The last step will be letting my hair go natural. That's when you'll know I'm free.

I believe everyone should have the freedom to represent what they believe-in in their own way.

I've seen some great write ups and I emailed her the other night because I saw her on an awards show recently.

I believe that whatever your religious preference, there has to be a commitment to family because everything really does start there.

I think it's dangerous to look at every Muslim woman the same and to assume that every experience within the religion is the same, meaning that there are going to be strong and assertive women that are Muslim. There's going to be a more passive woman who just so happens to be a Muslim. There may be a funny, big-personality woman and she's Muslim.

When you are single mom - don't be afraid to get out there and date, and have a little bit of fun. We're still women... we're still feminine... and we still have needs.

It's hard to judge yourself. Each Essence cover represents a different special moment in my life. One is about keeping it sexy in my 40s, so I'm not mad about that either.