Known as the sassy, fiery redhead in the original Pussycat Dolls, Carmit Bachar is placing her individual stamp on the industry.  Never settling for less and being a pioneer for cultivating creative freedom and innovative thinking, Carmit knows no boundaries. Dancing before she would even walk, she has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, Wyclef Jean, and Macy Gray.  And now Carmit has created a sizzling Hollywood platform—where new talent and celebrities share the stage in a multi-genre, music-driven, concert-style theatrical show—as she has seamlessly moved from her beginnings in dance into the areas of choreography, directing, music, and production. Starting off as an all-night underground celebration, the show has grown to become one of the hottest tickets in town and is claimed as the next step in the evolution of entertainment. Carmit was bursting with endless energy when we caught her on the way to a rehearsal for the glamorous LA BeBe Fashion Show, for which she was booked to perform, host, and integrate elements of her self-produced “Zodiac Show.”

Mateo Magazine: Having been born into an entertainment family, what was school like for you?
Carmit Bachar:  It wasn’t until I started going to school, when the kids were making fun of my cleft palate, that I realized that there was something different about me.  This reaction left me with inhibitions, but I used dancing, acting, and singing in the choir as outlets in an attempt to be artistic in any way and fully express myself.  

MM: You are an ambassador for Operation Smile and have started your own non-profit, Smile with Me.  How has that experience been?
CB: Really rewarding.  I help build self-esteem, encourage imagination, and inspire through the creative arts. Operation Smile has been in existence for more than 25 years, and they surgically repair facial deformities all over the world. As a teenager, I always donated money and followed the organization’s mission. When I became a Pussycat  Doll, I worked for Operation Smile as a Spokesmodel and in turn wanted to create my own project, Smile with Me.

MM:  In February 2008, you left the Pussycat Dolls to pursue solo projects. At that time, what were your thoughts on leaving, and in what direction did you want to go?
CB:  My partner Lee Cherry and I produce a show called “The Zodiac Show,” which began as an underground party in LA’s top venue, Avalon. I left  primarily because of a development deal with Interscope for our show.  This all happened right before the recession, with the music industry going down the drain.  Labels were dropping artists and anyone who worked with them.  We were lost in that mix then, but now we’re on a whole new page.

MM: Tell me more.
CB: Since I left the group, I’ve been creating and working with so many different people.  “The Zodiac Show” is all about the music, from originals to covers.  Every show is completely new and different. We have both new and established artists alike.

MM:  Sounds like you’ve really created something special. What are your future plans for the show?
CB: (laughing) We want it ALL.  And there is definitely a lot in the works for now.  The possibilities are endless.  We want the brand to be bigger than just the name. We want to continue to be a platform for stars to fully express themselves. Artist development, in a way.  Adam Lambert, who has been in the show for several years and became an American Idol, exemplifies this.  The mainstream is still easing into his glam-rock style.

MM: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
CB: I was actually leaving the Avalon the other night when I was approached by cameras and asked, ”Would you collaborate with Lady Gaga?” I love her, and she loves me.  I would love to work with her. I respect her and what she has done with the underground scene by bringing it to the mainstream.  She has created a niche for herself and is not afraid to look the way she does.  I respect that she is a true artist. But actually, Gwen Stefani would be the absolute ultimate!!!

MM: What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
CB: I’m not a true redhead.

MM: What? No way!
CB: (Laughing) It’s true.

MM: Well, the red is beautiful.
CB: Thank you!

MM:  Any final words for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
CB: The reality of the situation is that you’re not going to dance forever.  When you’re young, you may think, ”I can always be doing this.”  But as you evolve, you are going to want more.  The dance industry is ever-changing.  One minute you’re “it,” and the next minute, you’re not.  You’ve gotta morph into it.  For me, producing was a natural evolution.  I was always choreographing or working with people.  It was natural to be the glue. 

Keep it moving.  Keep on pushing. And never give up.  You don’t fail if you don’t give up.