No stranger to being on the cover of magazines with her unmatched confidence and piercing green eyes, Rihanna is Vogue’s June cover girl and opened up to the magazine about the current state of her life.
Rihanna has been working what seems to be non-stop. From co-hosting the NYC Met Gala to Fenty Beauty to her new lingerie collection and upcoming role in the movie Ocean’s 8, it leaves us wondering: When does Rihanna have time to be Rihanna? In her sit-down with Vogue, the now 30-year-old says she is more committed to a healthy life/work balance and focuses on living in the moment.
"Even mentally, just to be away from my phone, to be in the moment, that has been key for my growth," she said. "Now, when I come to work, I’m all in. Because before you know it, the years will go by. I’m glad I’m taking the time. I’m happy."
Rihanna’s glow is infectious and we know it’s not just the Body Lava. She confirmed that she is in a relationship but played coy when it came to giving a name; regardless of that fact and the rumors of her beau being Hassan Jameel, a Saudi businessman, Rihanna told Vogue, "I used to feel guilty about taking personal time, but I also think I never met someone who was worth it before."
Speaking of relationships, Rihanna revisited the 2016 Video Music Awards when Drake presented her the Vanguard Award and a public love note that made her feels extremely uncomfortable.
"Waiting through that speech was probably the most uncomfortable part. I don’t like too many compliments; I don’t like to be put on blast," Rihanna told Vogue. And when asked about the current status of their friendship, she shared that it is non-existent.
"We don’t have a friendship now, but we’re not enemies either. It is what it is."
During the interview, she also addresses the importance of beauty diversity for her in Fenty Beauty and her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. As a black woman, she knew it was crucial for her to provide shades for all women, especially women with darker and richer skin tones. After its initial release, the beauty maven could not believe the responses she received in relation to the foundation shades.
"…I didn’t anticipate was the way people would get emotional about finding their complexion on the shelf, that this would be a groundbreaking moment."
Keeping with the same notion of inclusiveness, Rihanna has taken the same approach to her soon-to-be-released lingerie line. The collection not only offers buyers an expansive range of flesh-toned colors, but it will also provide options for women of all shapes and sizes. When asked why she saw the word "Savage" as the name for her lingerie brand, she responded it dealt with the feeling of unapologetically owning your decisions.
"Savage is really about taking complete ownership of how you feel and the choices you make. Basically making sure everybody knows the ball is in your court," she explained. "As women, we’re looked at as the needy ones, the naggy ones, the ones who are going to be heartbroken in a relationship. Savage is just the reverse. And you know, guys don’t like getting the cards flipped on them — ever."
At 30, Rihanna knows she does not have all of life’s questions answered and she is still figuring things out herself, including whether or not it is time to freeze her eggs; however, her raw and humble approach to navigating the changes in her world are more than admirable, they're relatable. After losing her cousin last year to gun violence, the lesson she took from their last interaction is that life is too short to wait.
"Now each time I hug somebody lately, I hug them like it’s the last time. That may be my biggest life lesson, not to wait on anything, not even tomorrow," Rihanna shared. "Tomorrow is too late in my opinion."
To read the full interview, click here and if you are interested in hearing more transformative stories live this summer, join us in ATL for the most magical black girl conference, Summit21. Click here to get your ticket today!