Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Richardz.
Hi Candy, 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?
Firstly, I want to say thank you for acknowledging me and my work it means a lot that others see value in me.
I always find myself building others but for some odd reason, I’m never on the other end, lol.
Wow, where to begin So my brand my Company Hit-The Stage Cosmetics LLC was Formed and Created In December of 2020 while the country was in lockdown, I was without work like others who lost employment in the pandemic,
Going back to where it all began, I first applied back in 2005 to work for M.A.C Cosmetics without any experience, I guess you could say ‘ even at a young age I was most definitely a go-getter nothing was too big or little to attempt’ My motto is’ I’ll never feel like I should have done! Cause succeed or fail, I’m willing to accept both, but I won’t accept that I didn’t at least try.
Ironically, I was hired’ as they saw potential and 17 years later, I can say that I’ve worked for the most prestigious global brands as a Professional Makeup Artist.In 2015, I was working for Chanel making them richer often thinking with my years of knowledge it would be nice to have my own cosmetics brand as I understand people’s needs and wants.
In fact, I was awarded and certified with Dermablend for attaining the knowledge in and for (All skin types) – Meaning as Dermablend is a much thicker Coverage and not always used for drag queens lol it was developed to help those who feel they need it and that’s where my Key Expertise come to play as I have learned what the many levels of burn degrees and pigment discoloration are which allows me to better be of help to just about anyone.
I found myself flustered thinking man every day I was always striving to keep up my sales quota to maintain employment. I wish it was the opposite only I would never make anyone feel the way they made me feel. It’s a ugly feeling when you know the years you have put into the cosmetics business’ you know your self worth ‘ yet your still always on the verge of being let go due to sales quotas.
So here we are 2020 lockdown (for most) – a time of reflection. Do I really want to go back to that life? (Heck no). Let me (YouTube)- to see and research how I would even begin this journey. Wow, I was taking notes replaying several times to intake everything. I’ve never been one to follow others’ routines, (however) I was now in uncharted territory on the other side of the coin’ so I decided to do things the way everyone on YouTube was teaching others and striving in the teachings the fundamental importance and the start of any company begins with the legal formalities though costly it would be worth it to have all basis covered firstly to have the freedom of never needing to look over your shoulders – (meaning) Uncle Sam the irs also the ones who are scouring the internet looking for all companies who are (SELLING) making money and not reporting it to the IRS by not filing earnings during tax. Cuz in cosmetics you have to pay quarterly and yearly taxes and maintain’ keep up with the cost n renewal of your licenses and registrations/certification. The worst was getting that $300 LLC and you most definitely need it (Trust Me) I was not going to be a sitting duck in the water with just a (dba) no ma’am ‘ I saw how companies got sued and I learned all the ways people do it even if it’s not true just to get your coins and tear down your business/ruin everything you worked hard for. I did not have especially in the pandemic $300 just laying around. And I was determined not to ever get a loan, So I ate ramen soup for a few months just drank water cut any subscription like Netflix cable, I switched my phone plan to the very bottom basic, I did my own hair and nails’ I’m also a cosmetologist so that helps lol I did not buy anything that was unnecessary to attaining that certificate. I tell you what ‘ when I’m determined to get something, I’ll suffer in the worst ways to make my dream a reality.
So one year later 2021 hit-the-stage Cosmetics LLC was formed and legally identified with the state of Texas and roaring to go, website was up it was tied in globally to the net. I remember like others who have bought from (China Distributors) it was a complete nightmare. I lost money sometimes never got products or I’d get the products months and months later, I was flabbergasted with the thoughts of giving up how would I be able to grow my company if I am low on stock without a possibility of quickly getting and refurbishing stock. I started again digging through the internet and found several USA-based distributors and ironically at the same cost as China but without the headaches and price gouging on delivery costs.
I was finally in a happy place in life mentally and able to complete my Company as we are set up into 4 sections Cosmetics | Hair Care | Fragrance | Skincare.
In 2022, we signed our first contract and launched as the official San Antonio Cosmetics retailer on the app UberEats/Postmates. Along with “ Walmart, Faire, Amazon, Groupon, eBay, and many more to come. Including the app DoorDash As of 2022, we opened an online store in Australia and the UK.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When you meet me you see someone calm confident strong. So like most Virgos, we are quite a bit misunderstood but what you don’t see is the tears the pain hurt, and frustration the fact we fell more times than most raised below poverty standards blessed.
When we did get section 8 housing government assistance to the homeless at one point everything received including food was always cherished and a true blessing, you don’t see the humility I overcame I’m at piece and happy because I’ve fallen and picked myself up, I’m strong and confident because I know who I am and what it took to achieve one’s goals.
