I've had mentors who were kind of the troubadour singer-songwriters, like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and that's just what I've always liked - people who would talk real honestly about their lives and their circumstance.

Like every girl, I felt amazing pressure to look like the popular girls, but no one told me the popular girls were all air brushed in magazines.

Optimism is a choice. Cynicism isn't smarter - it's just safer.

I developed a loyal following. No one knew I was homeless.

Amazingly, I've been sort of an anomaly in the music industry. I feel like I've been able to exist as kind of a throwback artist.

Music has given me a career. But even if it doesn't become yours it teaches you confidence and allows you to express your creativity.

Telling the truth to yourself and someone you can trust are great ways to help elevate your whole emotional quality.