We had the good fortune of connecting with Alkeysha “Kandy” Willrich-Piper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alkeysha “Kandy”, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance? What’s that???? LOL. No, I honesty sit sometimes and wonder how I manage to get it all done. Between a full time 9-5, my kids, my husband, my businesses, Sunday Funday, family and friends and all the other aspects of life things can definitely get overwhelming. I have learned to work smarter and not harder. I used make a list of tasks and complete them based on deadline and importance. It is something I constantly struggle with. Like now….. it is 2:47am on a Friday night and here I am!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a woman that wears many hats, I am blessed to be able to juggle it all. I first started doing makeup (Eye Kandy Glam). I believe that if you look good, you feel good. I not only provide makeup services, I offer classes to teach women of all ages to confidently “beat” their faces. I have had women as young as 13 and as old as 60 take my class and leave confidently with the tools and knowledge to enhance their beauty all on their own!

Next up we have my crafting/balloon business (Eye Kandy Designz). It all started when I bought a Cricut! Having a large family and wanting matching shirts for every occasion quickly became pricy. A friend of mine would make my shirts and one day suggested that I should get a machine. Although it sat in it’s original box for months, once I started I didn’t stop. From shirts to personalized keepsakes to party favors, I can do it all! I love taking on new projects and wowing my customers and even myself! You think of it and I can execute!

Lastly, is my food truck (Piper’s Food Bar) with my husband. We opened back in March of 2022 and it has been a journey. We are growing and expanding our menu seems like every other week. Food is a passion of my husband and I handle all of the ins and outs. The food truck is just the beginning. We will open a restaurant full of good vibes and even better food!

Starting your own business sounds great when you first have the idea. Even in the beginning phases when things are going good and you are making sales and business is booming. But there are those times when you fall into that slump that makes 0r breaks your business. There have been plenty of times that I have wanted to throw in the towel and just let it all go. Then I look at why I started in the first place. It truly brings me joy to do all that I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well of course I would have to say Piper’s Food Bar for food! We are located in Humble, TX off 59 and Greens Road. Some of the best food you will ever taste! I am no match to my husband’s cooking but I have added my highly requested boudin balls to the menu! On top of having bomb food, we are conveniently located outside of a bar! This would be a one stop shop for any occasion!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It may sound cliche, but everything that I do is always for my babies. Although I am a newlywed, I had been a single mother for a while. I have always made sure I worked and made sure my babies had everything they needed and wanted. I have a 14-year-old daughter and one thing I want to make sure she understands is drive and work ethic. Work hard, Play hard! And that I definitely do!

Website: www.eyekandydesignz.com

Instagram: EyeKandyDesignz

Other: IG – eyekandyglam IG – PipersFoodBar

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