Nothing was ever just given to me because in the end I am a transgender female and that has always been my thorn in my thigh it also means I’ve had to work harder than most at proving my self-worth. Though I’ve achieved a lot it was my humble beginnings that keep me striving to better myself.
Looking back in life all I see is failure after failure door after door slamming in my face looked at like I’m trash I’ve experienced hate prejudice everything and anything. I’m neither privileged nor entitled as a trans woman. I’m a hard worker and accomplished because of it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Candy Richardz has always good or bad been in the spotlight, lol. I remember at the young age of 5 or so my mom had me doing those pageants of course as a boy I was a character who enjoyed being on stage seeing people laughing and having that light on me meant it was my time to shine.”
I started modeling in 1997 then came my first feature film in (1999 Love Stinks) I received mass popularity and recognition during the early 2000s to 2009 being featured in and my many appearances on CNBC daytime talkshow (The Jerry Springer Show) I was on all the talkshows but it was Jerry Springer who saw my value and maintained a working relationship with me. I was blessed to stay consistently relevant as an actress until my (2017 Film 9/11) it was at that time I decided to break away and do me ironically that’s the same year I met and fell in love with my husband we are 5years strong. I always struggled to keep that part of my life separated from my personal life and career of being a makeup artist Dragqueen performer and wife, mother, and daughter, along with my Transition from male to female.
Now in 2022, I’m still a TransFemale I’m still looked at like I’m trash I still experience prejudice’ but I’m able to walk tall and proud because my hard work and determination have gifted me self-earned titles- accredited Actress, Model, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Art Director Wife, Mom, Daughter, CEO/Founder @Hit-The-Stage Cosmetics LLC Official Miss Gay International 2022.
And currently I’m midway through finishing my first book and achieving the title of Author.
I’m also about to jump back into acting and taking on bigger roles (Keep An Eye Out)
And finally I’m also preparing for a successful Suspected to be Sold Out (US-Tour) Candy Richardz (LIVE) as SHANIA. after successfully attaining the title of Texas known San Antonio based (Shania Twain Illusionist).
As an Entrepreneur, I want everyone who is thinking of becoming and or is currently in the beginning development stages of doing to just know this is not easy don’t ever give up even when all odds are against you just have faith in God ignore adversity continue to strive in all things.
No hate’ that you are experiencing will last even when you think it might. Take all embarrassments as a life lesson and just keep going chances are a week from now your problem won’t even be a subject ! ‘there are way too many other things that pop up daily and hourly.
Being a warrior means you are strong from facing many failures. You can’t go through life always winning’ and falling’ is good for you believe it or not makes you a better person.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the culture and values. I love the people who surround themselves with others who strive for growth as a small business.
Ironically this city is extremely full of entrepreneurial founders who promote self-growth without trying to take advantage of small businesses.
If you are a small business San Antonio has huge support for growth but like all things in life if something comes easy to you then it was not earned.
San Antonio gives you the keys and platform it’s up to you to invest your time and determination.
I dislike – and just like every city around the world’ you have. (Individual opportunist/hater’s) who see others as an opportunity for self-gain. Instead of being inspired and wanting to do better. Which makes it hard when you have folks like this. They are like a 2 for 1 special if they can find a way to take, they most certainly will, if they can not take They will hate and spread hate and make everything difficult for you to grow. When you call them on their game or defend yourself and tell them anything’ they become a Victim and look to folks for comfort they are narcissistic (FYI) I speak from experience dealing first handily with thus individuals.
I dislike – being seen by others in our city as privileged and entitled simply because of what I achieved. ( I really wish ) folks could get inspired by my story and see how similar my life was to many growing up. (That’s all)
Pricing:
- Currently, San Antonio Residents (ONLY) will receive up to %80 Off ordering through the UBEREATS/post mates APPS.
- Also on Ubereats/Postmates not only does it pay to be local You will get as low as ($99 cents) for delivery depending on your area.
- I love giving back to the City That helped Birth (H.T.S) Spend $15 and Receive a Free Eye Shadow Palette on Ubereats/Postmates App.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://
officialcandyrichardz.com - Instagram: https://Instagram.com/therealcandyrichardz/
- Facebook: https://facebook.
com/candyrichardz/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
candyrichardz - Youtube: https://youtube.com/
channel/UCDP- LTRo9xJjNO9FStVkAXA - Other: www.
hitthestagecosmetics.com
Image Credits
IMDb Pro H.T.S, CosmeticsLLC, and Official Miss Gay International
