FASHION
Q: Why is leading the workshops on women discovering
their own individuality important to you?
Laila: I’m passionate about sharing the experiences I have had - both
by it anymore, and I also wanted to start a family. So even though I
physically wasn’t necessarily ready to stop, I felt like I had to, because
there was no driving force behind me to keep me training at the elite
level I was at. I have so many other projects and business endeavors to
keep me busy that I have no desire to return to boxing.
Q: I’ve read before that your father didn’t really want you to
box originally (too dangerous). How did he feel as he saw
you progress in your career?
Laila: My father was definitely not that happy about my decision to
ups and downs - with women who are looking for guidance and
inspiration. It’s important for women to uplift and support each other.
That’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with T.J.Maxx on The Maxx
You Project for the second year in a row. box. Women’s boxing was so new, and he didn’t know anything about
it. But what he did know was that it was a tough sport and there was
the possibility of me getting seriously hurt. Once I began boxing and
showed him that I could handle myself in the ring - and even won
some world titles - he relaxed a little bit. Though he was never fully
comfortable with it, he always showed me the support.
Q: You have a new cookbook out and are hosting a home
show. Have you always been interested in homemaking and
that kind of thing or is that a new endeavor?
Laila: I have always enjoyed decorating, cooking and of c ourse, Q: I’ve noticed you are also involved with philanthropic
programs and community service messaging, like eye health
and dental health. What inspires you in these efforts?
Laila: It is natural for me to use my platform for these efforts and
enriching people’s lives in any way that I can. Hosting the program,
“Home Made Simple” on the OWN network was a natural fit for me. programs. Since I am passionate about health and wellness, I am happy
to advocate and be an ambassador for many different causes that help
improve people‘s lives through health and wellness. Giving back is not
only necessary, but it is also something I require of myself!
Q: I know your cookbook is geared toward a healthier
lifestyle. What changes in diet or lifestyle made a difference
for you personally?
Laila: I encourage people to eat clean - stay away from processed foods
and junk foods that not only have no nutritional value, but are actually
bad for you, because many times, they are full of chemicals, bad fats and
toxins. It’s also important to be active. You don’t necessarily have to be
an athlete or run a marathon, just get outside and get your body moving.
Q: You have worn so many different hats during your career
– and you are only 40! What is your secret for taking on so
many endeavors, yet allowing time for friends and family?
Laila: I am an ambitious person and feel like I can conquer anything
that I want to, but it’s not always easy to wear so many hats! It’s very
important to have my priorities straight, because there is always a
million things I need to get done and never enough time to do them. I
have set a routine for myself that I follow, which makes it easier to get
through my day. Of course, my family and my well-being come first, so
I’m always sure to keep them at the top of my list!
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Q: You retired from boxing as a four-time undefeated
champion, correct? What were your feelings about retiring
from the sport? Do you ever see yourself back in the ring?
Laila: I decided to retire from boxing because I just wasn’t inspired
GAZELLE
Q: In what ways do you empower your children to live their
authentic life?
Laila: I teach my children to believe in themselves and not to let fear
hold them back. I also encourage them to speak up for themselves,
because how they feel is important. My hope is that these lessons will
help them to become confident in life, so they can go after all of their
dreams full force.
Q: You always look so beautiful. What is your beauty routine?
And how are you able to pamper and take care of yourself
with such a busy life?
Laila: I keep it simple. I wash my face in the shower, and I use tinted
moisturizer and mascara daily. My routine only takes five minutes and
that’s all the time that I’m willing to give it.
Q: What is the beauty product that you can’t do without?
Laila: I love Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.
T.J.Maxx
In its second year, The Maxx You Project hosts a series of workshops
and an online community to connect women with one another
and surround them with a ‘shecosystem’ to inspire and co-create
solutions - and allow women to tap into the momentum of others to
accelerate their own journeys. I had a blast kicking off the first of three
workshops recently in Los Angeles, with intimate talks and networking
opportunities, among other activities.
As part of its commitment to women’s individuality through the
power of community, T.J.Maxx is launching The Maxx You Project
group on Facebook, making it easy to connect and collaborate. It
offers women a digital space that will inspire her with online resources,
connections, and support she needs to embrace her individuality.