We all know that interviews with the accomplished megastar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter are few and far between. That’s why each time the singer gives her fans a glimpse into her life behind the scenes, its something to look forward to.
In a new cover story with Elle Magazine (shot by longtime collaborator and Queen & Slim director Melina Matsoukas), Beyoncé teases her forthcoming Ivy Park x Adidas collection. In doing so, she also answers questions from her fans about what life is like as a wife, mother of three and one of the most influential women on the planet.
One fan asked the superstar if she was disappointed by recent award snubs (namely for the widely nominated Lemonade visual album and Homecoming documentary.) Beyoncé’s response was as graceful as it was reflective.
My true win is creating art and a legacy that will live far beyond me.
“Success looks different to me now. I learned that all pain and loss is, in fact, a gift,” she responded. “Having miscarriages taught me that I had to mother myself before I could be a mother to someone else. Then I had Blue, and the quest for my purpose became so much deeper. I died and was reborn in my relationship, and the quest for self became even stronger. It’s difficult for me to go backwards. Being ‘number one’ was no longer my priority. My true win is creating art and a legacy that will live far beyond me. That’s fulfilling.”
The ever-poised performer was also asked about the one thing that stresses her out. “I think the most stressful thing for me is balancing work and life. Making sure I am present for my kids—dropping Blue off at school, taking Rumi and Sir to their activities, making time for date nights with my husband, and being home in time to have dinner with my family—all while running a company can be challenging. Juggling all of those roles can be stressful, but I think that’s life for any working mom.”
Beyoncé, who famously went on a super strict diet to prepare for her epic Coachella performance, has also gone through her own personal journey with body image. Ultimately, becoming a mother gave her the ultimate confidence. “Children and maturity have taught me to value myself beyond my physical appearance and really understand that I am more than enough no matter what stage I’m at in life,” she reveals. “Giving zero 🤬s is the most liberating place to be.”
She concludes, saying her greatest joy in life is, “Being Blue, Rumi, and Sir’s mom,” and that she’s low key sick of addressing pregnancy rumors. “Get off my ovaries!”
We feel you, sis! Read more from Beyoncé’s touching new interview on career, motherhood and self-care here.