My mother taught me the principles of hard work, setting my own goals and visualizing my future. From my early days with Destiny's Child, I understood I had to be focused and dedicated if I wanted true success. We were taught we needed a plan and the discipline to execute that plan to the fullest. I strongly believe if you work hard, whatever you want, it will come to you. I know that's easier said than done but keep trying.

I felt like it was time to set up my future, so I set a goal. My goal was independence.

When you're a pop star, it's a little conservative; you always have to stay in a box. You have fans that are five and fans that are 65; there are so many people wanting so many things.

Baby it's you. You're the one I love. You're the one I need. You're the only one I see.

I grew up in a very nice house in Houston, went to private school all my life and I've never even been to the 'hood. Not that there's anything wrong with the 'hood.

And my husband and I have been together for 10 years, so I guess people felt a part of it and it makes me feel really good

To be able to travel the world, especially to places I never thought I'd be it's really, you know, still fascinating for me.