TANIA RICHARDSON

“Write down what you want your life to look like and make a small commitment every day to living it! ”

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?

A. My name is Tania Richardson. I grew up in Philadelphia. My Mom was a single parent. I attended The Creative and Performing Arts High School, and I was a dance major. My graduating class produced two members of Boyz II Men and Questlove! My first job experience was with Urban Outfitters. It was then that my love of fashion grew! In 1989 I left Philly and joined the army at the age of 17. I have covered multiple disciplines with over 15 years of owning and operating three businesses. I own an insurance agency, I am a commercial actress, a Desert Storm Army veteran, an avid traveler, and a former Real Housewives of Atlanta season two recurring cast member who strives for perfection. I’m a mother of a seventeen-year-old son who I successfully co-parent with my former fiancé and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kordell Stewart, and I am an individual who pushes the envelope while pushing others to create their best work. This gave me the time I needed to figure out how I wanted to launch my new venture. Even though the world was in an uproar, I knew I had to launch my idea because I had thought about it for a year. And usually, when we have an idea and put it off, someone comes along and launches our idea. I couldn’t let this happen. I did not want to look back and say, “I should have,” or “I could have.” But the reason to launch was a bit different. I’m not someone who moves in fear, so I stayed focused on my new venture. The minute I decided to press the “go” button God started giving me ideas to the point where I could not sleep at night. I was up at 2 am receiving ideas from God. Also, I heard God say clearly, “If you do not do this now, that’s it.” That was the turning point. In three weeks, I filed the trademark, hired a publicist and a social media manager, and all the dots started connecting. Hey Lady™ was officially launched. A lifestyle brand curated for the woman who has a passion for fashion, a love of travel, and an interest in owning or growing a business. I believe every day that we are alive is a special occasion. I’m on a mission to inspire other women to live their best lives. Hey Lady™ is more than just a lifestyle brand. It’s a movement because being a lady never goes out of style!

Q. Tell us about your business “Hey LadyTM ” and the motivation behind it?

A. I started pinning fashion and travel images on Pinterest three years ago. Before I knew it, my following hit 100k views per month. I knew I had something however, I wasn’t sure how to mesh everything together. I knew that whatever I created, it had to be something that represented my three loves--fashion, travel, and business. I frequently search for content online, and I am sensitive to a lack of information for women in my age group. When I did not find much content for women forty and over, it was clear to me that advertisers either target their ads to millennials or seniors. For instance, most TV commercials show women between the ages of 40 and 55 who look like soccer moms. And although there is nothing wrong with being a soccer mom, not every woman is a soccer mom. Women are not one size fits all. We have varied interests and are differentially impacted by gender, class, ethnicity, and more. When COVID-19 hit I closed my insurance office, and my staff and I started working from home.

Q. How has your experience been being on “RHOA" what has been some advantages and disadvantages of being on the show?

A. This was so long ago... It’s amazing how something I did years ago is still being talked about today. Just the other day on Twitter there was a petition being passed around to have me back on the show. I feel I was able to represent women in the military in a positive way. I received lots of fan mail from women who served or were serving in the military at

the time of my appearance! I was thrilled that I was able to be a good example to women in general.

Q. We read that Italy is your favorite place to visit. What is it about Italy that keeps you going back?

A. Italy has my heart. The people are the most hospitable. There are over 20 regions in Italy and each region provides a different experience. I love the history, the amazing architecture, the food and every street tells a different story. I love the feeling of being anonymous and getting “lost!”

Q. What are some things you do to empower our women?

A. I host “Wine Down Wednesday” where I feature a Lady of the Week—professional women in business, healthcare, education, medicine, entertainment, law, sports, art, fashion, travel, and more. I wanted women to have a platform where they can share their accomplishments and desires and inspire each other to stay focused and move forward amidst uncertainties. My goal is to encourage and empower women to take care of themselves, do what makes them happy, and live their best lives.

Q. This is a new year what are some goals that you have?

A. My goal is to make Hey Lady™ a household name and to be the go-to platform and lifestyle brand for all things, lady.

Q. Are you working on any events or projects for 2021?

A. I am currently working on writing a book. This has been a passion project of mine for several years. The goal is to be completed by the summer.

Q. Who are some people that influenced your life?

A. My mother has probably been the most influential person in my life. She was a single mother of two by the age of 18. However, she did not let that hinder her from living a full life! She has always been my biggest cheerleader! I have also had many women who are successful entrepreneurs mentor me.

Q. Can you give any encouraging words to our women audience?

A. Write down what you want your life to look like and make a small commitment every day to living it!

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A. Website: www.Heyladybytania. com. All social media platforms: heyladybytania