If kids cook with you and participate with you, to me that makes them more apt to eat the food. They feel like they made the dish; they want to taste it. It's special, It's an effort.

I need a man that's comfortable in his skin and not threatened by a woman with a big personality.

For me, being a public persona, I was always wondering, 'Was a man dating me for who I was? Was there an agenda? Did he want to be seen with me? Am I arm candy?'

Skillet corn bread has always been my go-to-comfort food, and my mom used to make it for me as a treat when I was younger. I do this for my girls now whenever I think they need a little love.

The writer is a mysterious figure, wandering lonely as a cloud, fired by inspiration, or perhaps a cocktail or two.

I know career motivation and encouragement up the ladder of success have their place in the world. But I don't want them anywhere near my spirituality.

If you feel like you have no other option in life but to follow your musical path, then do it. If you are talented and focus all your energy on becoming better and furthering your career and never give up, something will happen. I'm not sure what will happen, but it is guaranteed that you will do more than if you didn't do all that.

I wanted to express myself using visuals and also celebrate the beauty of black women, travel, and have amazing opportunities. I also wanted to be a living example of inspiration for other women and girls.