What started as a bold leap into entrepreneurship quickly grew into a beauty destination for women seeking more than just lashes. At the heart of Candy Caked Lashes is Candace Chiutsi, a founder who believes in the power of presence. With every appointment, she’s created a space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered, not just polished.
In a crowded industry, Candace is carving out space on her own terms, blending intentional service with a clear sense of purpose. Here, she reflects on the early days, building through uncertainty, and what’s next for the Candy Caked community.
Glamour: Let’s start at the beginning…what inspired you to start Candy Caked Lashes? Was there a defining moment?
Candace: I’ve always loved the way beauty can shift how a woman feels about herself. For me, lashes weren’t just an accessory, they became a way to create confidence. The defining moment came when I realized how powerful it was to not just offer a service, but to give women a space to feel seen, cared for, and beautiful. That’s how Candy Caked Lashes was born: with the vision of blending artistry, luxury, and a true sense of community.
Glamour: What was your background before launching the brand? Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Candace: I always find this question amusing because it forces me to pause and look back on my journey with gratitude. The truth is, I’ve always been entrepreneurial. In junior school, I was obsessed with arts and crafts and even came up with a plan to open an arts and crafts shop emakhaya. Later on, I was reselling pastries from our local bakery at school, and by my final year of high school, I was selling hair and lash bands, which feels so ironic now. Looking back, I can see I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit; I just happened to find my true home in eyelash extensions. I’ve always loved creating, problem-solving, and finding ways to serve people in a way that feels personal.
Glamour: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages, and how did you overcome them?
Candace: Like many entrepreneurs, I started small and had to figure out everything on my own, branding, marketing, managing clients, and even building my confidence as a businesswoman. The hardest part was pushing through self-doubt and uncertainty. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I didn’t really have the luxury of sitting too long in imposter syndrome because the business took off faster and more unexpectedly than I imagined. What helped me overcome those early challenges was grounding myself in my “why”: empowering women through beauty. I also committed to constant learning and made sure to keep people around me who believed in me and reminded me of the bigger picture.
Glamour: There are a lot of lash brands out there. What makes Candy Caked Lashes stand out?
Candace: I feel like anyone can do lashes, but standing out isn’t about the actual trade. Candycakedlashes isn’t just a service, it’s an experience. Our focus is on serenity and intentional care. From the moment you step into our space, it’s about more than just getting lashes, it’s about feeling calm, pampered, and confident. On top of that, we’ve built a genuine community of women who connect with us, and with each other, beyond beauty.
Glamour: Was there a turning point when you realized the business was truly taking off?
Candace: Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday- August 2022.
The turning point for me was when women started referring their friends not just because they loved the lashes, but because they loved the experience. That was when I knew I wasn’t just running a lash business,I was building a brand that resonated deeply with people.
Glamour: How do you stay creatively and strategically inspired in a competitive beauty industry?
Candace: I stay inspired by listening, to my clients (to things said and unsaid- the silence matters), to industry trends, and to myself. Beauty is always evolving, but what keeps me in tune is remembering that women crave authenticity. I also make time for creativity outside of work, which keeps me refreshed and full of ideas to bring back into the brand. Rest, filling up/replenishing my cup and switching off is so so important to me.
Glamour: You’ve built more than a brand, it’s a beauty community. What role does customer feedback and connection play in your business model?
Candace: It plays the biggest role. Our clients are the heartbeat of Candycakedlashes. I take their feedback seriously, and it guides how we evolve really, whether it’s introducing new services, curating products, or improving the salon experience. Beyond feedback, it’s about genuine connection: our clients know they’re part of something bigger, not just a transaction.
Glamour: What advice would you give to women, especially Black women looking to launch their own beauty brand?
Candace: Sounds cliche, BUT, Start where you are, with what you have, and trust your vision. Don’t wait for it to be perfect, perfection is built along the way. As Black women, we sometimes feel we have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, but your uniqueness is your power. Believe in it and be consistent, that’s what builds brands that last.
Glamour: What’s next for you and Candy Caked Lashes? Are there new products or projects on the horizon?
Candace: Yes! We’re expanding our training programs to empower more women to enter the lash industry. I’m also excited about growing our community events and collaborations, because Candy Caked Lashes is more than a studio, it’s becoming a platform for women in beauty.
Glamour: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you first started, what would it be?
Candace: I’d tell myself to trust the process and not be afraid to just Be. In the beginning, I was so focused on making everything “safe” and “perfect.” But the real growth came when I leaned into courage, took risks, and fully owned and honored my vision.
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