She’s best known to soap fans for her gutsy portrayal of misunderstood troublemaker Lindsay Rappaport on One Life to Live, a character she played for ten years, but her career in daytime spans an impressive three decades. From her first role on the CBS soap Texas in 1980, the bright, beautiful actress has captivated audiences and fans. Over the years, she’s become an entrepreneur, makeup/beauty expert, author, and hypnotherapist. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on more than one occasion and I’m thrilled to share this interview with the one and only… Catherine Hickland.
You're a very busy lady these days. What are some of the projects you're currently working on and what can you tell us about them?
I am currently on my summer tour for my live stage comedy hypnosis show and loving every minute of it. From October 14 through November 6 I will be performing three shows a day at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, one of the largest fairs in the country. When I was a kid, I used to love going to the fair, and to be performing for so many people a day is a blast, it makes me feel like a kid again just being there. 2012 is going to be a busy year too. I already have Florida and Delaware on the schedule and more cities are being added now.
My book, "The 30 Day Heartbreak Cure," has been optioned for a reality show by the same production company that produces Gene Simmons Family Jewels. We just shopped the pilot to several networks so we are waiting to hear back on whether we are picked up. It's a very cool show and people will see themselves in the people who are on it. Like most reality shows, it's a train wreck, but incredibly inspiring and extremely entertaining as well. It reminds me a bit of The Biggest Loser but in the emotions department, which is my specialty.
Explain a little about what your show "The Hypnotist" is and why it was something you wanted to do at this point?
I have always been fascinated with the power of the subconscious mind and how it works and why we do what we do. I saw Pat Collins, The Hip Hypnotist, when I was a teenager and her show blew my doors wide open. When I started out as an actress, I always said I would act until it wasn't fun anymore, and with One Life to Live that became the case. After a successful thirty-year career as an actress, I decided it was time to find something that would deeply challenge me on every level, satisfy me creatively, and still remain in the entertainment business, which I have not grown tired of.
I went back to school during my last few years on the show to get the best education I could get, and prepared myself to transition to author, Hypnotherapist and then take my knowledge and passion into live performance. Making people happy and laugh while showing them what the power of their mind can do is incredibly rewarding. Becoming a public speaker was a bonus. I can motivate people like nobody's business and I love it.
You're celebrating 10 years of Cat Cosmetics. What are you most proud of about having your own successful cosmetics line?
That we are still here! I am told that most businesses don't make it to the two-year mark. It has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but again, very rewarding because the product I produce is the absolute best there is. I say that as a fact, no ego involved, and not just because I own the company. My cosmetics have changed the way women see themselves and Hallellujah for that! Our brand is "Look 10 years Younger in less than 5 Minutes" and we deliver.
How has the company grown or evolved since you started? Has it exceeded your original expectations?
I have constantly added new products over the years and we have not had a single one that has failed. That's quite something. I never expected the company to become as big as it is in terms of how many products we offer, but it is still a small line, comparatively speaking. Personally, I don't want a million choices, I want what works and what makes sense and what will make me look and feel on top of my game, and that's what the line is.
What I love most is how it has put me in touch with people all over America, and allowed me to know the heart of a girl, and a woman, what they like, what they want, and need. It has helped my other work in ways unimaginable.
What are some of the products you're most excited about?
The "No Baggage" under eye de-puffinator is a gem, as is the collagen Elastin face cream which will change the life of dry skin overnight, and at less than $30.00, you won't find anything that compares.
I love my smolder smokey-eye-in-a-minute stick which takes the mystery out of the application and onto the eye. It's fool- proof and gorgeous (I am never ever without it). All of my bronzers are superb, and Rich lip gloss brightens the face in an instant. I am all about the Glow.
The 'Hello Gorgeous!" Kit is beautiful, and the "Look 10 years younger in less than 5 minutes Kit" is just nothing short of a miracle. It has everything you need to get started. Ten years younger without a scalpel? I'll take it!
I'm proud of the fact that it's the highest quality makeup you can buy, and it's all super affordable.
Are there any particular discounts or specials you'd like About.com readers to know about?
We have specials every month, and for your readers only, we will have a special promotion. Put ABOUT in your checkout at Cat Cosmetics and get 20% off everything your heart desires until November 15.
We also will be having awesome free gifts with purchase for the rest of the year, and not junk, but really hip and cool stuff! I hate when a makeup company offers me a gift with purchase and its some weird color cosmetic I'll never use. Check out what we have as our gift, it'll blow your mind and December is going to really rock for Christmas!
You were in soaps a long time, and you are also a soap fan, what do you want to say to the loyal fans of One Life to Live and All My Children?
I love them with all my heart and soul. They are more than fans, they are friends and family to me. Some of us have been tied to each other for my entire career and through many shows. I would like to say that I believe that the shows will live on under