Conversations with Kandys Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandys Thomas.

Hi Kandys, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello I’m Kandys!!!!Cranial Prosthesis Specialist & Licensed Cosmetologist

After graduating high school in 2006, I became a licensed cosmetologist and began my journey in the beauty industry. I later pursued an associate’s degree in medical assisting and spent years working in hospitals, deeply connected to patient care and healing.

But life led me down a different path.

As a single Black mother of two sons, my world shifted when one of my children was diagnosed with autism. I had to navigate therapy schedules, care plans, and a life that demanded flexibility and strength. In that transition, I returned to hair which is my first love and my forever gift.

Hair was the only career that fit into my new life, and it quickly became more than a job but a purpose. I developed a deep passion for helping women experiencing hair loss reclaim their confidence.

Now, as a Certified Cranial Prosthesis Specialist, I combine my healthcare background with my beauty expertise to serve women dealing with medical hair loss. Whether it’s from cancer, alopecia, or autoimmune conditions, I soon will be able to help clients access custom medical wigs covered by insurance—and feel like themselves again.

My mission is to restore more than hair…it’s about restoring confidence, identity, and dignity.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a licensed cosmetologist and cranial prosthesis specialist didn’t happen overnight. It took sacrifice, faith, and a whole lot of grit. I didn’t have a safety net, no child support, no financial help, no backup plan.

I was working seven days a week, sometimes 16-hour shifts, just trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table while making it to therapy appointments, school meetings, and still finding time to give my boys love and attention.

Starting my business wasn’t easy there were times I barely had any clients. Times when I doubted if I could keep going.
But deep down, I knew this was my purpose. Helping women feel whole again especially those going through hair loss from medical conditions became personal. I know what it feels like to lose control of everything and still have to show up strong. That’s why I became a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist to use my hands and heart to help women heal.

I’m not where I want to be yet, but I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Every tear, every sleepless night, every “no” and every late-night client has brought me here.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I love most about doing hair is the art of braiding and helping my clients achieve healthy, strong hair. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been known for neat, precise braids and my ability to help women grow their natural hair. I specialize in braiding African American hair, and I take pride in understanding the textures, care, and techniques that help our hair thrive.

I’m also newly certified in Cranial Prosthesis, soon to offer custom medical wigs for clients experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia, chemotherapy, or trauma.

But more than the styles or services, I’m proud of how I make people feel. Whether it’s their first visit or their fifth, I always aim to create a space where clients feel comfortable, cared for, and truly heard. Even if I only see someone once, I want them to leave with an experience not just a hairstyle.

Great customer service isn’t a policy for me it’s a promise.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Akron isn’t just where I work it’s where I’ve built my life, raised my children, and grown my business. What I love most about Akron is the sense of community. It’s a place filled with talent, creativity, and people who genuinely support one another. Whether it’s local artists, small business owners, or families, you can feel the love here.

From the beautiful parks and peaceful scenery to the great restaurants and culture, Akron is a city with heart. I’m proud to serve my clients here and even prouder to be a part of the movement that’s making our community stronger.

Like any city, Akron has its challenges with violence and hardship being part of the reality for many families. That’s something that weighs heavy on my heart, especially as a mother raising two sons here. But I also recognize that these struggles aren’t unique to just Akron they’re happening in cities all over the world.

What matters most to me is being part of the solution. Through my work, I create a space where people can feel safe, heard, and uplifted. I believe that when we pour into one another, even in a small salon chair, we help shift the energy of our neighborhoods.

Because community healing starts with connection, and I’m proud to be doing my part right here in Akron.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://salonlofts.com/kandys_thomas

Image Credits
bea photography