It is past 10 pm in the nation’s capital, so Kelly Collis, Co-Host, Tommy Morning Show 94.7 Fresh FM and Publisher, CityShopGirl, is probably asleep. She has to be, given that she wakes up before 4 am for work every day. If you listen to her show, you know a lot about Kelly – she is very open and personal on air. You know she is from DC through and through. You know about her contentious divorce, her engagement, and her upcoming wedding. You know about her two amazing kids. You know she is funny and can be intense. And you know she is amazing at what she does (sometimes I think her show should be called The Kelly Show… sorry Tommy!). She is also an amazing friend and has given by far the best answer to the question about her “favorite thing about the beauty industry” (keep reading).
AP: What city were you born in? KC: Washington, DC.
AP: What city to do you live in? KC: Washington, DC.
AP: What is your middle name? KC: Margaret (but I am thinking of adding my fiance’s last name to my middle name because I am NOT changing my last name!).
AP: What is your astrological sign? KC: Capricorn.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? KC: I have a BA in Economics and had aspirations to have a political career.
AP: What is your most prized possession? KC: I don’t really own my 2 kids but they are my greatest creation. Prized possession is my quilted leather Chanel purse.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? KC: Jackie Kennedy.
AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. KC: Black Denim High Heels.
AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? KC: Cartier Panther Platinum.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? KC: Diamonds.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? KC: I can’t do just one! A flat iron and pedicures year round.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? KC: Tom Ford, Jasmin Rouge.
AP: Botox or not? KC: Botox.
AP: Hair color: natural or not? KC: When gray hair appeared, absolutely color.
AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? KC: Moderation.
AP: What do you do for exercise? KC: Yoga. I just discovered Solidcore which will kick your butt, and when I don’t have time for a class I love Barre 3’s online classes.
AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? KC: Club soda, champagne, and milk (for the kids).
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? KC: Red wine.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? KC: There is no such thing as balance and I am ok with that…sometimes I am really good at life and bad at work and vice versa.
AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? KC: I have no idea.
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? KC: Always have a charger pack or 2, lip balm, moisturizer and hand sanitizer in your carry on.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. KC: Beast of Burden from 50 Shades soundtrak, I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons, FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna, Kayne and Paul McCartney.
AP: What book are you reading right now? KC: If I Stay by Gayle Forman.
AP: Quote to live by. KC: “A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn’t let them get her down.”
AP: What is your worst pet peeve? KC: When people say ” I am so busy.” We are all busy it doesn’t matter what you do or what is your situation.
AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? KC: I wake at 3:30 am, I am live on the air ay 5 am. I am good with 4-5 hours at night and try to nap at least 20 minutes in the afternoon (if I plan it right I can get 90 minutes).
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? KC: Ada Polla. (Editor’s note: WAA!!! Most amazing answer ever!)
AP: Least favorite thing. KC: Over-priced lipsticks
AP: Who is your mentor? KC: I worked for Congressman Tom Davis in my mid-20s and he was great mentor about life and career. He was always extremely patient, very loyal to his team and a role model of how to be a great mentor and manager. I still keep in touch with him to this day.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. KC: Work hard in your youth so you can have career options when you are older.