Style Observer: How important is fitness to you (seems very important judging by those abs)?

Yendi Phillipps (YP): Fitness is very important to me because overall wellness is a lifestyle; taking care of my body, mind and spirit allows me to function in this busy world.

SO: What inspired you to create ‘In the Dance’?

YP: Well I am a dancer. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and continued to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Dance has always been a part of my life and has always been my way of keeping active and staying fit, so I created this product to share with everyone how we can use our own Jamaican dance culture to get and stay in shape.

SO: Everyone struggles at keeping up with hectic schedules, yet finding the time to stay active and eating well. Now that you’ve added mother to your roster, how do you manage it all?

YP: Balance is key! In order to be the best at your career, give great parenting, be a good partner, and excel at whatever you pursue you have to be the best version of you first! I believe it is important to be well, feel well and eat well and take good care of yourself so that you can give a ‘ready’ version of yourself to those depending on you. And of course planning and structure is key in making it all work.

SO: What are your top three beauty tips?

YP: 1 Drink lots of water — Two litres a day.

2 Moisturise every inch of your body daily.

3 Get a good sweat in at least 3 days a week. Rid your body of toxins and release endorphins which helps your overall ‘feel good.

SO: What were you like as a little girl? We’re sensing tomboy…

YP: I was a bit of a tomboy growing up being my Daddy’s ‘shadow’ and playing with my brother and mostly male cousins and male neighbours but I didn’t mind putting on a dress, getting dolled up and playing in my Mummy’s make up either.

SO: Favorite moment in your career, other than shooting for this story, of course?

YP: (Laughs!) Good one, Luca! One of my favourite moments is still placing 2nd in the Miss Universe competition being the first Jamaican to go that far creating history for my country; I am still very honoured and humbled by that experience.

SO: Favorite thing about Jamaica?

YP: Our food and beaches. And the perfect marriage of the two is Hellshire fish…it makes me VERY happy!

SO: We all have that one clothing item that we just can’t let go of. What’s yours?

YP: Right now, it’s my ‘boyfriend jeans’. I love the comfort of the loose fit and the edge of the rips. And of course I am still a flip-flop girl. Don’t think that will ever change.

SO: We don’t think a girl ever forgets what her first big designer splurge was. What was yours?

YP: (chuckles) I remember when I bought myself my first Louis Vuitton handbag. It was nice to own one but I felt even better about buying it for myself.

SO: What word best describes Yendi?

YP: Effervescent!