Etta James is my all-time favorite singer. I've said it in every interview, in every story, in every on- and off-camera question. That music was always such a huge escape for me, even from a young age.

I'm not a 9-to-5 woman who has the same kind of lifestyle for years on end. I couldn't do it.

I want to be an all round entertainer, I want to act, make films, make albums, do whatever I can.

I was known as the little girl with the big voice.

Growing up with the childhood that I had, I learned to never let a man make me feel helpless, and it also embedded a deep need in me to always stick up for women.

I think you can really gauge my state of mind by listening to my albums.

Thankfully, I have my mom and a small group of close friends who are there for me 24/7 and whom I can trust and depend on.