We’re barside at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge at Acropolis in Barbican Centre with media workhorse Khadine Hylton. The radio host, television personality and ad spokesmodel — at the lounge as a guest judge for a Jamaica Observer Food Awards tasting — is in typical vivacious mode, and as she keeps us entertained with her quick wit, we talk love and life lessons.

Happy belated birthday. How did you celebrate your big day last week?

My birthday last week was the best birthday ever. It was really intimate and special with family, friends and fans. My team surprised me with a get-together and then I had my own ‘get together”. It was truly awesome and unforgettable. Fabulous gifts and well wishes and memories for a lifetime. I feel like I’m 21.

What are you sipping?

I’m trying the Ribbiz Dream cocktail. It’s made of Absolut Kurrant, white rum, pineapple juice and grenadine.

We’re now seeing another shade of your media personality as a hard-nosed interviewer on the TV programme Impact tackling serious issues. Is it a fulfilling role?

It is indeed a very fulfilling role, one for which I am very grateful. I’m getting to expand my reach and also to show that I am a multifaceted presenter. Some would like to stereotype or limit brand ‘Miss Kitty’ but I don’t let the limitations of others negatively impact my big dreams! I must say thanks to Cliff Hughes for presenting me with the opportunity of being part of such an esteemed programme and I do look forward to going from strength to strength.

Is there a lion taming ‘Miss Kitty’ these days?

Miss Kitty doesn’t need taming but I wouldn’t say he’s a lion… he’s more of my gentle giant… my L1Don!

How is Khadine Hylton, the woman, different than Miss Kitty, the personality?

Khadine Hylton is the homebody who loves to watch HGTV,CNN, MSNBC, E!,The History Channel and just relax! Khadine enjoys her own company. Miss Kitty is the vivacious diva who is over-the-top and very colourful. The no-nonsense businesswoman who is true to her craft and her brand! Miss Kitty is fierce and fearless.

You’ve been a guest judge at a number of Jamaica Observer Food Awards restaurant jaunts. Which has been your favourite stop so far?

Wow, it has been amazing! My favourite spots have been Strawberry Hill and Crystal Edge Restaurant in Irish Town. The food and the company were fabulous and the oxtail from Crystal Edge is still making me salivate.

Who does your hair?

My hairstylist is Miss Nuvia Chin of LeChin Beauty Salon. She’s a very talented and creative young lady who works magic with all kinds of hair, whether you grow it or sew it. She has the best hands in the world.

Who does your nails?

My nails are done by Katherina Harris, also of LeChin Beauty Salon… from my signature “claws”, to my sexy stiletto nails to my tamed short nails or just my natural manicure. Her pedicures are wonderful and she always has the best and latest colours.

What are your must-have beauty essentials?

I must have my “SURE” deodorant spray! Must have my Vanilla Sugar Bath and Body Works lotion and spray! Must have SPANX and lip balm or gloss!

Any new projects we can expect to see you working on in the coming months?

Most definitely! I’m always looking to broaden my horizon and looking to grow. A new TV show is in the works, as well as diversifying my radio show Miss Kitty Live, which now airs on Nationwide. I’m also looking to introduce brand Miss Kitty into other markets and those goals are being worked on as we speak. Of course there is the clincher but I can’t let the “puss out of the bag” just yet!

What or who was it in the media that made you pursue it as a profession?

Media happened to me, to be quite honest. I never set out to pursue it as a career and my mind always envisioned a courtroom and gavel. However, I’m very grateful for the path that I have chosen and though it comes with much responsibility I wouldn’t trade it. I consider myself extremely blessed to do what I love while impacting people’s lives every day. I’m also happy that I have explored the profession as a radio and TV presenter, a newspaper columnist, an author, a public speaker and I’m just so happy for all the opportunities that this profession has presented to me. I’ve always admired Miss Lou, as an authentic strong Jamaican woman… one whose mastery of the language wows and inspires many. Miss Lou is my media darling and inspiration.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

A perfect date starts with being in the company of your special person. For me I like quiet and romantic, so a nice candlelit dinner on the beach at the Sandals resort in Grenada would be right up my alley. I love to dance, so some great “mushy music” like those I play on my radio show on Nationwide 90 FM Miss Kitty Live would be very appropriate. The likes of LJ Reynolds, Isley Brothers and Aretha Franklin featuring George Benson.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

I’m not looking for a perfect man. I’m more about a man who will love me, flaws and all. A man who will love me unconditionally. I pay more attention to a man’s character as opposed to his “perfection”. Even the greatest men have flaws and sometimes perfection can be the enemy of great. That said, I love a man who is romantic, intelligent, thoughtful and respectful. I’m a believer in reciprocity…I will treat you how you treat me.

What’s the most surprising thing someone would discover about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that I’m old-fashioned. When it comes to manners, etiquette, respect, and just general deportment. If there is something or someone that I’m passionate about, I’m loyal to a fault…and mi tears deh near! I’m a very emotional and gentle person until one crosses the line! I’m easy-going and easy to please but I don’t accept mediocrity. Persons might be surprised to know I’m my harshest critic but I don’t get complacent as I always try to improve and become better. I’m a workaholic and I love being spoiled and pampered.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

An expansion of my brand locally and globally, writing more books, and hopefully by then I will be a wife with a beautiful family. I would also be almost finished with my law degree and contributing to the growth and development of my country. I see myself even hotter than I am now and by then I should have either gone to Rome, Bora Bora, The Seychelles, or St Tropez or all of the above. Five years from now I see myself happy, healthy and still working hard…being a voice and not the echo.