Tina Knowles has accomplished a lot in her life. Even before her children became household names, she was a successful business woman operating her own hair salon. Then, as her daughters Beyoncé and Solange started to climb the ladder of fame, she became their celebrity stylist creating notable moments in fashion history. Now, she operates her eldest daughters new haircare line, serves as the Vice President of the Waco Theater and runs an all too relatable social media account. But as she told the audience at the 2024 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, her role as mom really does trump all else.
“I’ve been so blessed in my life to do many things. I’ve had many careers but I’ve always said that the best job that I’ve ever had is being a mother,” Knowles said emotionally during her acceptance speech at the awards.
Knowles was honored along with three other mothers of famous children for “raising this generation of superstars.” In her speech she mentioned that she actually considers herself to be the mother of 4 daughters. She has often called Beyoncé’s Destiny’s Child bandmate, Kelly Rowland, and her niece, Angie Beyince, her additional children. The impact she’s had on the lives of those she loves was on display in a video played during the awards. In it, Solange, Beyoncé, Rowland, Beyince and Knowles’ sister all shared their love and respect for Knowles.
“She is the best grandmother and the epitome of a woman with so much nuance,” Solange said in the video.
Knowles’ win is a reminder of the full life she has lived. Here is a look at the reasons Tina Knowles is loved and respected.
She’s a Nurturer Who Tells It Like It Is
In her comments about Knowles, Kelly Rowland shared that Knowles softness toward her loved ones has always inspired her.
“My Mama T inspires me everyday to be just as nurturing as she is. As fun as she is,” Rowland said in the Glamour Awards video.
Beyoncé, however, also reminded the audience that her mother is not afraid to stand up for herself and for those she considers to be her “ride or dies.”
“She’s also protective and if you try her Galveston will come out,” Beyoncé shared.
She Shows Women Being a Boss is Possible
Knowles has been an entrepreneur and business woman for decades. Her salon, Headliners, was part of the inspiration that pushed Beyoncé to start her own haircare line, Cécred. Now, Knowles serves as the brands Vice Chairwoman. Along with working with the haircare line, Knowles is also the Vice President of the Waco Theater which she started with her ex-husband Richard Lawson. It’s clear Knowles is not afraid to take risks and try new things. She even tried her hand at hosting on the now canceled Facebook show, “Talks with Mama Tina.” She’s an example that it never hurts to take on a new goal and give it your all.
She Never Shies Away from Being Her Authentic Self
Tina Knowles has been in the public eye for years. In the early days, her daughter’s fans often wondered about her personality as Knowles was usually in the background. As Knowles aged and social media became more popular, the matriarch has shown more of her vibrant, silly and firm nature. She often shares her opinions on her Instagram page with a footnote that her daughters, especially the extremely private Beyoncé, probably won’t like what she has to say. It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone be their authentic self and live out loud.
“My mom inspires me by being a power house,” Solange said. “All of the grace. All of the strength. All of the poetry. All of the spirituality.”