Photo credit: www.npr.org
Tina Knowles recently made headlines at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 event, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Known for her significant role in shaping the careers of her daughters, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles, Tina has now stepped into the spotlight with her new book, Matriarch.
In this candid memoir, Knowles shares her journey from owning a beauty shop to becoming a pivotal influence in the music industry. She emphasizes her commitment to nurturing her daughters’ artistic identities and providing them with the tools to thrive as cultural icons.
During a recent interview with NPR’s Michel Martin in Washington D.C., Knowles discussed her upbringing in Texas, her dynamic relationship with her ex-husband Mathew Knowles, and the significance of storytelling for future generations.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Michel Martin: May I call you Ms. Tina?
Tina Knowles: Of course.
Martin: I find your book multifaceted—it recounts a narrative of Black entrepreneurship, the journey of building a family business, and the nuances of motherhood. Was this the direction you intended from the outset, or did it evolve as you wrote?
Knowles: Initially, I aimed to write about my experiences in the music industry. However, once I began, my personal story surfaced, and I felt compelled to share it.
Martin: Your book highlights the struggle you faced in allowing your daughters to express their unique styles. For instance, you insisted that Beyoncé not conform to expectations during a magazine shoot when the team suggested altering her hair. How did you come to advocate so fiercely for their authenticity?
Knowles: Absolutely. I remember taking off Maxwell’s hat during the shoot too; he seemed so disheartened by the direction they wanted to take. I approached him, asked why he looked sad, and upon learning he had to wear the hat, I removed it and helped him style his hair instead. It was an instinctual move to support both of them—both were being told to conform to standards that didn’t align with who they were.
Martin: This situation seems to have recurred. There were even instances where music executives suggested you were hindering your daughters’ potential.
Knowles: Of course, they were acting from their perspective, which typically didn’t encompass the authenticity we represented. While they believed my daughters needed to fit a particular mold—something more mainstream and less reminiscent of our Texas roots—we embraced the uniqueness of their style. The audience appreciated this authenticity, which set them apart during a time when many were conforming. We often questioned the norms we faced.
Martin: Where did your confidence come from to advocate so strongly for your daughters against industry pressures?
Knowles: I was naturally more reserved but transformed into a protective mother when it came to my daughters—a fierce advocate, if you will. That alter ego, which I call Badass Tenie B, emerged as I fought for their rightful place in the industry.
Martin: Can you elaborate on Badass Tenie B?
Knowles: Badass Tenie B was my inner strength, forged through overcoming challenges and feelings of not belonging. I had to fight for my voice and create space for my daughters to thrive. Despite some people finding my advocacy surprising, I stand by the love and protection I offered my girls.
Martin: Your book delves deep into your relationship with your ex-husband. How did you navigate writing about that complexity?
Knowles: Relationships are intricate, and I reflect on my roles within it with honesty. Despite the hardships, Mathew played a vital role in empowering me, and moving forward without that support was a challenge.
Martin: Did Beyoncé and Solange have any input or revisions on your manuscript?
Knowles: They haven’t read the entire book but have seen the sections pertaining to them. Their busy schedules have prevented them from diving in fully.
Martin: Now that your story is publicly available, how do you feel about sharing such personal insights?
Knowles: It’s a bit daunting. There are moments I question whether opening up was the right choice. Nevertheless, sharing my journey felt crucial, especially given the numerous misconceptions surrounding my story. I hope this inspires others to chronicle their legacies for future generations—something I wish I had from my own mother.
Source
www.npr.org