Garcelle Beauvais’ career as an actress, model and singer has had her working alongside the big names like Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx.  The combination of her stunning looks and talent are not the only attributes that have helped her rise to the top… her attitude, determination and work ethic have also forged the way.

 We hope your life is somehow impacted by Garcelle’s ideas and thoughts on how to be successful in our exclusive interview.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What are you working on at the moment?

Garcelle Beauvais:  I’m currently working on promoting my movie A Girl Like Grace, I’m launching my 3rd children’s book I Am Awesome, while continuing to build my brand, read scripts and attending meetings.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What has been your favorite career moment?

Garcelle Beauvais:  Wow there's been a few! I would say being able to go from comedy to drama has been really fun times in my career.  I went from doing the Jamie Foxx show celebrating 100 episodes to two weeks later doing NYPD Blue which is completely different.

Career moments have also been working the amazing actors and directors I've worked with from Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Robert Zemeckis, Denzel Washington , Channing Tatum , Chris rock , Sir Anthony Hopkins and Larry David.

 

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What do you think the “x” factor is in you that has made you so successful (you don’t have to be humble with this answer, the goal is to help people excel?)

Garcelle Beauvais:  Well that's a hard question to answer when it's about yourself lol. I think my “x” factor is my personality, an ability to command people's attention.  I believe I bring truth to my characters.  I'm relatable. I think people see my Joie de Vive, if you will.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What philosophies or lessons have helped you the most?

Garcelle Beauvais:  My philosophy is being passionate about what I do!  I love performing and being an entertainer.

If you have passion for something, whatever that's is, you'll be motivated to work.  You'll want to show up every time and do great work!

 

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  How do you organize your time?

Garcelle Beauvais:  I organize my time by prioritizing ...my family comes first!  I have two second graders and a busy life but juggling is a must.  So family first then after that comes career/work, exercising, friends and me time somewhere in there LOL.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What motivates you to excel?

Garcelle Beauvais:  I think my motivation comes from always wanting to challenge myself.  I love being busy.  I love creating new things or thinking about ways to be creative.  So I think my drive comes from wanting to achieve things that I really didn't think I could, or discovered that I could.

Providing for my family also motivates me of course.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Your hair is gorgeous… what products/treatments do you use?

Garcelle Beauvais:   My hair products are by my hair guru Kim Kimble.   I've been working with Kim for over 20 years she has great products (Kimble haircare.)

I started off with her when she had a small salon in Los Angeles in Inglewood and since then she has become a hairstylist to the stars with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Shakira! I always say to her let me know when those ladies are on vacation so that I can get into the salon 

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Does being famous make you happy?  What makes you happy?

Garcelle Beauvais:  Sure I would say being famous makes me happy but I also get happiness from other things.  Being famous means that I've done great work that people recognize and so for that I'm grateful.  But I think being famous is also helping to lend your name when something needs awareness, which makes me happy as well.

What makes me happy is sometimes just being still and listening to music, or dancing around my house listening to music loudly, or being with friends and family's for the holidays and sitting on my couch watching TV makes me happy too.   A really great meal makes me happy and shopping makes me euphoric but that wasn't the question was it?

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Do you ever question your own ability and if so, how do you gather your confidence to do what you need to do? 

Garcelle Beauvais:  Like everyone of course I have insecurities and sometimes I doubt myself.  When I do I ask myself what am I afraid of and then I push myself to get through it.  It's funny because most of the time when you do something that scares you, when you come out on the other side you realize that it wasn't so scary after all.

And sometimes I just say to myself “Garcelle you just got to do it” and I suck it up and put my big girl panties on and I get it done.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Everybody is rejected sometimes in life.  How do you process rejection?

Garcelle Beauvais:  Rejection as an actor is something you have to learn to live with. It's hard not to take it personally but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and think maybe it wasn't meant for me.  Or maybe I just wasn't right for it and what I really try to say to myself, is that maybe it’s leaving me open for the right thing that I'm supposed to have.

Sometimes just lick your wounds and keep it moving.

 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What does your diet and exercise look like?

 

Garcelle Beauvais:  I try to eat healthy for the most part but with a balance I don't go overboard one way or the other.  I love meat, I grew up eating meat.  I try to eat vegetables.  I don't drink enough water that I know for sure but I think it's a balance, you have to enjoy life and if I'm working towards a role that  needs me to be leaner then  I can kick my exercise routine up a notch.

  

Gabrielle Reilly:  What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?

Garcelle Beauvais:  I like going to the spa and I love massages, any kind of massage.  And I love a really great bottle of wine, sitting on the beach listening to R&B music. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Do you ever get depressed or go through cycles of binging or some other destructive behavior and, if so, how do you snap out of it?

Garcelle Beauvais:   I was depressed and sad and angry during and after my divorce, but I learned a lot about myself.  I learnt how strong I am and that I am capable of forgiving.  I had to work towards that, not only for myself, but for my children and being able to move forward.   I’m still be a hopeful romantic and not afraid to move on to love again.

Everyone gets depressed from time to time but it's how you handle it.

I think you should allow yourself some time to go through the feelings of being sad and giving yourself time to process those feelings.  See where it's coming from.  But then I think it's important to take the steps to find the joy in your life. 

Find ways to be kind to yourself