Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a cultural icon and global superstar, has achieved unparalleled success in the entertainment industry. With a staggering 32 Grammy awards and countless other accolades, she has cemented her status as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Beyond her music career, Beyoncé has ventured into various business endeavors, including her own haircare line, Cécred. Her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to break boundaries have made her a force to be reckoned with.
In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Beyoncé opened up about her extraordinary journey and her personal life. She reflected on the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with international stardom, emphasizing the importance of self-care and finding personal joy.
As Beyoncé continues to evolve and inspire, her legacy as a global icon remains undeniable. Her ability to break rules, challenge norms, and redefine success has made her a role model for countless individuals around the world.
Read excerpts from the interview below
I wanted everyone to take a minute to research the word cowboy. History is often told by the victors. And American history? It’s been rewritten endlessly. Up to a quarter of all cowboys were Black. These men faced a world that refused to see them as equal, yet they were the backbone of the cattle industry.
The cowboy is a symbol of strength and aspiration in America. The cowboy was named after slaves who handled the cows. The word cowboy comes from those who were called boys, never given the respect they deserved. No one would dare call a Black man handling cows “Mister” or “Sir.” For me, SirDavis is a sign of earned respect. We all deserve respect, especially when we give it.
Making liquor has been in Southern families like mine for many generations. The Jack Daniel’s famous recipe? That was heavily influenced by a Black man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. He was a former slave who became Jack Daniel’s master distiller. Now, there’s a delicious whisky, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, named after him, that is run by two women – Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, alongside Fawn Weaver. Victoria, in true legacy form to what Mr Nearest started, is one of the first Black female master blenders in American whisky.
Hopefully, this story, along with others like Victoria’s and Fawn’s, and now mine, will continue to open more doors.
There’s a huge contrast between the business journeys of men and women. Men often have the luxury of being perceived as the strategists, the brains behind their ventures. They’re given the space to focus on the product, the team, the business plan. Women, on the other hand, especially those in the limelight, are frequently pigeonholed into being the face of the brand or the marketing tool. It’s important to me to continue to take the same approach I have taken with my music and apply my learnings to my businesses.
I am here to change that old narrative. I’m here to focus on the quality. We took our time, and we did our research, and we have earned respect for our brand. I try to choose integrity over shortcuts. I’ve learned that true success isn’t about leaning on a name; it’s about crafting something genuine, something that can hold its own. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being revolutionary.
I am a musician first. It has always been my priority. I didn’t get into anything that could take away from my artistry until I felt I was solidified as a master at my first love, music.
When I started my hair care brand, Cécred, I wanted it to be recognised for what it does for real people and their hair. When it launched, I made a conscious decision not to appear in the ads. The brand’s first impression needed to stand on its own merit, not be swayed by my influence. I’ve been using these products for years, so I know firsthand how magical they are.
I build my work schedule around my family. I try to only tour when my kids are out of school. I always dreamt of a life where I could see the world with my family and expose them to different languages, architecture, and lifestyles.
Raising three kids isn’t easy. The older they get, the more they become their own individuals with unique needs, hobbies, and social lives. My twins are God-sent. Parenting constantly teaches you about yourself. It takes a lot of prayer and patience. I love it. It’s grounding and fulfilling.
Read the full interview here.
