Camille Winbush Talks Self-Care Essentials, Embracing the Quarantine and Favorite Bernie Mac Moments
Camille Winbush is deeply rooted in our nostalgic memories. Winbush has starred in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Any Day Now, Disney's Geppetto, The Bernie Mac Show, and so much more. She has the accolades to back up her incredible talents, but she also has our hearts. While interviewing her, I was shocked to find out that throughout her lively career she, as of recently, feels the most confident. "At thirty, I would say that I am the calmest and most secure I have ever been. I have learned through self-reflection and therapy sessions that it’s okay to put myself first. And being confident in my own capabilities does not make me arrogant".
Working on oneself and going to therapy creates a deeper meaning of beauty. From our adolescent years throughout our adult years, our personal definition of beauty should evolve with experience. Winbush reflects on this notion. "Beauty is an action. There’s a saying that goes 'Beauty is pain'. When I was younger I thought wearing makeup, heels and tight dresses, and having a flat stomach made one beautiful. But now that I’m older and a little wiser, I believe that beauty is being comfortable and feeling confident no matter how you look. And being kind always adds a little sparkle. I rarely wear makeup anymore and oddly enough, I get more compliments now than I did when I’d go full glam."
Some self-care essentials that Winbush takes seriously is the power of saying "no". Being present for people more than being present for self is a destructive approach to feeling worthy. "Learning how to say no has changed my life. I used to feel pressured to always say yes to things because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I’d end up being miserable just to please others. So now, I say no when I feel the need and I don’t beat myself up about it." A few other self-care essentials suggested by Winbush are, "chilled water, a cheesy snack, vaseline (for my lips, kind of an obsession), and something good to watch while I doze in and out of sleep on the couch."
The quarantine hasn't challenged Winbush in the realm of silence and solitude because it's something she prefers and is naturally comfortable with. Her advice to her younger self and young adults all over is to "slow down and don’t be in a rush to do everything. Also, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should."
The Bernie Mac Show left an impressionable mark on the world's heart. She still hasn't completely left the character "Nessa" because fans refer to her as such all the time. The streets can't let her go! "The experience on that show was unforgettable and probably my most informative years on a set and I will always be grateful for that. Some of my favorite memories with Bernie are when we’d be sitting on set in-between takes just talking. He’d share stories from his upbringing, give bits of wisdom, and always throw some jokes in. I learned a lot from him. He also came to support me at one of my gymnastics competitions once. That was epic!"
Ever since Winbush covered India.Arie's song on The Bernie Mac Show I've been waiting for an album. Her voice is beautifully vulnerable and soulful, and something that the world needs. "I won’t say never, but singing is something I do for myself. I worry that if I tried to make a career out of it, the fun would disappear."
