Dresses by Pink Polka Dot
Makeup by Ferro Cosmetics
Going Green...
It's a Reality for TV Star Brande Roderick.
By Carrie Stevens and Elena Terrones
Photos by Steven James May
Brande Roderick proves she's more than motivated. This beauty means business. She's balancing her success as an actress and television personality with healthy living. Happily married to former Denver Bronco Glenn Cadrez, she lives in San Diego and is a step-mom to three. Signing on to host Playboy TV's newest reality series Playboy Shootout, she's also releasing her first book Bounce Don't Break - Brande's Guide to Life, Love, and Success and is most recently known for her wildly successful stint competing on last seasons Celebrity Apprentice. In this interview, Brande gives Envi-image some ingredients to her winning formula.
Envi-Image: What's Playboy Shootout about?
Brande Roderick: Ten teams of photographers and models compete to win a layout in Playboy magazine. It's been a great experience for me but also bittersweet because I had to be the bearer of bad news and I know how much winning means to these girls.
EI: You did so well on Celebrity Apprentice, were you ever intimidated?
BR: Not at all because I always believed that I had what it takes to win. Plus, I was motivated by the idea of raising money for the charity I support. I raised $168,000 for California Police Youth Charities to use for tutoring programs, college scholarships, and fun events for "at-risk" kids. I'm grateful that I can use my image to help others.
EI: Speaking of your image, you were a Playmate of The Year, and you once lived at the Playboy Mansion. How did Playboy change your life?
BR: I've gotten to where I am today because of Playboy. It's been a great stepping stone and still continues to be a huge part of my life. I feel that any person can take the opportunities they're given and turn it into something great.
EI: Do you have any advice for young girls who want to make it in Hollywood?
BR: Be prepared to put in the hard work! If you have the drive to follow your passions and aren't willing to take no for an answer then you can be successful! You can't be a softy in Hollywood, you have to be able to take rejection. I cover these topics and much more in my book out this Spring.
EI: It's amazing how motivated you are. What inspires you?
BR: My family inspires me. I absolutely love being married and have a wonderful family. For me, the end result of my hard work is ensuring that my family and I get to a comfortable place where we're happy and get to spend time helping others by getting involved with charities.
EI: Does having a family make you feel responsible for making more eco-friendly decisions?
BR: It does because I think of my children's future and I want them to have a nice life. I feel it's my responsibility to do what I can so they can enjoy a safe, clean earth.
EI: How did you start being green?
BR: It's been a gradual process. I've always recycled but gradually became more aware of the things I do and how it affects our earth. Eventually I started making small changes like becoming more aware of water conservation. You'd be surprised, but a lot of people still let the water run while brushing their teeth and there's just no need for that. Now, I try to think of the environment as much as possible. I only use green cleaning products/household items and use Brita, which is a water filtration. I'm also more conscious about waste so I choose glass water bottles over plastic and go to the grocery more frequently so my produce doesn't spoil. I also drive a Prius!
EI: Is it hard to be green?
BR: Sometimes it is. For example, the area I live in is a suburb of San Diego so it's harder to find healthy alternatives. I think small communities will become green friendly as more awareness gets out there.
EI: In addition to everything else, you also have a website, FinanciallyHung.com. What's that all about?
BR: FH is an online business and social networking site, similar to Linkedin, only a sexier version because we've got celebrities, athletes and playmates as members. What also makes us different is that we offer our members exposure by hosting red carpet events. Our next event will be at the playboy mansion: www.gamedayattheplayboymansion.com
