My father worked hard, but we were still very poor; and I didn't want anybody arguing about money, so I became the entertainer, the one who wanted everyone to be happy. I didn't want there to be any problems.

I always wanted to be a fashion designer and I learned costume illustration in high school. That was an incredible high school. It was more like a college. I'm moving more in that direction, just kind of merchandising my name.

I keep a great organiser, I try to keep my priorities in the right place.

I have never gotten into the label thing.

I want to go Africa. I want to go to China. There are some places I want to go not to work, but to really explore and to see for my own education.

I'm not really a songwriter - I'm an interpreter. So in a sense I am an actress first and foremost. I act out the songs, and I lead with my heart.

My children come first and the career comes in around that.