Solenn, the ‘Renaissance Woman’

The expression “jack-of-all-trades” isn’t new to us, especially in showbiz where it is often used to describe actors or actresses who are able to act and perform well with a striking appearance to match, but Solenn Heussaff takes it to the extreme.

Apart from hosting, modeling, painting, cooking and her superb skills in make-up, business and fashion design, the Kapuso star has time and time again showcased her remarkable flair in acting and singing. Undeniably more than just a pretty — if not stunning — face, her social media accounts are a testament to her sophisticated, chic, classy and most of the time, quirky personality that we just can’t help but adore.

Currently, Solenn’s schedule is kept pretty hectic with tapings for the top-rating telefantasya Encantadia, GMA News TV’s lifestyle show Taste Buddies and the newest comedy-musical show Full House Tonight. A couple of days ago, she also teased her Instagram followers with a photo of one of her vibrant paintings and used the hashtags #SolennxKaeden #SolennArt, which is possibly a clue to another art exhibit she’s working on.

It may be impossible to believe with her fit figure but in her book, Hot Sos, Solenn talked about her struggles of being bullied in school for her weight when she was younger, causing her to crash diet and develop unhealthy eating habits. At one point, she was even hospitalized for it. Thankfully, all that’s in the past now as she shares the advice that got her through it: “If you fall, you will rise again, no matter what.”

But despite the lot of achievements and her sexy, fierce persona is a lady with a soft heart. When asked about the most important person in her life, Solenn straightaway answers her family. “If they can be considered a person.” In fact, on the eve of her brother’s birthday, Erwan, Solenn along with a couple of friends surprised him by shouting “Happy Birthday” and throwing him a slice of chocolate cake while he was asleep. The video was only a minute long but it showed us a glimpse of her closeness with Erwan and the silly, loving relationship they have. 

The worth of this relationship isn’t lost even on material things as she proudly shares the thing she utmost values — her family heirloom. “Yung family ring ko, it’s a crest ring,” Solenn says.

Speaking of rings, Solenn also mentioned one of her special and unforgettable moments. “My wedding,” she smilingly says. On May 21 of last year, Solenn tied the knot with her then fiancé Nico Bolzico in an intimate but picturesque wedding in the majestic church of Château de Combourg at Brittany, France. Present at the wedding were only the couple’s closest family and friends.

Career-wise, Solenn is as busy as one can be, but the actress proudly says that she loves Taste Buddies most among her many shows. “Yun talaga eh, five years in the running na.” She then went on to say how the cast already feels like family to her after being with them for so long. But when it came to roles, Solenn utters her Encantadia stint as Cassiopeia the closest to her heart. “It’s the first time people really called me Cassiopeia sa streets or kahit saang lugar,” the Kapuso actress shares.

She’s already been to countless places and has met people from all walks of life, but Solenn makes it clear that it’s all about every experience and lesson she gained. “For me, every day is a learning step. Dati ayoko talaga mag-showbiz tapos ngayon na nandito ako, I get to meet so many people and learn so much about people.”

Solenn also makes it a point to take breaks from work every now and then. One look at her Instagram page and you’ll immediately notice how much of a jet-setter she is, traveling to countries like Hong Kong, Argentina, Abu Dhabi, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Japan and more. But when asked for her favorite place, she couldn’t name just one. “For me, all my travels are treasured because I learn something and I experience something different at each country, walang mas better sa iba, they all bring something different to my life,” she explains.

Beaches and mountains are common backdrops in a lot of her photos and most of her vacations are spent outdoors, being the nature-lover that she is, which is why when asked for a message she wants to impart with her followers, Solenn without hesitation says, “Take care of the planet and the planet will take care of you.”

Beyond a perpetually strong personality, Solenn has genuine skill, passion and drive that one simply cannot help but admire. Surely, this woman will conquer the world — beauty, wit, that sultry smile and all.