Mathew Knowles has been a significant figure in the world of sales and business long before he was Beyoncé’s father and the manager of Destiny’s Child. With a career that started at Xerox, where he became one of the top sales executives globally, Knowles mastered the art of relationship-building in sales, a skill he emphasized throughout his career. He later transitioned into the music industry, founding Music World Entertainment, a record label that became a powerhouse, managing artists like Beyoncé, Solange, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His expertise extends beyond entertainment, as he also holds an MBA and teaches courses on business and entrepreneurship at Texas Southern University, highlighting his dedication to education and empowering future entrepreneurs.

This entrepreneurial spirit is something Knowles passed down to his daughters, Beyoncé and Solange. In an interview at the Sistas in Sales gala, Knowles spoke about how entrepreneurship runs in the family.

“It’s in their DNA,” he remarked, reflecting on how both daughters grew up observing his business strategies.

He explained that their ventures were never surprising to him because they were raised with an inherent understanding of taste, quality, and branding.

Beyoncé’s Next Venture

When asked about what he envisions for Beyoncé’s future ventures, Knowles expressed a desire to see her move into the real estate industry.

“I would love to see Beyoncé invest more in real estate, but that’s a decision she has to make,” Knowles said.

This suggestion isn’t surprising given the growing opportunities in the real estate market. Real estate has been one of the most stable investment options, with Black women increasingly entering the field as a means of building generational wealth. A recent report highlighted that homeownership among Black women increased between June 2020 and September 2021 by 18.1% compared to the previous year, 

Knowles’ vision for his family’s legacy doesn’t stop with Beyoncé. He also touched on his pride in his grandson, Julez Smith, Solange’s son, who is already making waves in the fashion industry as a top model. Knowles beamed with pride when discussing Julez’s success.

“He’s now been to Milan for the third time as a fashion model…He’s one of the top models in the world,” he said.

Solange, who herself has a diverse career in music and art, has supported her son’s endeavors just as she was nurtured by her parents in her youth. According to Knowles, Julez has absorbed the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the family, much like his mother and aunt.

However, when it comes to his youngest grandchild, Blue Ivy, Knowles believes it’s too early to talk about business.

“She’s still too young,” he noted, though he acknowledged that, like her older family members, she will likely find her own path in due time.

For now, he believes it’s important to let children discover their passions at their own pace, without pressure from the family.