Minnesota-Born Stylemaker Gretchen Carlson

An interview with native Minnesotan and FOX News’ Gretchen Carlson

There is a memory I have, and a feeling of excitement and pride to go along with it, of when a beautiful and talented classically trained violinist from Minnesota won the Miss America Pageant.  I remember everyone was talking about it, and everyone’s chests were just a little more puffed up.  You couldn’t help but smile and be happy that Our Minnesota Girl who won the Miss America Pageant was not just beautiful—no, she had the whole package; she was talented and smart too!

Gretchen Carlson is this Minnesota girl, and is currently the anchor of FOX News Channel’s The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. This week marks the one-year anniversary of her show, and I had the opportunity to do a written interview with her.  Currently living on the East Coast with her family, she is a Minnesota stylemaker causing big waves nationally.

Congratulations on the one-year anniversary of your show The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. Personally, as a mother of two girls, the segment you hosted where you went on camera with no makeup was particularly interesting.  In an industry that is very image-conscious, that was an inspiring statement.  What was your inspiration for this segment?

Gretchen Carlson: “I wasn’t intimidated to go on LIVE TV with no makeup because that is who I am thanks to my Minnesota roots! Natural! I did it to honor “The International Day Of The Girl” to show girls and young women that the most important thing is to build your self-esteem from the inside out. Also, over 40 has been very liberating, and I don’t really care what other people think. Trust me. I’ve heard a lot of criticism over the years, but my dad gave me the best advice ever, which is no matter how hard I try, I’ll never get everyone to like me. Good advice.”

Gretchen, you have been blazing trails in your own style for a long time.  You were the first classical violinist to become Miss America, you covered stories like the Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster and 9/11, are a national Spokesperson for the March of Dimes, you were in the movie Persecuted, and now with your show The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson.  Do you have any advice for anyone looking to discover their own personal style and voice?

Gretchen Carlson: “Thank you. I was lucky enough to have parents who told me I could be anything I wanted to be and I believed it! Even as a chubby kid, who could play a mean violin, I had big goals in life. My high school English teacher gave me the motto “Carpe Diem” (seize the day), and I always have. I believe every person has been given a gift and the important thing is to work hard and cultivate it!”

With such an exciting year behind you, what are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?

Gretchen Carlson: “Love, health and happiness for my two beautiful children – Kaia, 11, and Christian, 9. No matter how hard I’ve worked, I always wanted to have a family and I am so blessed that all worked out. Also, I am so lucky to still have both of my parents, the best role models a child could ever hope for.”