Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s was tough if you were a girl. Make-up had not evolved into this cornucopia of products available today for people of all shades and skin types. One of the pioneers that helped make such a thing become a reality, was make-up artist Bobbi Brown.

As a life-long fan of Brown’s, you can imagine how excited I was to interview during her visit to Miami’s Dadeland Mall in support of her new book Pretty Powerful, in stores now. This book is quite different to her past books because it’s not about technique but about inspiring women with messages from some “Pretty Powerful” women. “pretty Powerful” focuses on how you feel instead of how you look.

Here are some excerpts from my interview:

As a longtime fan of the Bobbi Brown brand, I’m very excited to be meeting you today and learning about your latest book. Tell me what we will find in the pages of “Pretty Powerful.”

“The book is called “Pretty Powerful” but I really wanted it to be called, “Pretty Powerful Beauty Stories” because that’s what it is. Every woman has a story, and [this book] is a collection of inspirational stories. For me just spreading the message is because I really believe the better I take care of myself, the better I feel. I see a very equal playing field that all women are the same, no matter who you are. I wish I knew what I know now when I was younger, but I know it now.”

One of my favorite actresses has been hired to be Bobbi Brown’s first celebrity spokesperson. Could you tell me why you decided to collaborate with Katie Holmes and when can we expect to see her ads.

“I never set out to hire a celebrity. It’s not like we sat down and said, whose available? We are not a brand that really promotes celebrity. But I had met her through friends when she just came to New York and I liked her instantly.

Since I do fashion shows, I asked her if I could do her show [during New York Fashion Week S/S 2013] and she was so thrilled. I was looking at her, and I don’t think she had very much make-up or any at all, and I asked her if she would ever consider doing a collaboration and it happened. I’m really proud of the choice because she is amazing! She really is as unassuming and as nice as you can imagine. She is normal and she’s working really hard trying different things.

The ads will be breaking in January, and we’re still figuring it all out. She will probably be in 3 or 4 different things and then in the fall we worked on a Katie/Bobbi palette which you can imagine will be the perfect palette for brunettes!”

Click here to learn more about my Adrianna Papell dress and for more fashion and beauty!

As a native Miami girl, I was so happy to see you dedicate an entire collection to my city! What inspired you to create the line?

Miami is my city too because growing up in Chicago, we were snow birds and traveled a lot to Miami during spring break and winter break. It’s my favorite place, I love walking around the boardwalk by the water. Yesterday, I walked and ran to my music for an hour and a half. So here I am in Florida, listening to Flo Rida! I just love Miami!

I love the trees, I love the breeze, I love the water and I love the feel of it. It’s my favorite city.

The holidays are coming up and people might be wondering what to get the special lady in their life. What Bobbi Brown products do you suggest they pick up?

They should probably run now and get their wives the Caviar and Oyster Palette. How about they buy a pair of pearl earrings and some caviar to give to them with caviar and oyster palette?

After our interview with Bobbi, I chatted up Bobbi Brown’s Global Artist Rogelio Reyna who gives us insight on the “Pretty Powerful” collection.