They say you can learn a lot about a person when you spend a whole day with them because that’s when you really see their true characteristics and personality. Yet, with Jeannie, it’s seemed time and time again, that I’ve only needed to really spend just a few minutes with her to see the sweet, thoughtful, and caring person that she naturally is. The more and more I do these inspiration pieces and get to see each and every person in action in their field with what they do best, the more and more I get impressed and inspired personally with the people I feature. Being a fashionista, talk show host, correspondent, wife, and much much more, you can only imagine how hard it has been to find the perfect time to meet up with Jeannie, as I’ve been wanting to feature her for quite a while. To rewind, Jeannie and I had met for the first time back last September through mutual friends during New York Fashion Week. I only spent a brief amount of time with her then but instantly could tell that she was someone I liked. Bumping into her a few times since and still being greeted by the same sweet and down-to-earth persona, it wasn’t until a week back when we decided to do a piece where I’d shadow her to get a little glimpse into a “Day In Her Life” that I was able to 100% confirm and see truly just how thoughtful and genuine Jeannie is to everyone around her… and a damn hard worker all at the same time.
The day started off with meeting at a tailor for some fittings for her back to back outfits for the busy weekend as it was the BET Awards and she was presenting. When I got to her, she was just finishing up the fitting with a last minute stylist she had met for the first time to which she was insistently thanking for whipping up such amazing outfits during such short notice. We then re-met at the Same Sky charity event that she was so excited to attend and be apart of. Same Sky is a company dedicated to empowering women in Rwanda and changing lives by creating jobs for women struggling to lift themselves out of extreme poverty through selling fashionable jewelry. An event and a cause so near and dear to her heart, just watching and seeing Jeannie here, you could tell she wasn’t simply there to just make an appearance, but that she was there to connect with the people that she really respected and a cause that she was really invested in. Even while I was trying to take photos of her for this post, she kept pausing and apologizing as she was multi-tasking with making calls and plans to make sure everyone at the event was taken care of.
I feel like when people get to a certain stature, relevance, or just simply get taken over with completely busy schedules, they sometimes forget about the people they are and were and about the things that are most important. But with Jeannie, it’s very easy to see that she never forgets the importance of anyone and everything and is grateful for what she has, who she’s with, and what she’s surrounded by every second of every day. Before meeting up for this post, I had the mindset to have this feature really highlight a girl that I admired fashionably as well as a professionally. Yet, what I came to see throughout “mai day” with Jeannie was that there’s truly more to a person than what they wear or what they do. It’s a matter of how they carry themselves and how they treat those around them that truly makes one wealthy, successful, and to me, an inspiration. And for that, it’s more than a no-brainer to see why so many people love and admire Jeannie and why she’s my inspiration of the day.
Check out my little interview with Jeannie with some questions I’m sure you’ve been dying to get answered below!
Top: Karen MillerShorts: Style StalkerShoes: Karen MillerPurse: Foley and CorinnaNecklace: Same Sky
Fashionlaine:How would you describe your style?
Jeannie Mai: My ideal outfit has me looking cute while polishing off a plate of truffle fries. It’s gotta be comfortable, sexy, and fun.
FL: What is your ultimate must-have item in your wardrobe for this summer?
JM: Better Than Sex Mascara. It can take you from barely there to an ultimate glam lash look. And there is never an occasion where you don’t need wide doll-like eyes.
FL: Tell me about the “The Real” talk show. What are you most excited about, what can fans look forward to, and how would you say it’s different than other talk shows?
JM: I’m most excited about catching up with the girls. It’s been so long since we’ve let it all out together, and I got some stuff I wanna share! There’s 5 reasons why it’s different than other talk shows: Adrienne, Tamera, Loni, Tamar, and moi.
FL: Who is your favorite fashion icon(s) and why?
JM: Miroslava Duma. She’s fun, sexy, and I imagine would kill a plate of truffle fries, too.
FL:You’ve had so many amazing outfit moments, do you have a look that was one of your most memorable?
JM: This recent gown I wore co-hosting Miss USA was quite a treat because it made me feel exquisite. It was a weighted sheath dress with sewn embellishments in an art deco design. It actually gave me curves which I LOVED, and I could have slept in it if my heels lasted!
FL:Who has been your favorite person you have interviewed or met?
JM: The first man I ever interviewed was a hottie. I came with 3 pages of questions and a sh*tload of nerves. He took the papers from my hand, tossed them aside and said, “Talk to ME. Nobody else matters.” It was Johnny Depp.
FL: Following you on Instagram (@thejeanniemai), you always put such positive and inspirational vibes and energy into the world. Who do you look to as your own inspiration(s)?
JM: God is everything to me. I’m in no way a perfect person, and I ain’t got time to judge others. I picture God to be this super understanding dad who sees the very best in you even when you don’t. Checking in with Him helps ease the pressure off myself and encourages me to do my best. My mom would be my next inspiration. She’s straight up, sassy, and always hilarious. She’s got the best sides of a woman.
FL: From the start, you have gone after your dreams and become successful doing what you love. What’s the best piece of advice you can give to someone looking to do the same?JM: Get up. Dress up. Show up. Don’t ever give up.
Season 2 of “The Real” Talk Show begins September 15th, mark your calenders!
