Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gracel Anderson.
Sarah Gracel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been singing all my lifeeeee. Started in the church at five yrs old. My mother & sister sing, my brother too but he prefers to play drums more than sing. Lol. I’ve always been a character since a little girl. I’ve always watched tv & movies and dreamed of being on the screen one day… But it wasn’t until I was in college that I decided I wanted to pursue my dreams.
I was 14 yrs old when my mom passed away from breast cancer. My sister Ernisha Randolph (21at the time ) & brother-in-law Anthony Randolph (22) became the legal guardians of my brother Ernest Anderson (15 at the time) & I. I told my sister I’d like to pursue acting and she supported my dream! She gave me three years to go after my dreams… but there was more to the deal.
My grandma has been cooking all of my life! My sister also had a love for cooking & serving, so she turned their love for cooking into a catering company! Named after my grandma, Juanita “Juanita’s Kitchen.” Long story short, my sister taught me how to bake my first red velvet cake, and I fell in love with baking. I began to bake & sell red velvet cupcakes & chocolate chip cookie cakes.
My sister told me that I might as well make it a business! Then came… The Candy Girls Gourmet Sweets! I began to create different flavors based on Candy (hence the name.), and now we are Miami’s favorite cupcakes! Not only do we provide to B2C (business to consumer..we also provide B2B (butterflies o business)! With desserts in a few snappers, hooks & captains restaurants.
Also, in the hottest new restaurant in Miami! Shuckin N’ Jivin Seafood & Chicken! I’ve been really blessed in my career! In December 2017 I was cast in my all time favorite musical as my DREAM ROLE, Effie White in DREAMGIRLS! I was nominated and WON the Carbonell award for Best Actress in a musical for my role as Effie White.
I was up against actresses who had been doing this for many years. I was shocked when my name was called! I’ve been blessed to be in many musicals, stage plays, tv networks, commercials and some extra work on movies. I can’t wait till my screen acting takes off! For now, I’ll keep on crushing the stag3!
I’m also a lead singer in the best entertainment group in Miami! A Randolph & the Smashroom project! We’ve performed at Jazz in the gardens & the funk fest!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Losing my mom at such a tender age was my main struggle in life. But she taught us to trust in God, Leland and depend on Him & that’s how I make it through!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Candy Girls Gourmet Sweets – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Im a singer, actress & baker. I’m most proud of my being able to “do it all.” I think that’s also what sets me apart. I’m known for all three! Even when I’m baking… I’m singing. Even during rehearsals and shows, I’m always showing up with cupcakes In hand!
I AM MY BRAND!
What role has luck had in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck… I have God on my side. I allow Him to lead me in every area of my life. From recipes to performance… please believe that He has lead me to that opportunity.
I remember walking in the grocery store down the cake aisle and grabbing ingredients. I didn’t really know what I would make but when I put it together it was just what I needed! I give all the glory to Jesus!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4759 NW 167th Street Miami, Florida 33054
- Phone: 305-791-3YUM
- Email: thecandygirls02@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thecandygirls_inc
- Facebook: Sarah Gracel Anderson
- Twitter: @itssarahgracel
- Other: @sarah_gracel (IG )
Image Credit:
Adrian Freeman photography
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