TASTY TALK: GARCELLE BEAUVAIS-NILON

1.    Congratulations on the launch of Petit Bijou, your new line of charms & jewelry for kids & teens.  Tell us about your inspiration for the line.

My inspiration came from watching my baby boys playing with their toys and seeing  how they gravitate to the simple toys. I also wanted to stay creative while being at home with them. I remember as a little girl wearing my mom's jewelry or playing with Barbie jewels. The line is simple ... organic, colored cords with simple charms to show a kid's personality. We have teddy bears, ballerinas, guitars, crowns, dinosaurs, hearts.

2.    With 3 sons & a hunky husband, you're definitely outnumbered by all the men in your life!  What's it like to be surrounded by so much testosterone?

It's fun & keeps me on my toes.  I'm the princess & I can also keep up in a game of basketball.

3.    How has having twins at 41 differed from the first time you had a baby in your 20s?

I feel like I am more woman now. I also have more patience & I don't sweat the small stuff as much. In my 20's I felt a need to have a big career.

4.    Your twins were born 6 weeks early because you had signs of "pre-eclampsia."  Was this scary for you?  Do you have any advice for Tastybaby readers who may be coping with similar worries?

It was definitely a scary time for me, even though my doctor was more worried about me than the babies. I prayed & prayed that we would all be ok. My advice would be to listen to your doctor & try not to read everything online, because sometimes theres' too much information out there to scare you & with modern medicine now there's so much they can do to help.

5.    Is it tricky getting your teenage son to make healthy food choices?  Does your family eat organic foods & do either you or your husband, Michael, like to cook?  Any specialties?   

It's hard to get a teenager to eat healthy! After basketball practice, Oliver & his friend will go to In & Out, or what ever fast food is close. We don't eat organic, but the babies do. I really wanted them to have a healthy start. I cook almost everyday, all kinds of yummy foods, from lasagne, to baked chicken, pork chops, rice & beans ... you name it.

6.    You were born & raised in Haiti until the age of 5 & you speak fluent French. Do you feel that your background gives you a different outlook on the world than most people in Hollywood?

I'd like to think so!  Respect was something that was instilled in me, as well as treating people kindly & the importance of integrity, so for me as much as I love what I do, I would never sell my soul for this business.

7.    Haiti is a far cry from California, and many people living there are just struggling to survive, so environmentalism may not be most Haitians' first concern. Is this important to you & your family?  How will you teach your twins about the precious resources of our planet?

We have to look at the bigger picture &  right now things are changing so much on a day-to-day basis. our weather, the pollution. It's our responsibility to help leave our planet behind in great shape. I think Jax & Jaid will only know about helping our planet because that's how they will be raised.

8.    Pregnant or not, you are always a vision on any red carpet!  We know you started your career as a model, but tell us a little about your approach to fashion and how you developed your own personal style?

I absolutely love fashion. I was hoping to have a girl & her first word would be "Gucci!" :)  My approach is simple -- it's what speaks to me. I love classic sexy style. I don't mind following a trend, but I try & make it my own & now age-appropriate is key for me.

9.    As many people know, you posed for Playboy. Was this something you had always wanted to do?  What did it symbolize for you, as a woman?  (And, how'd it go over with your teenager?!  Did he get any comments from adolescent friends?)

Playboy was strictly for me. I wanted to know that I could do it & to be a black women on the cover of Playboy is a big thing. In my home, we talk about most things, so of course I told Ollie if he really felt uncomfortable about it, then it would be a no for me. He handled it in a very mature way. He brought it up to his friends & told them to get the jokes out now, so they did & then they went about their business.

10.    And now, here's the question we ask everyone:  What makes you "Tasty?"

As I started to answer these questions, my husband said, before falling asleep, "you're tasty baby!" Now I wish I had asked him what makes me "tasty!" I'd have to say my confidence, (not that I don't have insecurities), but I guess I can hide them well. I know who I am. I'm a great wife & a great mom, and that's the best part of me -- my family.