PixiKwik sat down with Michael Park of Candy’s Beauty Supply, one of our founding PixiKwik vendors. Located at 350 W. Century Blvd, Ste C in Inglewood, CA, Candy’s has been serving the community since 2002 and is known as a one-stop shop for wigs, hair extensions, braiding hair, and salon products. We partnered with Michael and his team so PixiKwik users can keep supporting a store that’s been an Inglewood staple for over two decades — order through PixiKwik, and you’re still supporting your community beauty supply store. We get in traffic so you can stay out of it.
What inspired you to enter the industry?
Before entering the beauty industry, I operated a discount mart beginning in 1995. During those three years, I noticed the growing demand and opportunity within the beauty supply business. In 1997, I opened my first beauty supply store in Long Beach. As the business grew, I expanded with two additional locations in the Long Beach area before eventually expanding into Inglewood, where Candy’s Hair and Nail Beauty continues to serve the community today.
What were some of the biggest challenges in the early years?
One of our biggest challenges was that we did not have much knowledge about the African American beauty industry when we first started. However, my wife had an excellent eye for beauty products, cosmetics, fashion, and emerging trends. Her instincts were often right, and many of the products she selected performed very well. We were committed to learning the business. We attended beauty trade shows throughout the United States and even traveled internationally to attend beauty and fashion exhibitions in Hong Kong. Those experiences exposed us to new products, trends, and ideas while helping us better understand the needs of our customers. As we gained experience and listened to our customers, we developed a much deeper understanding of the industry and were able to build a stronger business.
What motivated you to stay committed through the ups and downs of the business?
Fortunately, we were able to navigate many economic challenges without experiencing severe financial difficulties. We lived through major events such as the financial crisis, the collapse of Lehman Brothers, and the housing market downturn. During those difficult periods, our loyal customers continued to support us, and that support gave us the confidence to keep moving forward. One of the most rewarding parts of this business has been building long-term relationships with our customers. I still remember seeing some of our customers come into the store as children, holding their parents’ hands. Today, many of those same customers return with children of their own. Watching generations of families continue to shop with us has been incredibly meaningful and reminds me why we have stayed committed to serving our community for so many years.
You’ve been a vendor for many years — how have you seen your business evolve?
The biggest change has been the impact of the internet and social media. It has completely transformed the beauty industry, especially among younger generations. When I first started, customers relied heavily on beauty supply stores to learn about products and trends. Today, customers often discover products online before they ever walk into the store. The changes became even more noticeable after the pandemic. Shopping habits shifted significantly, and customers became more comfortable researching products, watching tutorials, and making purchasing decisions through social media platforms. Trends spread much faster than they did in the past, and new products can become popular almost overnight.
What changes in the beauty industry have impacted your business the most?
One of the biggest changes has been the growth of protective hairstyles and the constant evolution of braiding trends. As more people embraced protective styling, the demand for braiding hair, extensions, wigs, accessories, and maintenance products increased significantly. Over the years, we’ve seen trends continuously change — from traditional braids to box braids, knotless braids, crochet styles, lace wigs, and other innovative looks. Each new trend creates demand for different products and supplies, requiring beauty supply stores to stay current and adapt quickly.
How has social media changed your business?
Social media has become a major influence on the beauty industry, especially among younger generations. Many customers now rely on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to learn about products, discover new styles, and follow beauty trends. In the past, customers often came to beauty supply stores looking for advice and recommendations. Today, many customers walk into the store already knowing what they want because they have seen it online. Social media has made information more accessible and has accelerated the speed at which trends spread.
What separates a quality beauty supply vendor from the rest?
A quality beauty supply vendor is more than just a supplier. The most valuable vendors build strong relationships with their customers and understand their business needs. Trust, communication, and reliability are essential for long-term success. Consistent inventory is also critical — retailers depend on vendors to keep products available when customers need them. Finally, quality vendors stay current with industry trends and continue introducing innovative products that customers are looking for.
What does longevity in business require?
Longevity in business requires hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to serving customers. The beauty industry is constantly changing, and businesses must be willing to evolve with new trends, products, and customer expectations. Listening to customers has been one of the most important factors in our success. Good customer service, strong relationships, and staying up to date with industry trends have helped us remain competitive and relevant for nearly three decades.
What has been one of your proudest accomplishments as an owner?
One of my proudest accomplishments is serving multiple generations of customers and becoming a part of the Inglewood community. Some of our customers first visited our stores as children, accompanying their parents on shopping trips. Today, many of those same customers return with their own children. Seeing those relationships continue across generations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of owning a business.
How do you define success at this stage of your journey?
At this stage of my journey, success means stability and having loyal customers. Early in business, success is often measured by growth and expansion. After many years in the industry, my perspective has changed. Today, I value a stable business, loyal customers, and the trust we have built within the community.
What legacy do you hope to build through your work?
I hope Candy’s Hair and Nail Beauty is remembered as a trusted beauty supply store and a place known for honesty, service, and genuine care for its customers. Throughout my career, I have believed that long-term success is built on trust. If people remember Candy’s as a business that treated customers fairly, supported the community, and provided dependable service for many years, that would be a legacy I would be proud of.
What’s next for Candy’s?
The future of Candy’s Hair and Nail Beauty is focused on growth through innovation and adaptation. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, we plan to strengthen our social media presence and connect with customers through the platforms they use every day. We also see opportunities to expand our online sales and make it easier for customers to shop with us beyond the traditional store experience. At the same time, we will continue adapting to new beauty trends and customer preferences.
If you could leave one message for aspiring beauty supply owners and vendors, what would it be?
My advice is simple: work hard, listen to your customers, learn the industry, and build strong relationships. Success does not happen overnight. Take the time to understand your customers’ needs and continuously educate yourself about products, trends, and changes in the market. Most importantly, build relationships based on trust and service. Customers remember how they were treated.
Visit Candy’s Beauty Supply
Candy’s Beauty Supply is one of PixiKwik’s founding vendor partners in Inglewood. Beauty professionals can find Candy’s product selection through the PixiKwik app, or visit the store directly at 350 W. Century Blvd, Ste C, Inglewood, CA