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Music Monday: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Alicia Keys On Her New Company, Jewelry Line, and Inspiration
- Author: Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on: Monday November 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM
- Filed under: exclusive, interview, alicia keys, jewelry, ksubi
Alicia Keys and Jay-Z performing live at the American Music Awards November 22nd. (Getty)
Alicia Keys radiates these days. She has a new hit song, "Empire State of Mind", one version of which she's collaborated with Jay-Z. She also has a new album, The Element of Freedom, out Dec. 15. When she performed at Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert in October, she was mesmerizing.
But is not just music that makes her radiate (though her music is sublime), it is something within. Alicia radiates these days in the way that a woman does when she knows what she wants and how to get it but also knows that that ain't all that life is all about. Look at the picture above - she's literally glowing - and it's a glow that signifies a coming of age, wisdom beyond her 28 years, and spiritual sanctity. Don't we all wish we could have a drink of her cool-aid!?!
Turns out we can. Below, we asked Alicia to share with us her inspirations - from starting her new "business of inspiration" AK Worldwide, her jewelry line Barber's Daughters, and her upcoming website that aims to give a dose of inspirations to women everywhere. Plus, she gives us the scoop on a job offer working with her!!!
A perfect dose of happiness and hope to jump start the week.
INTERVIEW WITH ALICIA KEYS
JT.COM: When and how did you first come up with the idea for AK Worldwide? Has this been a long time coming - or was it like a strike of lightening backstage one day, where you decided I need to launch this company?
ALICIA: I think it’s been a long time coming. AK Worldwide will really provide me with a business that will help me to execute my visions and my entrepreneurial spirit in a way that will be true to who I am – and I am very excited about it.
A piece from the collection "The Barber's Daughters"
JT.COM: One of the first projects this includes is The Barber's Daughters, a jewelry line that appears to be very delicate and earthy. How did you choose to collaborate with Gisele Theriault?
ALICIA: I chose to collaborate with Gisele because I loved that the pieces she creates are hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind. But most importantly, I love the words that are on them and the way that they can be a secret message to inspire the wearer. I love the line so much and am looking forward to launching our collaborative line in 2010.
JT.COM: A lot of the jewelry seems to be about the power of words and inspirational quotes. What's one of your favorite personal quotes?
ALICIA: One of my favorite quotes comes off of the dog tag necklaces that we created to benefit my organization, Keep A Child Alive. The quote is “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Ghandi.
JT.COM: What was the first piece of jewelry/possession you ever owned that had deep symbolism to you?
ALICIA: One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is a lapis pyramid necklace that I made after my trip to Egypt. I love it because lapis is a native stone of Egypt, and it reminds me to always remain strong, powerful, and timeless – just like the pyramids.
An all-star group of powerful women: Tina Turner, Halle Berry, Oprah and Alicia Keys (on right)
JT.COM: We're excited to hear about the launch of http://www.iamasuperwoman.com. Can you talk about some of the main things that site will contain? When is it due to launch?
ALICIA: www.iamasuperwoman.com launches on December 15th, along with the release of my new album, “The Element of Freedom”. The launch of the site will include a job search to find the person who will become the chief writer for the site. The website provides a networking community for all of the super women in the world. It will empower, ignite, and entertain all super women.
It will be a one-stop shop for people to be connected and in the know of all things ranging from relationships to careers to personal finances, to politics, health, and entertainment.
JT.COM: Who's a personal example of a superwoman that you can think of ?
ALICIA: For me, one of my favorite super women is my Nana, and she was a women who always treated everyone so kindly, listened to their every word, reached out and helped them when they needed it. She is an example of someone who juggled so much, but never lost her grace through all of it.
As for music? We wouldn't let you down.
Here's her newest video.
Enjoy.
PS Be sure to mark your calendars for her new CD and new website www.iamasuperwoman.com
We'll keep you updated in the meantime - especially about that Editor in Chief position for Alicia's new site!
Happy Monday.
MORE RELATED PICTS:
Alicia @ Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert
Backstage @ Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert
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COMMENTS
“glad i stopped by here ::: alicia keys inspired me...one of her songs ♫ ♪ ♪ ♫ ..... caused me ....so .... guess i shall simply share ::: thank you. have fun and enjoyment with jewelries..... and sharing what's in <3 ...... that which I personal' from a far' respect you for.... ♪ .... sounds like you are on to some community effort ventures and alway' have been ~ cheers and excitement for you. !!!!!!!!! LOVE egyptian styles ~ ^ ”
