Our issues are always filled with our faves and range in various areas that we are intrigued and enlightened by. We've been fans of Jeannie Mai ever since she appeared on the Style Network's "How Do I Look"? Her approach to making all women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin is such a refreshing one in an industry that is not known for embracing these values.
We had the chance to hangout with Jeannie and shoot her cover at NYC's 575 Park Avenue while finding out more about her style career, being a fashion correspondent as well as being one of the co-hosts of FOX's The Real.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as we remember you first from your days on Style Network 'How Do I Look' and your use of 'wearapy'. Share with our readers what wearapy is.
JEANNIE MAI: My mom taught me that my style is my business card. After I graduated high school I was teaching women in my hometown of San Jose on how to dress for their body type and helping celebrities perfect their makeup for the stage. I knew my message to brand your beauty needed to be taught to millions, so I moved to LA to promote that message. I was honored to take on being the host of "How Do I Look" and began teaching my philosophy about "wearapy" - the idea that you can change your opportunities from the outside in.
AM: We know that you started as a MUA. Share your path from transitioning from a Celebrity MUA, to a Stylist to an on air personality.
JM: Makeup is the most inexpensive tool you can use to transform your image. Again, my mom was a key player in teaching me all the power that comes in owning what's most unique about me. I marketed myself well throughout the Bay Area as a makeup artist and stylist and was blessed to be at the right place, at the right time...while I stayed prepared for my moment. I went from painting faces of stars like Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, and Alicia Keys to styling them whenever they needed because at the time there were no assigned stylists from record labels. While I enjoyed helping celebs, empowering everyday women was my passion. So I moved to LA to begin sharing my message on television.
AM: You have a number of shows you're a part of! Tell us about The Real - what was the process like to getting a spot as one of the co-hosts and what is it about this talk show format that is so exciting for you?
JM: The Real is the sickest celebration of authenticity and girl power in a daily talk show. I am thrilled to work beside Tamera Mowry Housley, Loni Love, and Adrienne Houghton - we are a dream team. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work and we don't rest until we put our hearts out there at our Girl Chat table every single day. But what's most exciting is listening to our fans and hearing the incredible stories of lives being changed and affected through our stories of truth and progress to be our best.
AM: The fashion industry is glamorous, but it's also one that many find is harsh in terms of over photoshopping, representing diversity, weight etc - we have always been struck by how you represent and carry the message of women being comfortable in the bodies that they are in - do you feel that you are a role model for this and what led you to representing this acceptance/platform?
JM: I am the best role model for me. At 38 years young I embrace all it took for me to really enjoy the body I'm in and the woman I live to be. I wouldn’t be keeping it real if I didn't say I haven't touched a photoshopping app or struggled with my image, but being a woman means owning the right to do what makes you fabulous as long as it helps you serve your mission in life.
AM: We love #MaiTips - share 3 of your tips with us on achieving great effortless summer style and what are 3 tips that we should consider when we go to summer weddings?
JM: I have 3 tips that can work for both!
1. Invest in head wraps, scarves, and hair accessories. It’s the most effective piece to pull an outfit together, frames your face, and is always a classic stylish touch.
2. Before leaving the house work on the best poses and stride with your outfit and shoes. After all, it’s all about making an entrance and a lasting impression in pics!
3. Use deodorant not just under your arms, but behind your knees, inside your elbows, and down your cleavage as well. Nothing worse than feeling sweat after sitting in the sun, especially at a wedding, but a little help in those areas help you feeling dry and fresh day to night.
AM: You're always on the go, what are your must haves to travel with in terms of makeup, snacks and style finds?
JM:- Makeup: Minnavi skin care masks are a must for hydration and luminescence, they have a time release of nutrients that keep my skin in check through any type of weather. I use them religiously before any red carpet or date night with the hubs!
- Snacks: Chia seeds are necessary for energy and digestive health & Dang coconut chips are delish as a healthy fat and sweet!
- Style Finds: I am addicted to eyewear. I purchase glasses from every city I visit, and love how every style frame can add instant sophistication to my looks.
AM: With the summer upon us, how can we get a great glow for our skin to have that sun goddess kissed look?
JM: See my Minnavi skin care tip above. No really, these masks save lives. Prep it with Tulura skin oil (both the serum and the oil set) and I swear you will skip foundation.
AM: Do you have any travel plans this summer?
JM: I'm thrilled to be executive producing and shooting my series of "How Do I Look Asia" in Singapore that will be airing in 33 countries, and taking mom to Sri Lanka and Korea after. The girls and I from "The Real" will be going on vacay this summer, and my besties Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson from Too Faced Cosmetics and I will be headed to Italy immediately following that trip.
