Beyoncé's most inspiring quotes from empowering women to celebrating people of colour
Beyoncé's most inspiring quotes
Last updated 8th Oct 2021
October is Black History Month, and all this month we've been speaking to influential people, whether they are well-known, or not. Now, our friends at Closer magazine take a look at some of the most inspiring quotes that pop star Beyoncé has said over the years...
Beyoncé's most inspiring quotes:
Learn to grow in tough times
"I've been through hell and back, and I'm grateful for every scar. I have experienced betrayals and heartbreaks in many forms (Jay-Z admitted to cheating on Beyoncé in an interview three years ago). I have had disappointments in business partnerships as well as personal ones, and they all left me feeling neglected, lost and vulnerable.
"Through it all I have learned to laugh and cry and grow. I look at the woman I was in my 20s and I see a young lady growing into confidence but intent on pleasing everyone around her. I now feel so much more beautiful, so much sexier, so much more interesting. And so much more powerful."
Celebrate each other
"We are all in search of safety and light. Many of us want change. I believe that when black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our real history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in history books.
"I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle... I rarely felt represented in film, fashion and other media. After having a child, I made it my mission to use my art to show the style, elegance and attraction in men and women of colour. We are living in a beautiful time of real progression towards acceptance. Diversity and inclusion go beyond race."
Take time out for you
"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 into my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualisation and breathing exercises."
Value yourself beyond how you look
"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 f--ks is the most liberating place to be. Also knowing true beauty is something you cannot see."
Juggling multiple roles can be stressful
"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 mum."
Build your own network
"Not enough black women had a seat at the table, so I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table. Then, I had to invite the best there was to have a seat – that meant hiring women, men, outsiders, underdogs, people who were overlooked and waiting to be seen… I've been very proud to provide them with a place at my table."
Keep working harder - there will be wins and losses
"I'm often asked, 'What's your secret to success?' The shorter answer: put in that work. Yes, I've been blessed to have 24 Grammys, but I've lost 46 times. Just keep working harder. There will be wins and losses. Losing can be the best motivator to get you even bigger wins."
Remain a work in progress
"My mother instilled in me the idea that creativity starts with taking a leap of faith – telling your fears they are not allowed where you are headed. I remain a work in progress – and that's the beauty of growth. I've been happiest when I let go and allow life to show me the next move."
Use your hardships to evolve
"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 there has to be drama with fame. It is how you relate to your hardships and use that to evolve. And I try to keep real people around me."