By Helen Mitternight / Image by Jenn Cady

Richardson talks about how these sauces went from her dad’s restaurant when she was young to bottles on Charleston’s grocery store shelves, and Amazon nationwide.

Tracey Richardson brings the sweet heat with herLillie's of Charlestonbarbecue sauces, hot sauces, spices and rubs — and now, popcorn. Richardson talks about how these sauces went from her dad’s restaurant when she was young to bottles on Charleston’s grocery store shelves, and Amazon nationwide.

Tracey’s take

Favorite kitchen tool or gadget

My Kitchen Aid mixer. I love to make cookies! ​

In my refrigerator (three things)

Condiments, relish and vegetables. I have a whole shelf of condiments! 
 

In my pantry (three things)

Pasta, rice and grits.

Comfort food

Cheesy grits or a rice. 
 

Favorite smell

Lavender. 
 

Favorite drink

Margaritas. Flavored and salted! 
 

Most underrated ingredient

Paprika. It’s the secret ingredient (well, I guess it isn’t a secret anymore!) of our spices. It coats proteins with a good color. 
 

Number of hours you work a week

How many hours are there in a day?

Favorite meal to cook at home

I like to make dinner, Caribbean or Latin. I love a purloo or coconut rice. 
 

Best advice a mentor gave you

My father was always our champion. He was a “girl dad.” He told me to always believe in myself and don’t let people tell you you can’t. 

For more on Richardson, listen toEpisode 97 of Charleston Grit’s Hidden F&B podcastnow. You can also check out her interview in Charleston Magazine’s June issuehere.

If you want to uncover the hidden heroes beyond Charleston, tune into the national Hidden F&B podcast athelenmitternight.com.