A Quote by Tina Knowles

I enjoyed a close relationship with my mother, who set a wonderful example. As such, I have always tried to be as open and honest as possible with the girls growing up. I let them know they could always come to me with anything - and I would be there to support them.
In life, (the fashion world) is full of sharks. In this world the young girls lose themselves; become the property of others, live but for the job and their craziness...they don't know anymore where their home is. Many take drugs. It's strange. Perhaps the girls understand that this does not work for me. I don't have many friendships with other models. I respect them and enjoy working with them, but I probably would not invite them into my home. My house is like my heart, and I open it only to those with whom I have a close relationship.
I was brought up to believe I could achieve anything. My mother instilled in me the belief that there was always something great coming. For example, even though I'm afraid of flying, I always think the plane can't crash because there are so many better things still to come.
I come from a family of storytellers. Growing up, my father would make up these stories about how he and my mother met and fell in love, and my mother would tell me these elaborately visual stories of growing up as a kid in New York, and I was always so enrapt.
I tried to always include my children in everything that I did. I traveled with them, I brought them with me to work, I tried to balance it between work and being a mother as best as I could.
Mom+Pop aren't just a label, but they were the group of people that seemed to really care about a long-term relationship. I can be honest with them, like I would with my family, but at the same time, I can expect for them always to be upfront and honest with me.
Since I've been so honest with them, my fans know me very well so I don't think anything surprises them at this point. I've always told them exactly what's going on in my life and in my head, and because of that, I don't think anything is a huge surprise to them anymore.
I definitely get my artistry and my vocal talent from my mother and mother's side. She sang in a jazz trio band so growing up my dad would always take me to see her play and she has a beautiful voice. When I was little and started to sing, she supported me and let that fire burn. She always knew what it took as a support system.
I enjoyed my grandparents very much. My mother and father would always allow me to stay with them.
My friends in Kennington always ask me, 'can I have a shirt for my little brother or cousin,' and I always send them shirts. I will never forget where I have come from, because I know what it is like growing up in that area, and it is not nice.
Difficulties can't be eliminated from life. Individuals will always have them, countries will always have them...The only thing is to accept them, if possible overcome them, otherwise to come to terms with them. It's all right to fight, yes, but only when it's possible.
I'm always touched when I go to events and stuff, to meet fathers who come up to me and thank me and say, "because of you my young daughter knows that she can do anything she sets out to do." And the way young girls are raised now, I don't think there's any doubt that they know they can do anything. And if what goes by the by is that they don't feel they have to be in solidarity with all other women, that's O.K. as long as they know that that strength has been there in the past and can be there in the future for them.
I tried to make it as real for them as possible. The thing about being reality is that reality is not always fun. They did a big piece of growing up that day.
It's still hard for me to think about Sept. 11 sometimes. I'm still angry. It's hard to watch my daughters, Celia and Zaya, grow up and know they'll never see their father. They'll always be 9/11 girls, and I wish I could shield them from that. Everyone has an immediate pity for them. It is a sad thing, but the girls are also so happy.
I always enjoyed school, and I enjoyed being focused on learning - and I know that sounds nerdy, but there were so many wonderful elements of going to school with just girls. I wouldn't brush my hair.
I always told my girls growing up that I would not baby them through life, and no matter how blessed they are financially, they have to get an education!
I'm lucky to have a job where I can bring my kids to work. I love the days they come visit me on set. My goal is and has always been to do work that my kids can be proud of - to set a good example for them. As long as I can still spend quality time with my kids, I'll continue to do what I'm doing and hopefully make them proud.
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