celebrity interview: brini maxwell
Television hostess, producer, author, podcaster, inspiration, Brini Maxwell is the picture of grace, panache, ingenuity, moxie, charm and elan. The fetching star of The Brini Maxwell Show on the Style Network and author of Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living, she expresses her ideas and passions in an accessible, high-spirited manner that makes you feel she is speaking directly to you, not unlike Mr. Rogers' one on one approach to communicating with his grateful audience. Listen to Brini, read Brini, see Brini and you'll know you can be you and create a space in the world around you that reflects who you are, a space into which you can invite your fellow human, and maybe a cutie pie terrier (or two). You can create your own life. As someone who went from hosting her own NYC cable access TV show out of her '50s and '60s treasure trove apartment all the way to her multimedia success of today, Brini Maxwell is truly a self-made Brini.
ultranow: They say first impressions are everything. Can you share a tip or two on how to create the best first impression?
Brini: First impressions can be so important. I think the best way to make a positive first impression is to treat everyone with respect and dignity. If you display the nobler characteristics across the board you can’t help but leave everyone thinking highly of you.
ultranow: You’re a gal on the go and now thankfully all us other gals or guys on the go can take you with us, thanks to Brini Maxwell's Hints for Gracious Living, your enchanting weekly podcast on alt.NPR. My favorite so far has been “Cheese – Milk’s Leap to Immortality”. What's your favorite thing about podcasting?
Brini: My favorite thing about podcasting is my favorite thing about recorded media in general – it’s a performance that is created and can be experienced for indefinite times hence. I love that my performances go out into the world and reach people everywhere.
ultranow: You’ve found a way to share ideas for living without feeding into the whole “Keeping up with the Jones'” mentality that permeates so much of society today. How do you do it?
Brini: I think it has to do with individuality. It’s important to find out who you are and to be yourself as unselfconsciously as you can. If you’re treading your own path then the Jones’ and what they’re doing don’t really figure into it.
ultranow: Say it’s my third date with a guy, and I’m finally ready to invite him over to my apartment. Assuming I don’t live in a castle, what can I do to help create a romantic mood?
Brini: Lighting has a lot to do with it. If you don’t already have them, install some dimmer switches. Having control over the level of light in your room is all important to creating a mood. Add some candles and you’re sure to win your man!
ultranow: If you could be a home economics teacher for a day, what’s a project you would give the kids?
Brini: Probably sewing. It’s becoming a lost art.
ultranow: What’s next for Brini?
Brini: Look for a line of products that I design for a new company – Felix Populi and also later this summer, look for a new podcast – this one will be video and will feature segments from the original access show that started my career. In the mean time, stop by my website: www.brinimaxwell.com for information on all my projects as well as handy tips and recipes.
ultranow: Thank you Brini!
[Photo: Bradford Noble. Brini with a duster from the book Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living. Photo via www.brinimaxwell.com.]
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