Supermodel Kathy Ireland is more than a pretty face -she’s also a savvy businesswoman. Her swimwear, accessories and workout clothes are selling like hotcakes, and she has one of the most visited celebrity sites on the Web.Discovered by an Elite modeling agency scout when she was 17, the Glendale, Calif. native flew off to Rome for her first big modeling assignment the same day her graduating classmates went to Disneyland. Since then she’s appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Glamour, numerous calendars and has even released several fitness videos. She’s also been featured in the films, “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon” and “The Players,” and on TV’s “Suddenly Susan.”These days, the 36-year-old lives in Southern California with her husband, Greg Olson, an emergency-room physician, and their children, 5-year-old Erik and 1-year-old Lily Marie. And in her free time, she teaches Sunday school. -Farrah Weinstein
Q: What do you do to relax?
A: Spending time with my family is the most relaxing thing in the world to me.
Q: What can’t you live without?
A: God and my family.
Q: What’s your workout routine?
A: Most of my workout comes from sports. I also augment routines with that I’ve learned from my fitness video.
Q: How do you take care of yourself?
A: Balance. With two little ones you don’t get a lot of sleep, so I try to eat healthy and stay centered.
Q: What are some of your favorite things?
A: Nature, the beach, hiking and surfing.
Q: Favorite clothes?
A: Obvious but true: my sportswear, bodywear and swimwear collections.
Q: Favorite food?
A: My mom’s chocolate-chip cookies.
Q: Do you follow a special diet?
A: I don’t believe in dieting. It makes you cranky and wreaks havoc on your metabolism. It’s just about choices and portions.
Q: Describe your personal style.
A: Comfort is very important. As a working mom I need clothes that move well from car pool to a meeting. I don’t like clothes that are too fussy.
Q: What gives you substance?
A: Faith.Q: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
A: Anything that I’ve ever said or done that has been hurtful to anyone.
Q: What do you wear when relaxing?
A: Comfortable fabrics – like matte jersey and cashmere – from my collections.
Q: What do you wear for a big night out?
A: Makeup and fabrics that shimmer.
Q: Do you have any special health tips?
A: Lots of water, fresh fruit and vegetables, and enough exercise to feel strong.
Q: What do you use to accessorize?
A. A handbag, the right jewelry, a stunning watch . . . they can all make an outfit come to life.
Q: Whose style do you most admire?
A: My mom, Jacqueline Onassis and Audrey Hepburn.
Q: My closet is full of . . .
A: Prototypes for and samples from my brand.
Q: Some would say I have too many . . .
A: Work projects.
Q: Some would say I have too few . . .
A: Free moments.
Q: What aspect of your style do your friends tease you about?
A: When I first started modeling swimwear, many people said I was a prude.
Q: What was your most embarrassing fashion moment?
A: Leaving home looking as though I’d just gotten dressed in a dark closet, which I had.
Q: What would you love to own but would never buy for yourself?
A: Jewelry. I love designing it; I never buy it.
Q: If you had more free time, what would you do with it?
A: I would spend more time with my husband and children, continue my education, learn how to cook and perfect my surfing skills.
Q: What tips have you learned over the years from makeup artists?
A: Too much makeup keeps your face from looking fresh. Develop your own personal style and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Q: What don’t you ever leave home without?A: A diaper bag.