Candys Mery Diaz is a dynamic small business owner of Candys Hair Care in Kennedy Township, a salon renowned for its expertise in Dominican blowouts and keratin treatments.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Diaz is a busy wife and mom of two who finds joy with her family in discovering Pittsburgh’s culinary scene.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Diaz has embraced Pittsburgh as home for the past several years, sharing her life with her husband, Angel, and their two children, Samuel (10) and Annabel (3). Balancing her thriving salon and family life, Diaz exemplifies the spirit of dedication and positivity.
As a Latina female entrepreneur managing your own salon, how do
you navigate the challenges of balancing work responsibilities with family life, and what strategies have you found most effective in maintaining that balance?
As a female Latina owning my own business in the Pittsburgh area, I have learned that balance is very important when you own and manage a hair salon. The work is demanding and requires a lot of time and dedication. When I first thought of opening my hair salon, I had a very clear vision that I wanted to be a mom, be present in my kids’ lives and activities, and I also wanted to be a supportive wife, reaching life goals together as a family.
Gracefully, I have accomplished this over the last three years. The strategies that have been helping me keep a healthy work/life balance is Candys Hair Care is by appointment only. I try to take as many clients as possible during the weekdays in the mornings or early in the afternoon so I can be home to greet my kids when they come home from school and dinner is already cooking. On Thursdays and Fridays, I prepare meals that are ready for my family when they get home. I have food on the table, even though I’m still at work.
On Saturdays, my hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This allows me to have Saturday afternoons and Sundays home with them. Those days are usually filled with family activities at home or plans to go out. I also prioritize family vacations, making it a point to travel at least twice each year when business tends to be slower, in January and July.
What is one of the most rewarding experiences you have had recently as a parent?
One of the most rewarding experiences I have had recently is learning that my son has been placed in accelerated classes at school!
What advice would you give a parent who is considering opening a business of their own?
Learn how to set aside time for your family, because the business is going to consume a lot of your time. And at the end of the day, we are doing it for our family. If we don’t spend time with them, what’s the point?
What is your favorite thing to do as a family in Pittsburgh?
We love to go to Pirates games, go to the pool and enjoy activities downtown in the summer. In the fall, we like to go out and try new restaurants. We’re foodies!
What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Pittsburgh?
In general, people are friendly and courteous, and the school system is great. Pittsburgh is a very family-oriented city, and we like our neighborhood. ■
See more from Diaz at candyshaircare.square.site.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.