Amanda Richards
I met Amanda in January 2009, a mere 2 1/2 months after re-discovering myself. I first heard of her through an internet search when looking for a transformation makeover. I decided Bethlehem, PA was too close to home, and instead went to Femme Fever in New York for my first time. A few weeks later, I attended my first Renaissance transgender meeting (wrote about that here) without makeup. I determined that I wouldn't do that again, and sent an email to True Colors Makeup Artistry, domain of Amanda Richards. So it was that on January 19, 2009, I drove 90 minutes to her studio. I was nervous as hell. (I wrote about that day here.)
I didn't know it then, but I was meeting someone who would be a pillar of support, a mentor, and an incredible friend.
Amanda's name is well known within the transgender community. She's been active for... a while, doing M2F makeovers in addition to her work doing weddings, proms, etc. She's also an in-demand photographer, and a former president of Vanity Club.
She was very re-assuring and supportive, seeing that I was so nervous. I was far from her first "first- timer." I had a photography session, then went down to the January Renaissance meeting, wearing the wig she helped me choose.
That trip to Bethlehem became part of my monthly routine on "Sophie night." I'd get the motel room at Motel 6, drive up to True Colors for a makeover, then drive to the meeting then Angela's Laptop Lounge party. After that, I'd go back to the motel room to thoroughly clean myself up before going home.
I saw Amanda at the Keystone Conference almost every year as well. She's a very guarded person by nature, but eventually over time she opened up. I learned such things as that her fraternity voted her "Smart ass of the Year" five years in a row (yes, that includes her first year as an alumni.) Also, she dressed a bit in college for a fraternity thing. Years later, she learned while getting together with her brothers that they eventually discovered her femme side, and were cool with it.
With Amanda at Keystone 2017
For years, I went to her for makeovers; asking questions and learning learning learning. Eventually, I reached a point when I could do my makeup, but I still went up to see her. After all, she was better at it than me, and I loved visiting my friend. She always had great music playing, and we talked about music, sports (she attended a rival Big 10 school), and I often asked her for advice.
Amanda has been one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I'm not alone. She's mentored so many "new" transgender girls- almost everyone in my area knew her or knew of her. People travelled literally thousands of miles for her services.
Early in 2020, I was mentoring a "new" girl here at PSU. She'd never had a makeover, so of course I took her to Amanda. Because I trust her. And I missed talking with her.
From the January 2009 photoshoot
True Colors is closed for now. When we get past this pandemic, she'll re-open. For now, she's taking a well deserved break.
What Amanda did for me is what she did for an uncounted number of people like me- she helped us to find ourselves and to blossom. She taught so many of us skills in makeup as well as gave us the courage to face the world as our true selves.
The transgender community owes Amanda an unpayable debt. She is an amazingly talented artist, and an incredible person.
After the first time she did my makeup, she told me to stand in front of a full length mirror. She said to look at myself, and repeat to myself "I am Sophie. I am Sophie." Her idea was to put me in the right mind for having pictures taken. It calmed me. She took the pictures, then off I went to my first time out with a professional makeup job.
She helped me so much in these eleven years I've known her. I can never thank her enough, despite thanking her each time she worked on me.
Amanda is one of my dearest friends. She is a mentor. She is a Legend.
And Amanda...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It's great to have a friend who can help you in practical ways, and build up your confidence. I am sure that there are plenty who owe you a debt of thanks as well!
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