Beatrice Marshall: I'm lucky to be doing what I love

Despite being a public figure, Beatrice Marshall is not your typical celebrity. She does not seek attention and prefers to spend quality time with her husband Paul. At work, she moulds all the new faces that grace the television screen while bringing us serious news. She spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA and NJOKI KARUOYA about her life.

My mother was a strict disciplinarian. We grew up in the usual setup where dad was at work most of the time and mum had to be super mum.

I was not so close to my mother when I was growing up because she was harsh. But when you grow up, you begin to understand why she needed to be that way. Right now, we are very close. I love to do things for her and we are always involved in our little ‘mother-daughter’ projects.

My mother is a role model and super woman to me, the epitome of what a woman should be. She raised all of us and made sure the farm was productive despite having a full time job.

Many people ask me how I manage to keep my figure trim. The truth is I do nothing as it’s in the genes. I guess I got it from my father’s family who are naturally trim. However, I still try to keep fit. I also eat healthy. Kenya is lucky because we have fresh food.

I buy my vegetables daily because I like the freshness. After work, I pass by the supermarket and buy vegetables. Twice a week I go to City Market to buy meat. For breakfast, I eat cereals and drink tea.

Occasionally I have a glass of wine but I’m not a party girl and I have never liked the bar or party scene. I do have a taste for fine food, though.

When it comes to dressing I favour style over fashion. True style and glamour is timeless. I love colour but I do not like to experiment.

I will go for the classical look any time so you will never find me in anything short as I’m very conservative. You will also never ever find me in jeans. What’s funny though is that whenever I travel, I buy a pair but end up not wearing them.

Secret vanity

For cocktail events or formal functions, I like to wear something classic, like an evening gown or a sari. Flippant or ‘suggestive’ outfits are a no-no for me. Nicely fitting trousers work best for me, whether it is with a matching coat or shirt as they create a serious and comfortable look. At home, you will find me in linens, white trousers and a blouse.

Everyone has a secret vanity and mine is my skin, especially my face. Spending time in front of harsh lights with layers of makeup can damage the skin so I spend quite a bit of money on facial products to take good care of my face. Also, every morning when I wake up and every evening before I sleep, I cleanse, tone and moisturise my face.