On leaving the L.A. scene

“In my twenties, I was an actress on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,and I danced as a Fly Girl on In Living Color. But I gave it all up after getting married and having a daughter, because I wanted a schedule I had more control over.”

On building her own business

“Five years ago, I bought a jewelry-design manual, then signed up for a class. At first making jewelry was just a hobby, but in 2009 I turned it into a business [marietodd.com].”

On her kinder, gentler workout

“I used to dance eight hours a day, but can’t imagine doing that now! I hike and take Pilates because I love to cook—and eat.”

On her beautiful skin

“I started buying Olay as a teen—though now I use the anti-aging line! My favorite is Olay Regenerist Serum [$20; drugstore.com]. I also love Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep [$35; bobbibrowncosmetics.com].”

As told to Nikki Ostasiewski