I was a hop-around. I hung out with the rockabilly crew, the guys who were trying to be rappers, the funny kids.

I'm not ashamed, or embarrassed. I'm happy that I grew up listening to gospel music and came from where I came from. I feel like I have a history and a story. That's what I am and that's what I'll always be from. I was never running away from it.

Like my freedom. If I feel like I'm being controlled, I get crazy. Because I know I made it this far by following my intuition. I think people like who I am, and I like who I am, and I want to be a better version of myself every single day. So stop controlling me!

I can't be the candy queen forever.

People tried to do a lot of stuff with me early in my career where they tried to shape me into one thing or another. They couldn't just take the chance and go with my vision - which was just my intuition, really.

I did a lot of thrift and vintage. I would mix those pieces into some of the more inexpensive items from Express, Gap, Old Navy, and Clothestime.

I had two cars repossessed, tons of debt. I had a horrible job that was damaging to my soul. After being on three different labels and knowing everyone and hearing yeses and nos and "You're it!" or "You're s - t!" I was depressed. But I never took no for an answer and really believed in myself.