I grew up upper-class. Private school, my dad had a Jaguar. We're African-American and we work together as a family, so people assume we're like the Jacksons. But I didn't have parents using me to get out of a bad situation.

My mom has always told me that beauty fades but inner beauty is forever. There's nothing more beautiful than a woman [who] takes care of [herself].

I've worn dresses from all different price ranges, and the thing that couture dresses have in common is that the fit is amazing.

My mom is one of those people that you feel honored to meet. And no matter who you are, you fall in love with her because she is spiritual, she's inspiring, she's strong, she's funny, she's creative, she's talented... she's everything that I want to be.

To me it's sexier when it doesn't look like you go to the gym. I feel best when I'm not really thin and not really heavy - when I'm still curvy.

I was so shy and when my sister was born I found it hard. I was really strange and kind of too quiet.

I know I'm stronger in the songs than I really am. Sometimes I need to hear it myself. We all need to hear those empowering songs to remind us.