We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to talk beauty, self-care and our civic duty with the flawless Tina Knowles-Lawson. As the mother, momager and everything in between of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles, she needs no introduction. If you’re not one of her 2.7 million Instagram followers, you’ve been missing out on her latest efforts to influence culture in a whole new way.
Using her platform to promote a national call to action, she has partnered with African Pride Hair Care to promote the “And Still I Vote” Campaign to help increase the black voter turnout. To get the word out, she’s been hosting an ongoing series of Talks with Mama Tina Instagram Lives and she’s also taken a moment to talk with NewBeauty about why this initiative is so important and how she’s stayed focused and centered during this monumental year.
NewBeauty: Why was it important to you to align yourself with African Pride and the “And Still I Vote” campaign?
Tina Knowles-Lawson: I got involved because I felt a burning need to do something. The intercity kids I mentor kept telling me that it does not matter if their family voted or not. I knew I needed to help get the message out that our votes do count. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to suppress it!
NB: 2020 has been a challenging year but there have still been bright spots. What has made you smile the most this year?
TKL: What brings about the biggest smile are videos of all of my beautiful grandchildren. They are hilarious. And videos of babies dancing and doing funny stuff. We could really take notes from them, they are truly free!
NB: How do you unwind when you’re feeling stressed? What are your tips for de-stressing?
TKL: At my most stressful times I need some form of water. The ocean, a waterfall, or a recording of the beach or rain. Even a long shower takes the stress away.
NB: When do you feel your most beautiful?
TKL: I feel most beautiful when I take good care of myself. When I eat right and exercise, and take care of my skin, hair, nails, and my spirituality. That’s when I feel special and beautiful.