Alicia Keys
Age:
27
Hometown: New York, NY
A piano virtuoso since the age of seven, Alicia graduated from a prestigious New York performing arts high school at 16 and was faced with two great offers—attending an Ivy League school or signing with a major music label. She opted for the record deal and, in 2001, she had us all falling for her debut album Songs in A Minor, which sold over 10 million records and won multiple awards. Her latest album, As I Am, is just as hot and isn’t leaving the top of the charts anytime soon. Alicia’s talents don’t stop at music; she can also be found acting on the silver screen and giving back as the global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization devoted to providing medicine to African families with AIDS.
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1. When do you feel the most beautiful?

I feel most beautiful when I’m not all glammed up, when I’m in my most natural state. Don’t get me wrong, I love having my hair and makeup done and wearing beautiful clothes, but I think it’s important for you to be able to appreciate yourself without all of the extras, how God made you.

2. What is your beauty routine?

I have a pretty in depth routine. Cleanser, toner, moisturizers — the works. I wear makeup often so I like to make sure my face is completely clean!

3.What is your definition of beauty?

My definition of beauty is the sort that emanates from within. It’s about the confidence, kindness and compassion that one possesses. That’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t fade.

4. Who is number one on your speed dial?

My mother. She’s my best friend.

5. How do you balance your career with personal relationships?

To me, balance is the key to happiness. I find balance by making time for my career and my loved ones and making both priorities. I make sure to allot time for family and friends as well as time for myself and I adhere to that. Even though I’m doing what I love most, it’s still my job, and everyone needs time away. I have also learned that it is very important to take that time away because it makes you better once you return. I'm more relaxed and rejuvenated and that makes me more creative. Also if I've had fun and that frees my spirit! Every moment is precious. I try not to be too much of a workaholic so I can love life and appreciate every moment as well!

6. Who inspires you the most?

My mother because she is so strong and helped mold me into the person I am. And my generation. There are endless possibilities for us and for our future. I see so much promise and potential in so many eyes and it motivates me!

7. Where does love and finding “the one” fall into your current priorities?

I don’t think you can set a timeline for falling in love. There’s a reason and a season for everything and love comes to you when it’s supposed to.

8. What are some dating challenges that come from being under the spotlight?

Dating can be difficult when you’re a public figure because it’s challenging enough to maintain a relationship under ordinary circumstances, but when you’re in the public eye, it can be that much more difficult. There is a bit more scrutiny and I'm such a private person, I don't like people in my business. At the same time, I'm such a free spirit. I love to be spontaneous and crazy with who I love, so it's a tough balance sometimes. Another challenge is time. There’s not much of it, but I think that it makes the both of you become more creative and really see what your love is made of.

9. Do you feel any pressures of dating/relationships?

I feel that if you’re with the right person, there shouldn’t be a lot of pressure. It’s the same with your career. If you’re doing what’s right for you, things just seem to flow.

10. If you weren’t an actress and singer what would you be?

I’d be an artist of some sort. The arts are what I’ve been drawn to ever since I can remember. If not that, then a teacher. I love being with kids and being in their life in an inspiring way.

11. What career achievement are you most proud of?

I’m very grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish, but I don’t allow those achievements to define me. I’m more proud of the work that I’ve done and steps I’ve taken to get to certain places than of a particular award or accolade. To me the joy comes from the process…the journey.

12. What do you want to achieve in the next five-ten years?

I don’t like to set specific, rigid goals for myself because you may limit yourself by doing that. My philosophy is to create short-term goals, work hard and be the best person I can be. When I do that, I find that amazing opportunities that I hadn’t even thought of open up for me.

13. What is the best part of being a twenty-something?

The best part of being in my twenties is that there is still so much for me to learn and so much more to explore. Life is an adventure and forever presenting new adventures and opportunities for growth.

14.What are some of the challenges you face as a twenty-something?

When you’re in your twenties, you’re really just starting to come into your own and still have a lot to learn about yourself, so you’re going to stumble and make some mistakes. But on the bright side, you have time to grow from those mistakes and get better.

15. What are your top priorities right now?

My peace of mind, well-being, loved ones, and continuing to produce work that I love and that I feel touches people.

16. What keeps you up at night?

Injustice and suffering. There’s so much injustice and suffering all over the world, but each person’s ability to help make things better for everyone gives me hope.

17. What would you do if you had more time?

If I had more free time, I’d travel more. The earth is a vast place and there’s so much territory that I’d love to explore. I'm working on doing more of that a little every year. Like I said before, every moment is precious and one never knows what the future holds so it's important to live every moment to the fullest, now! I'm trying to get better with that! I never want to say that I regretted not doing more while I had the chance.

18. What do you do in your free time?

To me, sometimes doing nothing is doing something, so when I have downtime, I like to relax, read, sit with myself and my thoughts. I also love massages, hiking, swimming, and spending time with someone I'm in love with. That’s something I love to do in my free time!

19. What advice would you give other twenty-something women?

My advice is to pursue your dreams and never give up. No matter where you come from or what obstacles you may have to overcome, keep striving and remain confident. Congratulate yourself for small victories, but never become complacent.

20. When do you feel most confident?

I feel most confident when I’m well-rested. Getting enough rest and providing your body with the opportunity to replenish itself is key. I know that when all my cells and systems are rejuvenated, they can give me the support and energy I need to be creative and productive.  
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