There have been so many people who have said to me, 'You can't do that,' but I've had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach.

I don't see a white woman. I see a black woman, even though my mother is white. Knowing that has made my life easier, I think.

Just to be true to myself, which is why I did this movie. I figured everyone was going to freak out and say, 'Why would you do that after Dorothy Dandridge?' My answer is 'Because I can.' And that feels really good to be comfortable saying that.

Facials are my biggest beauty indulgence. Looking good is about having a good base. It's about taking care of your skin.

My mother helped me identify myself the way the world would identify me. Bloodlines didn't matter as much as how I would be perceived.

It gave me strength and toughness because I had to face reality, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it was.

Beauty is not just physical.