With hit albums, marriage, motherhood and divorce under her belt, Kelis has been through a lot in her 31 years. The Boss lady talks to Mary Bello about being broody, body confidence and why it’s good to recognise your flaws.
“You are one badass chick,” I tell Kelis within minutes of us chatting. This isn’t a typical exchange I would have with a Grammy nominated singer but after talking to her for five minutes I’m blown away by how forthright, strong and secure in her convictions she is. She recognises her talents and lives her life with no regrets. Plus she has a banging body and when I tell her as much she laughs. “Thanks, I’m proud of my body. You have to work with what you’ve got!”
Her latest single with Calvin Harris ‘Bounce’ demonstrates that she is in a good place mentally with the lyrics, “I don’t care what anybody thinks” and “No regrets- do you know what that means.” However, since stepping into the spotlight Kelis has admittedly been through some major highs and lows- she has faced criticism of her material, married the rapper Nas, divorced him, gave birth to her son Knight and encountered a few lawsuits, “You go through trial and error and either you figure it our or you fail.”
While we are speaking her son Knight starts to cry. Clearly this bossy chick has found her kryptonite, “I didn’t realise I wanted kids ‘til I actually had Knight. I am now one of those broody females. Everything opens up emotionally when you have a child. It’s important to make time for your baby, but also for yourself because you still matter. After I had Knight I worked out and got myself back together. I’m always gonna be more than the Hollywood standard but I don’t even wanna be waif thin. The people who set the parameters of ‘body type’- who are they? We need to take ownership of ourselves, when you have that awareness about yourself you’ll be happy, healthy and content.”
Want tips on how to be a bossette like Kelis? Then pick up the June issue now!
