CANDY WASHINGTON

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

A. You’re welcome and thank you for interviewing me. I’m Candy Washington, and I create inspiring content across film, TV, digital, and publishing platforms. I founded my own media production company called 1214 Media Productions and we’ve produced a film, Narcissist, that’s now available on Amazon Prime Video and SofyTV, we produce a weekly podcast called, Sugar Pills: A Practical Guide to Self-Care, that was just picked-up by iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. We’ve also published four books.

Q. What made you want to be an entrepreneur?

A. I like living life on my own terms. I just got to the point where I knew that I didn’t want to spend my life working to make someone else rich and to fulfill someone else’s dream, when I had my own dreams and vision for my life. Becoming an entrepreneur gave me my power back.

Q. Tell us what makes your business so unique?

A. I’m not sure that my business is unique, but it is authentic. Every story that we tell, whether it’s through films, podcast episodes, or books, is rooted in a real human experience. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can identify with the journey that our characters go on and it can make them feel less alone and more empowered to live their lives without apology.

Q. Can you tell us the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

A. Having the spirit of perseverance. Knowing that I can overcome anything that comes my way and being to turn obstacles into stepping stones. I’m also intentional about how I define “success”. Success to me is being able to celebrate the small wins, business or personal, every day. I’m successful when I’m able to be grateful and joyful for each and every day.

Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

A. One of the most satisfying moments in my business has been interviewing other female entrepreneurs in the wellness space on my podcast. Having a platform where I can help other women tell their stories while building a meaningful and engaged community has been extremely rewarding.

Q. Tell us about your film Narcissist?

A. Narcissist is a psychological thriller that explores the effects that social media has on the mental health of influencers and their followers. The film follows the life of young and beautiful social media influencer and reality TV starlet Sienna James (Candy Washington) as her charmed life comes crashing down in the wake of a young follower’s suicide. She turns to her psychologist, Dr. Rory Cohen (Adam Cardon) for guidance but he might be holding the deadliest secret of them all, as the question remains, “Who’s to blame?” The film wants the viewer to question their own accountability when it comes to how they show up on social media and how they treat other people online.

Q. What are some of the mistakes you wished you could’ve avoided in business?

A. I think in general, the biggest mistake you can ever make in business and in life, is thinking that you’re not worthy of love, success, and happiness. The biggest thing that holds up back from being the highest versions of ourselves is the belief that we don’t deserve it.

Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out as entrepreneur, what would it be?

A. Have a vision for your life and for your career. Knowing what you’re working towards will be what guides you during the down times and will be your compass for when you have to make difficult decisions. Also, find a mentor. Find someone that is successful that you know, like, and trust, that can give you guidance on your career, life, and goals. Humble yourself and follow.

Q. Are you working on any new projects for 2021?

A. I’m currently working on a new novel and a new script about a young woman that unknowingly gets caught in a dangerous love triangle for development in 2021. Stay tuned!

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A. You can join me at the links below: Instagram: @candywashington Website: Actress with Style + SelfCare Muse Subscribe to the Sugar Pills Podcast: A Practical Guide to Self-Care iHeartRadio Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Watch Narcissist on "Amazon Prime TV." Get Candy's book on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.