HOW TYLER PERRY MUSE TASHA SMITH LEARNED TO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE.
“Let’s just say I’ve absolutely had peaks and valleys in my life,” says actor Tasha Smith, currently starring in Tyler Perry’s TV series For Better or Worse. “I believe that obstacles are not there to take us out; rather to show us how strong we are as human beings. I’m stronger today than I was yesterday because I haven’t been tapped out in life. Any person can remember the hard things that they’ve gone through, however we’re probably more courageous and encouraged about the future because of the victories we’ve had in our past.”
Tasha, and her identical twin, Sidra, grew up in Camden, New Jersey, raised by a single mother. And to say that things weren’t always easy is an understatement. The actor has been open about her past drug use and victory over it. Now married to Keith Douglas, and stepmom to his five kids, she’s found her happy place in life.
Through all her ups and downs, Smith’s spirituality is what has made her a survivor. “My ability to overcome has given me resilience and the ability to snap back,” says Smith. Even with that, however, everyone has to have a foundation or source of faith. “One of the greatest things we can have as human beings is the ability to have faith in ourselves, in our future and in our purpose,” says Smith.
WEIGHTY ISSUES
“I like to be around 140 pounds and I’m not there right this second and it makes me really mad,” laughs Smith. “It’s not for lack of trying.” The 42-year-old enjoys and looks forward to working out with her personal trainer, Scott Barker, and especially likes boxing. “That’s one of my favorite workouts,” she says. “It’s fun, energetic and it keeps me alert and aware. I love the way I feel afterwards.”
Smith also likes to take her workouts outdoors and enjoy a little solitude. “I love hiking in the different canyons near my home in Los Angeles. It’s a nice visual experience and good exercise,” says Smith.
The actor also eats healthy and starts off each day with a nutritionally packed shake made with spinach, kale and berries. The actor doesn’t drink dairy so if she wants her smoothies a little creamier, she’ll add almond milk. She also keeps a hard-boiled egg on hand for a healthy on-the-go snack.
She admits that she’s not always perfect, however. “I love Häagen-Dazs ice cream, Red Vines and popcorn,” she says. “I don’t even say, ‘Let’s go to the movies,’ I say, ‘Let’s go get popcorn!’”
A REAL-LIFE PRINCESS
For Smith, her life now is like a fairy tale come true. In addition to acting, taking care of her busy house, working out, and running her Tasha Smith Actors Workshop, she recently launched her own perfume line called US. “It’s a citrus-y, sexy fragrance. There’s the citrus part and then there’s the floral scents for sexiness. Aromas and fragrances can set a mood for me and citrus makes me feel fresh and vibrant – and sexy,” says Smith.
“I’m living a truly blessed and balanced life, which means I’m taking care of myself along with everyone else,” says Smith. “You’ve got to give back to yourself as much as you give back to everyone and everything else. Just keeping myself in an inspirational place keeps me in a happy place. I don’t like being unhappy. If I’m leaving the house fearless, courageous and inspired, I’m gonna win – I can’t be stopped.” VM
