Both my mom and my grandma were really big influences on me not only by being strong and teaching me to be strong but also owning their salt as well.

I am proud to be a normal size girl and I want to encourage everyone to be confident at any size.

I don’t care about being stick-thin. I don’t want stuff to jiggle. Really skinny actresses make me hungry — I see them and think 'Honey, you need to eat!' I’m lucky I don’t have to live like that. I feel my best when I’m a toned, not flabby, size 8. Women come up to me and say, ‘You’re beautiful and confident, and that makes me feel I can be, too.’

When I got a record deal I said, 'I'm only wearing jeans. I'm not wearing frilly dresses.' Dancing around in sequins is just not who I am. I wanted to be heard, not seen.

Texas people are really strong in their roots. I started writing and playing guitar at 17. I've always loved music, and my dad is a singer-songwriter.

I think being a Texan - we sort of have that extra fire in us as a breed. I just felt like from day one I had something to say and I wanted to make sure people heard me, and it's worked.

Be confident and comfortable with yourself. If you know us, we are definitely not shy, and never try to be anything we are not. No matter what anyone tells you, you are perfect, just the way you are.