Harper’s Bazaar’s September 2021 issue features Beyonce on the cover. The usually private superstar shares some of her lessons learned over the past four decades as she nears her 40th birthday in September. Bey, who is not often available for interviews, shared intimate details about her transformation and offered insights into her self-care, mental wellness, and future plans.
The shoot saw the Texas native dressed in new Ivy Park Rodeo pieces. The collection features monogrammed chaps, cowhide and denim. It pays tribute to the Houston rodeo as well as the important but often forgotten history of the Black American cowboy.
A new interview with Beyonce is almost as exciting than a surprise album. Both cases are thrilling because we all want to hear every word. These are the most inspiring and thought-provoking passages in the feature.
Growth and letting go:
Beyonce learned many life lessons as a child entertainer. As she looks back on all the versions of her throughout her life, it’s evident from Harper’s quotes that the most important version of Beyonce is the one in front of her today.
“I have spent so many years trying my best to improve myself and what I’ve done that I am at a point where there is no need for me to compete with myself.” “I don’t want to go backwards. The past is history. Many aspects of the younger, less developed Beyonce I grew up with could not be matched by the woman I am today. Haaa!”
Celebrity culture and how to protect her inner self
Beyonce is one the most visible entertainers on the planet. She has received a lot of commentary and scrutiny from strangers. That visibility has been something that Beyonce has been aware of since Destiny’s Child.
“As a young Black woman, I felt that I could not fail. I felt pressure from the outside, their eyes looking for me to fail or trip… I wanted break all the stereotypes of Black stars, including the notion that Black women are angry or that they succumb to drugs or alcohol.”
She decided to keep her peace by focusing her public image on her art and her message in order to preserve her peace.
“My sanity, my privacy and my quality of life depend on it. That’s why I’ve fought for my rights. Many aspects of me are reserved for those I love and trust. People who don’t know me or have never met me may interpret this as being closed-off. Trust me, those people don’t see certain aspects of me because my Virgo ass doesn’t want them to ….It is not because it doesn’t exist!” (She might not have a lot to share, but no one said Queen Bey didn’t make jokes!)
On self-care:
Beyonce also spoke out about how her years of performing, touring and being the backbone for her family and businesses had taken their toll. She’s now taking a new approach to her mental and physical health.
“In the past I was too focused on diets. The misconception that self-care meant exercise and being conscious of my body was a common misconception. These are the things I have been focusing on. Self-care is important for mental health.”
She shared her pride in passing on the culture of self-care to her children after experiencing “generational trauma.”
“One of the most satisfying moments I had as a mother was when Blue swam in the tub with her eyes closed using blends I made and taking some time to relax and be at ease.”
Her hopes and dreams for the future
Beyonce hopes that the next decade will be filled with fun, freedom, and exploration, beyond the commitments she made throughout her life to her career.
“I want you to have fun, have purpose, be respectful, and express your opinions. You can be elegant while still being a provocateur. You don’t have to be curvy to be fashionable. This freedom is what I want for everyone. I’ve paid my dues, followed every rule for decades and now I can break those rules. I want to be able to do all that everyone says I can’t.
