Earlier this spring I discovered Barre3, and I now don’t know how I ever lived without it. I needed to get back into a regular exercise routine, I needed to get more toned, and I needed to find a better morning routine. Barre 3 did all three for me. I go to the 6:30 am class every week day that I am in DC (2 to 3 per week, typically). I love the workout (it nostalgically reminds me of my 7 years of ballet and still makes me sore everyday), and I love LeeAnne, the manager and my favorite instructor. While I always have found her gorgeous, I guess we all look a tad less glamorous at 6:30 am, in workout clothes, sweaty and without makeup than in a model-like photo!
AP: What city were you born in? LC: I was born in Salisbury, MD.
AP: What city to do you live in? LC: I live in McLean, VA.
AP: What is your middle name? LC: Rebekah.
AP: What is your astrological sign? LC: I’m not sure; I think it’s the goat one. I never seem to pay attention to that stuff.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? LC: I love being a strong woman and empowering other women to be strong. Physically and emotionally.
AP: Least favorite thing? LC: My least favorite thing about the beauty industry is the superficial vanity. I have modeled off and on since I was 12 and the pressure for perfection is daunting. I believe all women are beautiful when they are kind and compassionate. It does not always have to do with the outside.
AP: What is your most prized possession? LC: Right now? My engagement ring! Not only because it’s so shiny but because of what it stands for!
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? LC: I have a pacemaker. I’ve had it for 2 years and I can’t live without it. Being healthy saved my life. My heart would have stopped beating years ago if I had not been living a healthy lifestyle.
AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? LC: I do not wear one but I love Le Mer watches! They are so fun and casual. I don’t wear watches to dress up.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? LC: Both! Love my ring but I love the sophistication of pearls.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? LC: Meryl Streep. She’s strong, educated, and amazing at her craft.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? LC: Loving what I do! When you love what you do everyday it doesn’t always seem like work. I also make sure to leave the phone in the other room or on silent and focus on what or who is in front of me. And I fall of the grid every now and then. I go to my family’s farm in DE where I grew up and don’t bother with technology for a few days.
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? LC: 1. Only travel with those you completely trust. 2. Pack light so you can bring things home. 3. Try something new!
AP: What is your favorite book? LC: That’s difficult because I love to read! It’s between To Kill a Mockingbird (I’ve read it 200 times at least) and anything by Neil Gaiman.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? LC: Champagne or a dirty Sapphire Blue Gin Martini.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? LC: No SUN! Just fake it, there are wonderful products on the market that don’t make you look like a pumpkin.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? LC: I have worn Coco Mademoiselle Chanel since my brother bought me my first bottle at age 17.
AP: Botox or not? LC: I don’t like the sound of toxins in my face, but I’m only 26 what do I know?
AP: Hair color: natural or not? LC: %100 natural color curl and all! I love my hair 🙂
AP: 3 songs on your iPod right now. LC: “Loca”by Shakira, “Intergalactic”by Beastie Boys, and “Girls fall like Dominoes”by Nicki Minaj.
AP: Quote to live by. LC: “Time is a tree (this life one leaf)” E.E Cummings.
AP: Who is your mentor? LC: My fiancé Alvaro. He’s smart, successful, kind and he makes really good decisions. I value his opinion very much.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. LC: Be prepared to start at the bottom and prove yourself. You have to work hard and be creative to stand out. Find something you love to do everyday (remember that may take some time).
I was Leeanne’s tutor in Shakespeare, and a few other subjects, while she was being homeschooled in Delaware. Observing Leeanne’s progress from (really) childhood to the present young womanhood has been a lovely journey. We read several Shakespeare plays in her dining room. Such a happy time for me.
I love her advice for young women starting their careers today.