck has a role in my life and business. I might call it more divine intervention or blessings, but luck is what happens when those clients that seemed handpicked for me, end up in my chair. I’m lucky (or blessed) to have crossed paths with all these beautiful people throughout my career that shaped me into the hair designer and human that I am. How “lucky am I?”
Contact Info:
- Address: 4140 Moore Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
- Website: Salon124.com
- Instagram: @hairbycandiceb
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
