Actress Garcelle Beauvais made history by becoming the first ever Black woman to join the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and she hasn’t slowed down since then.
The Haitain-born humanitarian continues to use her influence on reality TV, hosting the daytime talkshow “The Real,” and promoting causes close to her heart in order to change the industry for the better.
“I wanted to represent myself well as a mom, as a working woman, and a Black woman in Hollywood,” Garcelle tells GLAMOUR SA exclusively of her decision to join the Real Housewives franchise.
The starlet - who spent time in Cape Town in 2014 filming her movie “Back to School Mom” - wears many hats, as she splits her time between raising her children, time on set, and partaking in several charitable endeavors, especially ones that benefit her home of Haiti.
So, being a woman on the go, Garcelle prioritises health and wellness so she can continue being her best self.
“It’s all about mind, body and spirit,” the I Am Mixed author shares of her fitness philosophy, noting that her mental wellness goes hand-in-hand with her physical state. “If all those things are aligned, the chances for success are greater.”
Garcelle opens up about representing women of colour in Hollywood, always keeping wellness at the forefront of her mind, and how she handled the “tremendous amount of pressure” upon becoming the first Black Housewife of Beverly Hills.
What sparked your passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle? Was this always important to you, or did a certain instance in your life inspire it?
I’ve always been a somewhat healthy person, but living in California has made me more conscious of clean living and eating, and of course it helps my energy with all the things that I do; being healthy makes sense. When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready!
What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
Since COVID and lockdown, I’ve been going for walks, but I recently hired a trainer since we can’t go to a gym. He will come to me, we will be outside, but over the years, pilates has always been my go to. And I try to have a healthy balance with eating; if my kids are having pizza, I will join them, but the next day, I will do protein and vegetables.
What's the best way for someone to motivate herself to get fit?
I always say start slow, be realistic; don’t go for something you know you can’t sustain.
What one thing do you never skip in your workout?
Water.
How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness?
It’s all about mind, body and spirit. If all those things are aligned, the chances for success are greater.
Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
Well, with social media and the people like Jennifer Lopez and Gabrielle Union that I follow, it helps motivate me when I see people working out, eating well, and getting outdoors.
What specific fitness goal are you currently focused on?
Right now for me it’s about endurance, cardio and toning.
Knowing that the time factor is a major deterrent for many people, how is it that you are able to manage the demands of your TV career as well as your family and still make time to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle?
I feel the most important thing is carving out time for myself, even if it’s for 10 minutes at a time. If I’m happier, then my family will be happier and I’ll be able to get my work done.
You're joining "The Real" as a co-host for Season 7, what made you want to do this and how do you think it will impact your time for health and wellness?
I’ve been a fan of the show and the ladies for years and I’ve been on as a guest as well, but being a talk show host has always been on my bucket list! I also have the gift of gab. It’s a dream come true. We will be doing a lot of fitness segments. I may learn a few tricks or two!
How do you prioritize your mental health while being on a reality tv show where one is sometimes involved in drama?
That’s the million-dollar question. Being on reality TV has been a challenge... fun and challenging I should say. Staying true to who you are, and when you’re not shooting, have people around you that inspire you and you trust and do the things you love.
Did you feel a large amount of pressure being the first black Beverly Hills housewife?
Absolutely, I felt a tremendous amount of pressure being the first Black woman on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I wanted to represent myself well as a mom, as a working woman, and a Black woman Hollywood.
How would you define and practice wellness?
I would define and practice wellness by waking up with a grateful heart, giving thanks to God, the universe, and treating people the way I want to be treated.
What are the three beauty items you swear by?
Aquaphor healing ointment, Becca foundation, and Maybelline mascara.
What's something people may not know about you?
I can tap dance! LOL, I really can.
This story was written by Sebastien Lagree
