ESSENCE Festival headliner Beyoncé has graced the pages of ESSENCE magazine over the years. Read on for some of her most insightful quotes on everything from her relationship with her sister, Solange, to finding balance in her life.
On her upbringing…
“My mother taught me the principles of hard work, setting my own goals and visualizing my future. From my early days with Destiny’s Child, I understood I had to be focused and dedicated if I wanted true success. We were taught we needed a plan and the discipline to execute that plan to the fullest. I strongly believe if you work hard, whatever you want, it will come to you. I know that’s easier said than done but keep trying.”
ESSENCE, July 2011
On giving to others…
“I have a lot of people depending on me. So even if I’m exhausted, or it’s not the best thing for me personally, if I feel like I can help someone I love, then I’ll do things for them. It’s a great quality, but if you do it too much, you can become kind of codependent. So I’m really working on learning how to say no and not caring so much about pleasing everyone.”
ESSENCE, September 2006
On relationships…
“I never talked about relationships,” she demurs. “Even in school I never did. I only talk about them in my songwriting; otherwise things get too messy. It has worked because now nobody expects me to talk about them. But it’s hard, too,” she admits. “You fall in love and you want to tell everybody. But that’s a place I just don’t go.”
ESSENCE, October 2005
On her sister, Solange…
“I’m very proud of my sister and protective of her. Solange is the one person I will fight for. Don’t talk about my sister; don’t play with me about my sister. If you do, you’ll see another side of me. I admire her, and though she’s five years younger than me, I strive to be like her. She’s so smart and secure. She’s sensitive to people’s feelings, but not afraid of what they think.”
ESSENCE, August 2003