Jeannie Mai talks about new GSN show 'Steampunk'd,' 'The Real' and her passion for fashion

Jeannie Mai’s career trajectory through Hollywood has been incredible. Her resume is quite impressive, but the truly inspiring part is the grace, poise, and spunk that she has demonstrated at every stage of her career. Jeannie began her career as a makeup stylist working with celebrities such as Christina Aguilera and Rosario Dawson. From there, Jeannie's unique style paired with her vibrant personality propelled her to becoming a well-known TV personality. She has hosted everything from the Style Network’s Emmy-nominated show How Do I Look?, and she has worked numerous red carpets as a correspondent for E News, ET, The Wendy Williams Show etc. Her impressive resume goes on and on.

Currently, Jeannie is a co-host on Fox's The Real. Jeannie along with her co-hosts; Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Tamera Mowry-Housley, and Adreinne Bailon cover many aspects of pop culture. Their candor, humor, and chemistry has make them one of the highest rated shows on Daytime TV. Jeannie is also the host of GSN’s new show Steampunk’d. “Steampunk” can be described as a “retro-futuristic design movement seen in everything from fashion, to technology, to pop culture.” This show follows contestants, known as “Makers”, as they transform an ordinary home into a masterpiece. In this competition, 10 Makers compete for the chance to win $100,000, with one maker being eliminated every week.

TheCelebritycafe.com had the opportunity to chat with Jeannie about all the things she’s been up to.

TheCelebrityCafe.com: Since the VMAs have just passed, I want to take a moment to talk about fashion. What did you think about this year's looks? Did you have any favorites?

Jeannie Mai: Yes, my own, I thought my dress was amazing, it was made by Shane Peacock. I love the VMAs because it’s always wild. I have been covering the red carpet for many years, and the fashion can be so boring and safe. People are in gowns, but come on, there are fifty other award shows for gowns. This is the time where you can come out of an egg, you can wear a piece of paper, there is just so much you can do. Miley Cyrus satisfied me! She brought it down! I loved everything she wore, and the message. I also loved Nicki, she was cool. It was a gown, but it also very risqué. Ciara was also a favorite because it was like an art project, and she really represented the Steampunk’d aesthetic: It was edgy, it was dark, and it had a lot of sex appeal to it.

TCC: You use the term “wearapy”, can you tell us a little about what that term means?

JM: Wearapy is something that I learned as a little girl from my mother. Wearapy is the power to control your mood from the outside in, meaning you can completely create the attitude and the mood you want to have, from what you wear. We women sometimes make the mistake of wearing what we feel we should be wearing because of our mood. Women have busy lives: We are mothers, entrepreneurs, we are educated, empowered, and ambitious. We also get tired, lazy, hangover, or even sad. If you dress for those moods, you can get stuck in them. Example, if you are feeling lazy and you wear a pair of sweats you’re probably going to feel lazy for the rest of the day, and you’re probably going to hide from anyone that would see you, you’ll be less motivated to do anything because you’re not dressed for it. Whereas, if you’re feeling lazy and you throw on the easiest stretch cotton maxi dress, you will look and feel a lot cuter, you’re going to be more motivated to get more things done, plus you’re not going to be embarrassed to run into anybody you know.

TCC: Steampunk’d! Wow! I have never seen a show like this. The concept is amazing. What attracted you to this show? What made you want to be a part of it?

JM: I had to get involved because when I was seventeen I lived the Steampunk life, and it was everything to me. I discovered it in San Francisco, and it ended up being the most welcoming industry to celebrate creativity, art, self-expression, and the ability to stand out. People who live in the “steampunk era” are adventurous, they have a great sense of humor, they’re fun, creative, they have a unique sense of style, and that’s what defined who I am today. So when I found out that GSN had picked up on this raging trend and was creating a show about it, I was like yes please, how do I jump in, it was a no brainer.

TCC: What can we look forward to seeing the rest of the season? Any big moments we should keep our eyes open for?

JM: Yes! This is just the beginning. It’s already getting pretty heated, with everyone’s personalities really coming out. Get ready because these people are here to really complete. There are going to be not just one, but a couple of ambulances. Things get heated! There is more drama than ever as the teams begin to divide with each other. I kind of picture it to be a Lord of The Rings situation. It gets hot!

TCC: I know your other show, The Real is returning in a matter of days. I gotta say, it's one of my favorite shows on daytime TV. What are you most excited about this coming season?

JM: I’m excited to be able to sit down every day and watch my favorite talk show, then watch Steampunk’d! every Wednesday. It couldn’t be better. I’m having the time of my life right now.

TCC: Do you have a dream guest that you hope would appear on the show:

JM: Nicki Minaj was one of my favorite guests we’ve had on a previous episode. She was just dope, she was amazing, fun, and vivacious. My dream guest would have to be Beyoncé.

TCC: You are known as a fashion guru. Have you considered designing your own fashion line?

JM: I’ve always been someone who when I jump into something, I want it to be different. There are so many amazing fashion designers so I don’t even know how delve into it. I want something that is different and something that’s a signature look to my passion. Next year I’m thinking of coming out with my own line of áo dài, the Vietnamese customary dress. I’m going to make different versions of it because the Vietnamese customary dress is a very sexy, feminine, an empowering look that is part gown and part tunic. It is very shapely to the woman’s body. It’s just one of those pieces that no matter what size you are you can always rock it.

TCC: How do you manage your crazy schedule? Between hosting shows and red carpets, where do you find the time to do it all?

JM: You make the time! You have to make the time for things that you’re passionate about. There is nothing I’m doing different than any other woman: The woman that is a mum and is coming home to cook for her husband, she’s running her business, keeping up with her girlfriends, I’m doing all that as well around my career. I’m very passionate about it, I’ve been working hard at what I do since I was fifteen years old, so there’s no letting go now.

Steampunk’d! is on GSN every Wednesday at 9/8 Central. Also keep an eye out for The Real, which returns to our TV screens weekdays starting September 14th, on Fox 5.

Be sure to follow Jeannie on her Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.