Grace Byers — The Bare Magazine

There is much to admire about Grace Byers, who stars as Quinn in “Harlem,” streaming on Amazon Prime: the way she seamlessly blends into a role, her cool look, the fact that she penned the New York Time’s best-selling children’s book “I Am Enough” and is an advocate for the organization Saving Our Daughters. And now there’s even more of Grace to love, as she’s expecting her first child! So when the Caymanian-American actress said yes to our request to feature her in The Bare Magazine, we were honored and thrilled. During our time together, we got to hear Grace’s musings on motherhood, beauty and more. Thank you to our fabulous new friend — and her soon to arrive plus-one — for a most enriching afternoon.

The Bare Magazine: Can you share some of the most enlightening aspects of being pregnant for the first time?

Grace Byers: Every person's pregnancy is different. There really is no one-size fits all. I felt this truth innately so early on. Even with a myriad of opinions floating towards me regarding pregnancy and birth, I felt such a kinship to my own spirit. There's something about getting pregnant at a time when you've really come into a grounded sense of self and identity. You realize how clear you've become about yourself, your needs, your boundaries and are able to educate yourself on the rest. It's been a deeply self-empowering time.

Bare: What changes in your body have you been adjusting to most...both inside and out?

GB: So very much. Common things have happened like heartburn, fatigue, charlie horses and muscles aches. So much is moving and shifting to accommodate Baby. I'm getting short of breath now and hubby tells me that I've begun to snore at night! Comfort is also getting harder and harder to come by. Baby is kicking passionately and I continue to gasp in awe every time it happens. I can't wait to meet this little person! Growing another human being in your own body is truly a miraculous thing. Internally, it's a naturally sensitive time, so I'm feeling things more widely and deeply than I ever have. I'm finding that as I expand externally, I'm also expanding emotionally and spiritually. All of this has been a pure wonder to observe and experience.

Bare: Speaking of changes, how are you enjoying your long mane of natural curls?

GB: It feels so wonderful to have my long, wild hair back! In college, my hair was its own person. People would literally know me by my super thick and curly hair. It was such a statement that when I thought of cutting it, I couldn't find one person that was on board with the idea! I did it anyway and it ended up being such an iconic hairstyle for my career that growing it back out felt like I was coming into a new season of self. I have no plans of cutting it again soon.

Bare: Please share your fitness routine and some of your diet staples/supplements? Any cravings?

GB: Currently, I'm sticking to a walking schedule of 30-60 mins, along with prenatal stretches and pelvic floor work. I also incorporate strength training 1-2x a week, if I can. I've put a concerted effort on resting as needed: napping, any stretches of sleep at night that I can get, and making sure to not stay on my feet all day. Both activity and rest have been essential for me during this time. Prenatal, probiotic and calcium supplements are on the docket daily. The biggest craving I have is for crushed ice. I'm not anemic or anything — I just love it right now. I found it to be so strange until I found out that my Mother-in-Love craved crushed ice throughout her entire pregnancy with Trai!

Bare: Have you been excited about the response to "Harlem?" What do you love about your character? In what way does she inspire you?

GB: I'm always grateful when people are able to deeply resonate with any art that I may do or be a part of. Quinn is so wonderfully endearing and a true darling. I'm inspired most by her courage and tenacity as she continues to take risks to discover who she really is. Quinn has courage, class and a heart of gold — I absolutely love her.

Bare: Are you looking forward to a nice maternity leave and some family nesting time?

GB: Currently in it as we speak! It feels well-earned and I'm so happy to soak up every moment of this time of nesting and resting.

Bare: Have you gone pretty clean/green with your beauty products? What are a few go-to’s lately?

GB: Absolutely. Before pregnancy, I religiously incorporated my multiple step AM and PM skincare routines. I'm unabashedly obsessed with skincare. Since I can't use many of those products now, I've scaled down to the basics. My constant go-to’s are Cerave's foaming face wash and moisturizer, Supergoop's Mineral Sunscreen, Hatch's retinol alternative for pregnancy called 'Brighten Up' and Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanical Serum (man, oh man, I love that thing). Lastly, no makeup. I love going bare-faced whenever I can.