I feel like you have to tell people who you are, but you don't have to be disrespectful about it. But you also don't have to be a shrinking violet.

Whenever I get to talk to young girls like me I always say, 'The only difference between you and I is that I know that I'm special and you just don't know that you are yet.'

I come from a very small, poor town just outside of the Chicago area and I know what it's like to dream and accomplish some of your goals, but I would never want to do a show where I am preaching to anyone because I do not like being preached at. I want to learn right along with my audience and every show will be a collaborative effort. I am so thankful to Debra Lee and everyone at the BET Network for providing me with this unique opportunity and platform.

I feel like I've reached a point where music has become just as much a priority to me as my acting, and I'm glad to feel that way.

If you focus more on the inside, you'll feel just as great about the outside. I feel attractive when I'm doing good and helping people.

I would love to direct videos and that's what it keeps moving towards, but I have to stop being scared in order to do that.

Follow your heart's truth with no need for personal gain other than the feeling produced when doing what you truly love.