Rising to fame when she starred in reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex, Lucy Mecklenburgh now runs her own fitness, fashion and beauty empire, with her online personal training programme Results With Lucy rising in popularity by the minute.
With such a busy schedule, from photo shoots to designing clothing collections for Pretty Little Thing, she still manages to find time to fit in an admirable social life. We asked the new face of Barry M how she does it all and what one beauty product she’d be lost without…
Do you prefer the cameras being on or off?
I enjoy both, but in moderation. Towards the end of TOWIE, I was feeling overwhelmed and craving a more private life, but I also massively appreciate the opportunities it has given me. It’s given me a great platform that has led to amazing things like my collaboration with Barry M! I still pinch myself on photo and video shoots…
What one beauty product would you be lost without?
My Barry M Lip Liner in Tan, this is an essential everyday item!
What makes you feel empowered?
I absolutely love trying new makeup looks out and it makes me feel great when I’ve done all my makeup for a night out, had a blow-dry and put on some sexy high heels! However, I believe that true empowerment comes from empowering others and feeling confident from within.
What advice would you give those wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be yourself, follow your own path and create your own story. Work hard and be passionate about whatever you decide to pursue.
If you hadn’t ended up doing your current job, what would be your dream career be?
I’m passionate about good food, so something that encouraged people to try new things, and be a bit more adventurous would be ideal. A nutritionally smart Chef maybe. But my dream as a child was always to be a ballerina.
Do you have a saying /mantra in life that you swear by?
Life is a reality show, not a rehearsal.
In your eyes, what are your 3 biggest achievements?
1) Climbing Kilimanjokaro and raising lots of money for charity!
2) Overcoming my fears to compete on the BBC gymnastics show Tumble
3) Creating Results With Lucy, the first online fitness/nutrition platform in the UK and having an amazing talented growing team working for me.
Who inspires you the most?
I think Victoria Beckham has done amazingly well to transform herself from Posh Spice to top fashion designer! Plus she’s a busy mum, and she managed to bag herself a pretty good fella along the way. But the most important woman in my life is my mum. She has always worked hard and brought up 3 kids. When I was younger she had 3 jobs. My parents were really key to me becoming who I am today and reinforced to me that you should be independent, work hard and never rely on anyone but yourself
What impacts your decision to do something: the effect it will have on you personally or the effect it will have on those who look up to you?
I think you have to do something for yourself first otherwise it won’t come across as authentic. If what I’m doing can have a positive effect, then it makes it even more worthwhile.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff is the first thing I’d say, most of those sort of problems just melt away in a few days or weeks. The other big advice I’d give is to accept yourself for who you are. If you do that, then nobody can put you down. Easy said, and difficult to live, so it would’ve been great to start young!
What mistake do you often see people making when they’re climbing the career ladder?
I think lots of people are either too fixed to a plan, or don’t have a plan at all. Somewhere between those extremes is where the magic happens. Have a goal, make a plan, then roll with the punches. Oh, and learn from your mistakes!
How do you balance your home and work life – especially with you being in the spotlight?
I gave up trying to balance “different” aspects of my life ages ago, because I felt that approach was another stress to deal with. I try to deal with things on a week to week basis. I just make sure I enjoy everything I do and put my body and soul into it – but I always make time for seeing my friends and family.
