Kandi Burruss Believes Being Yourself Resonates With People The Most
When you think of longevity in the music, television and film industries, Kandi Burruss is a household name that not only holds weight but has the accolades to back it up. From being in one of the hottest girl groups from the 90’s to one of the most popular reality housewives, Kandi effortlessly gives a masterclass on how to do everything you want in life. We caught up with Kandi to learn about her trajectory over the years, motherhood and everything in between!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
At 14, you co-founded Xscape. What sparked your early ambition to pursue a career in the music industry?
I didn’t always see the music industry as something I could be part of. Going to Tri-Cities High School for Performing Arts opened my eyes to the possibilities I hadn’t thought of. It was there that my passion for singing and acting grew, and it eventually led to us (Xscape), getting a record deal when I was in the 11th grade & we had a number one record going into my 12th grade year.
You’ve written hits for some of the biggest names in music. What’s the secret to your songwriting process?
For me, songwriting is about storytelling and connection. I try to write in a way that feels conversational, using everyday language that people can relate to. If the concept hits home for someone—if it feels like it’s telling their story—that’s when the song becomes a true connection .
How did you transition from a successful music career to a reality TV star?
When I started reality TV, I thought it would just be a fun, one-season thing. I never imagined it would turn into something so long-lasting. What I learned quickly was that being yourself—completely, authentically yourself—is what resonates with people. I wasn’t trying to be anyone else, and that’s what made the transition work.
You’ve built a diverse business empire. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to follow in your footsteps?
Building what people call an “empire” has been a journey full of lessons. My biggest advice is to surround yourself with a strong team you can trust and never take your foot off the gas when it comes to marketing. You have to stay involved and never get too comfortable, because success takes constant effort and attention.
How do you manage to balance your demanding career with your family life?
Honestly, balance is something I’m still figuring out. What’s helped me is having a clear schedule and making sure everyone can see it—so family, work, and personal time are all accounted for. I’ll admit it’s not perfect, but knowing what’s coming up helps me prioritize what matters most.
Winning The Masked Singer was a huge accomplishment. What was the most challenging and rewarding part of the experience?
The Masked Singer was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. The fun part was being in disguise and knowing almost no one on set knew it was me. The hard part was always wearing the mask—it’s not easy—and keeping it a secret from my friends and family. The most rewarding part was winning because it felt like people were judging me purely on my voice, not anything else.
What did you learn from your Broadway debut in Chicago, and how did it shape your perspective on the entertainment industry?
Broadway was a whole new world for me. Performing live every night taught me discipline—you can’t call “cut” and redo a scene. You have to be fully present and prepared. It gave me so much more respect for theater performers, and I’d love to return to Broadway one day in that role.
Your family has been a significant influence on your life. How have they shaped your values and work ethic?
My family is everything to me. Knowing that so many people rely on me pushes me to work harder. It’s not just about me—it’s about being the person they can depend on. That responsibility feels heavy sometimes, but I carry it with pride because I want to make sure I can always support them.
How would you describe your personal style? How has it evolved over the years?
My style has definitely evolved! Before Housewives, I kept things simple, but being on the show pushed me to step up my fashion game. Now, with my new stylist, Daniel Hawkins, we’ve taken it to another level.
How do you define beauty? What advice would you give to young women about self-confidence and body positivity?
Beauty, to me, is all about confidence. Even on days when I don’t feel my best—if my hair won’t cooperate or I’m not at my ideal weight—I remind myself that confidence makes the difference. True beauty comes from within, and it’s important not to look for validation outside yourself. Own who you are, flaws and all.
How do you balance the demands of motherhood with your successful career? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave for your children? What values do you want to instill in them?
Balancing motherhood and work is about making tough choices. I’ve turned down opportunities to be there for my kids or family events like my aunt’s 83rd birthday, and I don’t regret it. As for my legacy, I want to leave generational wealth and be the first in my family to build that foundation. I also want my children to grow up valuing humility and family above all else.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Maintaining longevity has been one of the biggest challenges, but I’ve worked hard to keep evolving and staying true to myself. Sometimes, people try to make me out to be the villain in their stories because they feel I can’t be so “nice” but I’ve learned not to let that change me. I know who I am, and I stay grounded in that.
Do you have any mentors who have inspired you? If so, what have you learned from them?
I’ve never had an official mentor, but I’ve been inspired by so many people. LL Cool J once gave me great advice, and I’ve always admired Queen Latifah for how she’s excelled in so many areas. And of course, Oprah—she’s just incredible in every way. Now in Broadway Brian Moreland my producing partner has become a great mentor.
What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
I want to keep creating opportunities for others and work toward achieving EGOT status. I already have a Grammy, and I was nominated for a Tony and an Emmy last year. Getting all four would be a dream come true, but more than that, I want to keep making a difference in everything I do.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to achieve their dreams?
If you can conceive the thought, you can make it happen. Don’t let anyone—including yourself—stand in your way. Stay focused, stay determined, and trust that you have what it takes to make your dreams come true.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Storm Santos (@stormsantos)
Hair Stylist: Ray Christopher (@hair4kicks)
Makeup Artist: Mayely Paez (@mayelypaez)