Did I mention I’m obsessed with travel?
AM: As a busy woman, how do you achieve a balance between work, life in general and assessing your own needs for personal time to recharge?
JM: First and foremost I start my day with a prayer of expectation of what's to come, and I end my day with gratitude for the unexpected. I feel that balances me for anything to come that day. Second, I prioritize spending time with what’s most important to me, like my husband, my family, the outdoors, great friends, and a really good Old Fashioned at the end of it all!
AM: What projects are you working on at the moment that you can share with us and where will we see you next?
JM: I have an exciting project I'm working on with my awesome Mama Mai, I'm writing a book, starting a YouTube series, and we have a whole new side to "The Real" coming out for you next season!
AM: If there are additional items that you would like to share with us, please feel free to share!
JM: I appreciate the heck out of Athleisure Mag for taking this time and can't wait to hear more from your readers. Please do connect with me on my socials so we can keep in touch! Mad love.
AM: We loved creating this shoot for so many reasons and another character that plays throughout the luxury apartment's unit 1507 at 575 Park Ave, which had great touches that brought an additional layer of character to our cover shoot! We interviewed Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Senior Associate Real Estate Broker at Halstead Property in Manhattan.
LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: It’s simply stunning! I absolutely love the renovation that was done here. There is an abundance of designer details and high-end finishes that discerning buyers really appreciate. Plus it has open city views, including Park Avenue, and sun-drenched rooms throughout so it’s a delight to be in day or night. It also has a well-proportioned floor plan with separate bedroom wings providing ultimate privacy. Entertaining here is a pleasure with a loft-like great room that beautifully combines living and dining. The living room boasts a decorative fireplace and thoughtfully designed custom built-in bookshelves, while the dining area is complemented by a built-in banquette flanked by crafted custom display cases. The bold designer choices in the kitchen are very chic, featuring a stunning mosaic tile floor, dark custom cabinetry, black granite counter tops, and high-end appliances. It looks like something right out of the pages of Architectural Digest.
AM: Tell us about who represents this property.
LPF: I am very honored to be the broker representing this exclusive listing. I have been working in residential real estate for more than 28 years and currently hang my hat at Halstead Property’s Park Avenue office, where I’m proud to lead the firm’s #1 team. My portfolio of clients includes buyers, sellers, and luxury developers all over NYC and my career sales are in excess of $3 billion. I consider myself more of an educator than a sales person and it’s a privilege to be a part of this process with people, after all, your home is the base upon which the rest of your life is built.
AM: The interiors of this property really made us feel at home, who were the interior decorators of this space?
LPF: I agree, it is a sophisticated aesthetic but still very warm and inviting, a home you feel comfortable in. That is credit to the current owners, an elegant husband and wife team who love to entertain and appreciate family time. They had a vision for the renovation and made it a reality. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design so it’s her impeccable taste reflected in the interior design choices throughout, but he also has a discerning eye and would consider himself a collaborator in the final result. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them on several transactions in the city and I’ve thought each of their apartments was designed to perfection, but this one is very special.
AM: What amenities are offered in this building for residents?
LFP: Built in 1927, The Beekman is an elegant residence designed by George F. Pelham with an Italian Renaissance style that embodies a global lifestyle. Pied-a-terres are permitted and the full-service, white-glove amenities include: 24-hour doorman, concierge, valet, maid service (five days a week and monthly thorough cleaning), fitness room, central laundry room, private storage, engineering staff, and an onsite building manager who is terrific. Situated on Park Avenue at 63rd Street, the building is also home to the alluring French restaurant, Vaucluse, Chef Michael White's masterpiece serving impeccable food with an interior fashioned by Meyer Davis, that beautifully integrates contemporary design elements with the natural grace emblematic of Provence.
AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that is directly around the building.
LFP: The coveted location is convenient to Central Park, fine dining and charming cafes, luxury boutique shopping, art galleries, museums, and gourmet grocers. Plus Equinox is just one block away and there is public transportation nearby if needed.
AM: For those that are interested in purchasing this unit, how can they find out more information?
LFP: It would be very easy to call this lovely apartment home given that it’s move-in ready. Simply bring your toothbrush ;)
To schedule an appointment, people can contact me directly and I will be happy to show them the apartment and discuss the purchasing details. I can be reached via email at lphillips@halstead.com or at 212-381-3329.
AM: Where can readers find out about additional properties that you represent?
LFP: Visit my website and click on the tab for “My Listings.” You can view pictures and videos along with detailed descriptions of each property I’m working with.
Read more from the May Issue and Mai Time with Jeannie Mai as well as more info on the unit we shot in via our chat with Louise Philips Forbes of Halstead in mag.
