MODEL SPOTLIGHT: BRADLEY CANDIE

Bradley Candie is the author of Sister’s: A Promise Kept and co-authored Men & Mental Health Let’s Talk About It by Venessa Abrams. Bradley is a Morehouse College and Howard University graduate earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Master of Education degree in Counseling Psychology. Upon graduating, he performed overseas in Germany. After returning to the states, Bradley pursued his passion for the arts and performed with the Atlanta Opera and various theatres in the Atlanta Metro area. He has performed on such renowned stages as the Kennedy Center, the Philadelphia Academy of Music, Atlanta Symphony Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Bradley is an actor, singer, model, minister, and playwright. His first play written, Sisters, received recognition as a top five finalist in the Jubilee Theatre’s 2012 New Works Festival and was accepted to be a part of the 2018 Las Vegas Black Film Festival. His passion for life is built upon his divine inspired purpose: To motivate and inspire others using his creative talents to live their best lives.

Photo by David Slocumb @david_slocumb_photography

QSM: Tell us more about Bradley. But let’s rewind the clock a bit. Let’s go back to before college. Who was high school Bradley? Were you popular? Fashionable?

Bradley: Prior to attending Morehouse College, I grew up in a small town called Ambler, Pennsylvania, where everyone knew your name, and attending Wissahickon High School. Hindsight, my memories of high school are filled with mixed emotions. I was active in spring track, winter track, marching unit, chorus, and band. I performed well academically and athletically, and, in my mind, I was popular and had many friends; however, during my high school matriculation, was when I first experienced depression. Despite achieving many awards and recognitions, I suffered silently with moments of extreme sadness that I could not shake. Despite the depression, I loved my high school experience and am grateful for the trials and tribulations I endured as they prepared me for the tests of the world to come.

Appearance has always been important to me and valued in my family. Yes, I would consider myself being fashionable in high school. My mother stressed that I was an extension of her and would act and dress accordingly. Since she had a strong sense of fashion and style, she naturally made this apart of makeup. Sneakers were for gym class and only gym class. It is here were I learned and lived the saying, “there is a time and a place for everything” and that included how to dress for the occasion.

QSM: If you could sit down and have a conversation with teenage Bradley, what would you tell him?

Bradley: Continue to listen to that inner voice driving you to fulfill your destiny and purpose. Despite having to experience life’s trial and tribulations, your belief in God will be called upon in moments of doubts and fear to help you successfully navigate through the pitfalls set to ensnare you. You will prevail. You will be more than ok. Your dedication to living your authentic truth will be a source of encouragement for others to draw upon and will be a sense of freedom for you.

QSM: Can you share what motivated you to get into modeling? And what accomplishments have you made so far on your journey?

Bradley: Honestly, I never thought that I was model material. I have always been teased and criticized about my looks and body type throughout my life. The negative comments filled my head causing me to avoid looking in mirrors as I would only be able to see how others perceived me. Despite coming from a very supportive and loving family, I placed more attention and energy into how others saw me. I thought that by being a model, this would validate me as being “handsome”, “attractive” and “desirable”. Even though I attempted to model in college and years afterwards, I was not selected for fashion shows. It was not until I entered my 50s, grew a beard, owned my gray hair and being bald did I start landing shows. I must admit, it felt great, but it did not make me feel better about myself and how I saw myself. I had to sit with me and learn how to love me. That is what made the difference internally and shows externally.

I have modeled for such renowned designers as House of La’Rue Fashions and Aa’Zure Men’s Collection (Brand Ambassador), Shaland Designs, Carlyle W. Williams Collection, Miguel Wilson Men’s Collection, Farrierbell Couture, Howard Gillespie Collection, A-Men Trendz (Brand Ambassador), DUS Couture, Funique Fashions, Khaos Atlanta, Different is the New Cool, House of Kavalli, Jon-Luc’, Ryan Lamar Designs, Intuitive Heart Metaphysical and Unmatchd Custom Apparel. I am a Brand Ambassador for Sects and Sudz Boss Beard Oil and debuted as a stylist in Charlotte Fashion Week 2021. I gained attention when I modeled in New York Fashion Week, Miguel Wilson’s Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic, Charlotte Fashion Week and being one of the featured models on a Time Square Billboard for Bena Klier’s Aa’Zure Men’s Collection.

QSM: You are also an author. Was writing a book always on your to-do list?

Bradley: Yes, I am proud to be able to say that I am a published author. Writing a book was not always in my plan, but as the old saying goes, “I plan, God laughs”. I was charged in 1988 with the responsibility and assignment of writing the book that was just published; however, I was not obedient. I permitted doubt and fear to stop me. It was not until I matured and realized that the charge was still upon did, I finally put pen to paper.

QSM: We talked about the book turned Play, Sister’s: A Promise Kept. But for those that missed it, can you share some details on that?

Bradley: So, in actuality, the play was written first and was recently turned into a book. Both the play and the book are inspired by the lives of three women, my mother and two aunts, and their shared trials, tribulations, and triumphs in the face of being diagnosed with breast cancer. It is realistic fiction as the dialogue is based upon conversations that I did hear as a young adult; dialogue that I thought took place behind closed doors, as I grew up during a time where children were not exposed to adult conversations; and dialogue based upon my personal thoughts and feelings as a caretaker and person affected by this dreaded disease. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobels.

QSM: In these days, we are all aware of the Mental Health issues that plague us, particularly in men. Tell us more about that book that you co-authored and why getting involved was important to you.

Bradley: It is all about my truth and the consequences experienced when the truth is denied. Depression does not go away on its own. This does not mean that medication is always the answer as this was not my chosen means to manage my symptoms. For me, it was learning how to love myself and live my authentic truth and to accept the possible consequences and/or response for doing as such.

The book is the brainchild of Ms. Venessa D. Anderson. I am grateful to have collaborated with several other males to tell our individual stories about personally dealing with mental health. This book is powerful and addresses the stigma associated with mental health, culture/race, age, and gender.

QSM: You are a multi-talented man and that is amazing. What love came first for you? And which would you say is your biggest passion? I know that’s a hard question. Lol

Bradley: Thank you, I realized that the talents/gifts that I do have are not mine. They are gifts from God to be used to bring Him all the glory and honor. If this question was asked of me at various points in my life, I would have different answers for each time asked. I will answer the question in this way, my purpose is to use my gifts to motivate and inspire others to live their best life. My passion is to fulfill my purpose.

QSM: What is the most important thing that you want people to know about you?

Bradley: I love life!

QSM: It has been a true honor to get to know you Bradley. We are going to be watching you. But while we are watching, what should we keep an eye out for? What do you have cooking up over there? Give us some tea boo.

Bradley: Oh, that’s a good one. Sometimes you can’t spill the tea until it is ready…lol. I would say, keep an eye out for my children’s books and venture to bring Sisters: A Promise Kept to life (movie/television). Thank you

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