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CNN Live Saturday

Interview with Kathy Ireland

Aired July 20, 2002 - 18:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: The name Kathy Ireland is probably known to most of you because of her work as a supermodel. But her career includes home fashions, health and fitness, acting. Now she has a new book. It's called "Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life."

And Kathy Ireland is joining us this afternoon from San Francisco. Thank you for being with us today.

KATHY IRELAND: Oh, thank you, Catherine. I'm here in beautiful San Francisco for the San Francisco Furniture Market with my partners in furniture, Standard Furniture, and all my partners with my home collection.

CALLAWAY: Now I was looking at everything that you're involved in and as you mentioned, furniture, clothing, fitness videos. You're also an actress. You do so many different things. Kathy, how in the world did you have time to write a book?

IRELAND: Well, I started my company in 1993, and the mission statement of my company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, is to find solutions for families, especially busy moms. I'm reaching out to busy moms because that's what I am. That's what I know, and I know this woman has been underserved.

And, the book, "Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life," the reason I can be so bold as to say these lessons will change your life is because the inspiration's behind the lessons don't come from me, they come from God. And, if you apply them to your life, your life will change. And, in the book, we talk about powerful beliefs and boundaries on the pressure that women have today to have it all.

CALLAWAY: Was it difficult to have the faith that you have, and you can certainly tell in your book, and have the career that you've had, being a supermodel. Did it work against you in any way?

IRELAND: You know, in many ways, I think it really helped me. I became a Christian when I was 18 years old. I was modeling in Paris, which sounds much more glamorous than it really was. I was staying in a home where I didn't feel comfortable and basically I'd lock myself in my room after work and it was out of boredom and loneliness and jet lag, but I picked up a Bible that my mom had packed, and as I started reading I was just blown away. And, the relationship I had with the Lord helped me to not compromise my values. And, I have to say I've made many mistakes, and been humbled many, many times. But you know what? It's never too late to learn.

CALLAWAY: I just wondered how that fit in among your peers.

IRELAND: Well you know, I was the rebellious teenager. And, as an 18-year-old, I was wondering, you know, what am I doing here in this crazy world? But, it allowed me to rebel against the unhealthy behaviors. The negative activities.

CALLAWAY: You have two children. Did you have any idea how difficult it was going to be to have children and have a career like you've had?

IRELAND: I didn't fully understand the challenges or the joys. Being a mother is one of the most life-altering changes in the most wonderful way and it certainly changed everything. I always knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a mother. That was definitely a priority and it's shifted my desire and ability to travel for work, it's changed the way my husband and I relate to one another, we can't behave in childish ways, we understand that children absorb everything. And, it's been incredible.

I work with wonderful people who support me. And, my beliefs are about the business needs to serve the family rather than the family serve the business.

CALLAWAY: Do you think this book is really going to help women out there who may be struggling, maybe the mothers out there who are trying to have the career and be a good mom too?

IRELAND: You know, I felt very strongly for my first book I wanted it to be something that I feel passionate about. And, with the demands on everyone's time and resources, going to the bookstore, buying a book and investing the time to read it is a big commitment. I wanted this to be attainable information that would help a person navigate through the challenges we all face. And, being a busy mom myself, I've learned so many things and a lot of things I've learned the hard way. I look at failure as education in that respect I'm very well educated.

CALLAWAY: Kathy Ireland, thank you so much for being with us.

IRELAND: Thank you.

CALLAWAY: And we should tell everyone that the book is called Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life. Thanks Kathy.

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