Beyoncé Answers Fan Questions On Motherhood, Dealing With Stress, & More
This morning, Beyonce announced the release date of her anticipated Adidas x IVY PARK line of footwear and apparel: January 18th. She also gave a sneak peek at the line.
Along with the same, the superstar has done a cover story with ELLE where she further models some of the designs that fans can look forward to being available next month. They have been photographed by her regular collaborator, Melina Matsoukas. Bey also did not do an interview with the magazine but instead chose to answer fan questions that were invited across various social networks and via email.
ELLE handpicked some of the “Ask me Anything” questions and had Beyonce answer them. She speaks on balancing work and motherhood, why inclusion is important, how she deals with stress, why “rock star dysfunction” isn’t always necessary to embrace, her favorite flower and cereal, the IVY PARK line and much more. Below are some quotes but you can see the full AMA here.
What is your work process like? Where do you start? Where do you get your ideas?—via email
With new projects, I get my team together for a prayer. I make sure we are all clear on the intention and what the deeper meaning is. I do my best, and I try to push everyone around me to do the same. I eventually give everything I have. When it’s released to the world, I let it go because it is no longer mine.
What stresses you out? You always look like you are in control. —via Instagram
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.
How do you take care of yourself ? Do you believe in self-care? —via email
The name of the brand comes from where I built my strength and endurance as a young woman. I ran and trained in the park, and that state of mind has stayed with me all these years later. It’s the first place where I learned to listen to my body. Many of us grew up seeing our parents act as if they were superheroes. Most women have been conditioned to ignore symptoms and just “tough it out” and focus on taking care of everyone else before themselves. I am no longer one of those people. After having a difficult pregnancy, I took a year to focus on my health. I have researched information on homeopathic medicines. I don’t just put any prescription in my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises.
Do you ever react to negative comments about yourself?—via Facebook
Yes, I’m human. In moments of vulnerability, I try to remind myself I’m strong and I’m built for this. Thank God most of the noise bounces off of me after all of these years.
Would we see you at the supermarket or Target? What do you buy?—via Facebook
The last time I went to a supermarket, it was more like a bodega before a Madonna concert. Jay and I snuck into one in Crenshaw and bought some Cuervo and Funyuns chips. And…y’all know you see me at Target and I see y’all trying to sneak pics.
After 25 years in the game, how do you not lose yourself?—via email
The predictable rock star DNA is a myth. I believe you don’t have to accept dysfunction to be successful. This is not to say that I have not struggled. I have the same pain that life brings to everyone else. I try to shift the stigma that says with fame there has to be drama. It is how you relate to your hardships and use that to evolve. And I try to keep real ones around me.
Everybody’s weight fluctuates. How does it make you feel when people are constantly commenting on your appearance?”—via Instagram
If someone told me 15 years ago that my body would go through so many changes and fluctuations, and that I would feel more womanly and secure with my curves, I would not have believed them. But 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. Giving zero s is the most liberating place to be. Also knowing true beauty is something you cannot see. I wish more people focused on discovering the beauty within themselves rather than critiquing other folks’ grills.
I’ve been to every one of your solo tours and the ones with JAY-Z. The Formation World Tour was my favorite. Where is the video? —via Instagram
Years ago, I asked Prince to record my rehearsal with him for our Grammy performance. He said, “You don’t need to record that. You own that in your mind.” Haaaaaaa! Prince always knew best! So, you can always watch the Formation World Tour in your mind; you own that!
If you could be an animal for a day, would you still be a whale?
I still love whales. And I love being in the ocean. And that video was after a 16-hour press day. Not marijuana!!
What question do you hate to answer?
Are you pregnant? Get off my ovaries!
What’s your favorite word? Least favorite?
Least Favorite: No. Favorite: Why????