Rachel Stevens talks about being a strong role model, juggling work and motherhood and what ‘sexy' means to her in an exclusive interview for the March issue of Essentials magazine. Read on for a sneak preview...
Rachel on perfection...
It's easy to worry about being the perfect parent. I do it all the time. But it's scary to think that you are responsible for this child's everything. How do you help them become balanced people and be happy? I'm a perfectionist, but I've learned that you just can't be perfect as a parent.
On being a good role model...
Be kind, but be strong - that's how I try to be and that's what I tell the girls. I really want to be a good role model for them and I think the most important thing is to make them believe in themselves. I've had times when I haven't believed in myself and times where I have - you can achieve more when you do. I think if you have confidence in yourself you really can do anything.
On juggling work and motherhood...
Being a working mum is like one big juggling act. Some days I feel I've got it sorted, but often it feels like chaos. But I'm lucky that I get to do a job that I really love. I think it's important to have something for yourself and I like going out to work. I've always been ambitious and that hasn't changed. Last year, I was rehearsing for a new S Club 7 tour while flying out to Ireland every few days for The Voice. At the same time, I was still trying to be a mum for the girls. It was brilliant, but very full on.
On her pop idol...
Kylie Minogue has always been my idol. My mum still reminds me of the time when I was ten and went to one of her concerts. I was in awe of her dancing and singing, and I said to my mum, ‘I'm going to do that one day'. It was a dream that found me. I still admire Kylie for her longevity; she's amazing, so professional. She works really hard and I remain a huge fan. I've only met her once and I was totally star struck.
On being a sex symbol...
I have never been overtly sexual. Too much flesh on show is overload. I am either bottoms out, top covered or top out, legs covered. Too much is too much; no one needs to see that. Most of the time I don't feel all that sexy, although I will dine out on being FHM's Sexiest Woman Of All Time until I'm 100.
To read the full interview with Rachel, pick up the latest issue of Essentials on sale now.
Inside the new issue, you'll find:
- Exclusive interview with Rachel Stevens
- 30% off Glossybox beauty treats
- 139 fashion trends to suit your shape
- Mums beware! Are your kids making you fat?
- Flipping tasty! Pancakes with the wow factor
- Eyebrows made easy: lose 5 years in minutes
