Celeb interviews

This is it! My favorite celebrity interview so far! We’ve got to live our lives by our own calendar and pay the next woman forward with a lot of insight. Gobble up this episode of my  “Women Who Empower” series featuring fashion designer and wellness guru, Norma Kamali.

Women like Norma fill my head and heart with amazing love, courage and ambition. I mean, just look at what she’s created! It’s a mega-brand comprised of fashion, fitness and wellness. And on top of that, she’s nice, introspective and thoughtful!

I’m so lucky and thankful to know and learn from such smart, successful and giving women as I wander down this path called “my life”.  If you make it through the entire video (which I hope you do because Norma makes some powerful points), you will come across this message from me:

It took many years of growing up for me to be able to write this. Mostly, because I’m competitive by nature. I like being the...

Q.Michelle, what’s the best part about your life as a professional athlete? Worst?
A.
The best part is that it’s so much fun. I’m meeting lots of great people and traveling around the world. I’m constantly challenging my mind and body physically. This video here sums it all up!

The bad thing is being away from my friends and family...and missing weddings and Christmas parties.

Q.What are you training for right now?
A.
Right now I’m training for the ITU world championship in France. But my main goal for the season is the Hawaiian Ironman.

Q.You've been running in the ECCO BIOM Racer Lite shoe. Is it your secret weapon?
A.
The ECCO BIOM Racer is really light and makes you fly when you’re out there…compared to a heavy training shoe. I use it for speed sessions and races.

Q.I notice you wear them with flexy elastic laces...
A.
There are good things and bad things about elastic laces. They help you get into your shoes really quickly....

Kenya Gets The Boot-y!

If I have to pick a favorite housewife from the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast, Kenya Moore has my vote! I recently interviewed her by phone. We laughed and groveled about gym hair. I'm either a diva too or Kenya Moore is more down to earth than she lets on.

At 40+ she carries a lot of experience and wisdom with her. She may have a spring chicken tushy but Kenya Moore has undoubtedly lived and learned. My interview with her on Celebrity Sweat tips captures her tips and insights on fitness & fulfillment

CLICK HERE TO READ MY INTERVIEW WITH KENYA MOORE!

TMZ reports that Kenya has signed on for another season of Real Housewives, so you better get used to this damsel speaking her mind and twirling fabulously. All gossip aside, Kenya really cares about women's health and I think it's pretty awesome that she's willing to share her booty-shaping moves. If I had an ass like that...not sure I'd talk. I'd keep it top secret. Luckily, Kenya...

Q.I'm dying to know, who is the REAL Kenya that we don't get to see enough of on The Real Housewives of Atlanta?
A.
I think that you don’t really get to see enough of my goofy side. I'm really a fun loving person. I think you can see it with my Gone With The Wind Fabulous video. I like to make fun of myself. So I think that’s probably what people can see in my everyday life that they don’t necessarily see on the show.

Q.You've gone from beauty queen to TV star and you just released your own fitness DVD. What led you to fitness?
A.
When I first started the show I got so many fans tweeting me or emailing me asking me what I do to stay fit and maintain the body that I have. I kept saying, okay I’m going to write a blog. I tried and I’m like, oh this isn’t coming across right!

Then the opportunity came with my distributor Acacia (Acacialifestyle.com) and I knew I should pursue it because fitness has been apart of my brand all along....

Q.Where did the inspiration for your clothing line, Tsu.ya, come from? Does the name Tsu.ya have meaning?
A.
Inspiration came from the needs I saw in my own wardrobe. What I want to wear as a busy, active, on-the-go mom. I also wanted to start a lifestyle brand like that of Newman's Own--a philanthropic minded brand to support the work of my Always Dream Foundation (for early childhood literacy).

Tsu.ya is my middle name, also my Grandmother's name. It's a family name and it's literal translation is "shiny, luster".

Q.You always look so stylish - whether you are working out or hanging out! Can you share your go-to fit look?
A.
Well, with Tsu.ya it's easier for me to look stylish for my workouts! I love wearing pieces from the BLING group, like the Bling Fashion Top, Skirt Legging and Jacket. These looks got a lot of inspiration from my skating days.

Q.What was the biggest challenge associated with the filming of your Power Workout DVD? Any unexpected moments...

I interviewed Olympic Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn who couldn't have been sweeter or more sporty chic in person. (Yes, that's me--the short one--with her in the pic above.)  She may be the apple of Tiger Wood's eye right now but based upon what she told me, she's in love with fitness fashion. Check out my interview with Lindsey Vonn and weigh in on whether you think her relationship with Tiger will make him a changed man. 

*** Lindsey Vonn Talks Fitness Fashion ***

ME: Lindsey, when you're getting ready to train or hit the gym, how do you put your fit look together?

Lindsey Vonn: I'm really obsessed with color coordinating everything. So head to toe, it has to match with my bag...with my shoes...with everything. I love Under Armour's tank tops because they allow you to double up. I love neon colors. 

ME: What do you feel the most comfortable wearing for your hardest workouts?

Lindsey Vonn: I generally wear short shorts to the gym because I feel...