May 15, 2017

Meet Candace Lucas of The Candy Bar in Wellesley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Lucas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Having worked in Sports Journalism for several years, I decided a career change was in order. My mom and my mother in law had worked for Lancome and I took a chance and went to work for Lancome. Makeup was something I was always good at-I had been doing my friends makeup for years-and I quickly realized I loved working in the beauty industry. The interaction with clients and the positive end results gave me a special satisfaction that I still feel today. I got married soon after and became pregnant with my first child. After the birth of my daughter I missed the interaction with women of all ages, so I put an ad in a local bridal magazine and offered my Makeup Artistry services.

I kept myself quite busy with pre-wedding consultations and weddings on the weekends but understood that I was recommending Lancome products to my clients because that’s what I knew best. I thought about making recommendations that would benefit both my clients and myself and the beginnings of The Candy Bar were born. Some 16 years later, my vision came true. I was offered the opportunity to create a small, 100 sq. foot space inside a clothing boutique in my home town. I jumped at the chance! Both my children were now teens and in school and activities all day, so the time was ripe for me to build the business I had been dreaming of. Five years ago I opened The Candy Bar in my own space, independent of any other. I often joke that much like Pinocchio when he becomes a real boy at the end of the story. I became a real STORE!

Five years and running The Candy Bar is a beauty destination where women can come and find their own style. Beauty, cosmetics, skin care, jewelry, gifts and so much more, I created The Candy Bar as a haven for people who covet high end cosmetics. We always say, “Like a kid in a candy store…Find your Candy Bar style”

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?
Smooth? I think not. The retail landscape has changed so drastically in the last decade that brick and mortar retailers like myself have found business to be extremely challenging. Competing with the Amazon’s of the world and online shopping with the ease of a click on your smart phone, gone are the days of opening the doors and waiting for people to come in. Retailers must market, market, market constantly, using social media and email communication to stay in touch with your client constantly. This is a relationship based business and as such, I have a unique and wonderful relationship with my clients. It’s the main ingredient in sustainability. Without them, The Candy Bar is non-existent.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Candy Bar – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Candy Bar is a beauty destination. Clients come here to see what’s new in makeup, skin care and end up falling in love with whatever else is displayed here. It is a haven for women who covet high end cosmetics and skin care. We have a unique full service salon in the back of our store where a client can come and get her hair styled, then her makeup done and even pick up a gift or a gorgeous piece of jewelry to complement their outfit for the evening. We have a “Lash Lounge” where clients can get semi-permanent lash extensions applied. It is truly a one-stop-shop for any and all beauty. If you think beauty, you think The Candy Bar. I have been blessed with an amazing and accomplished staff of trained professionals to aid me in carrying out my vision.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Growth is always an important part of my business model, Education is key as well. I am constantly keeping up to date with the latest trends and styles so that we can offer them to our clients. Expansion is always on my mind-but it would have to be the right location.

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