We had the pleasure of interviewing Kandi Burruss.
Kandi Burruss, known professionally by her mononym Kandi, is an American actress, businesswoman, dancer, producer, singer, songwriter, and television personality. She first gained notice in 1992 as a member of the multi-platinum R&B female vocal group Xscape.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Igrew up in East Point, Georgia, raised by my mom who encouraged me & my older brother Patrick to follow our passions. I loved music at an early age but I didn’t become serious about it until I got into the performing arts program at Tri-Cities High School of Visual and Performing Arts. That’s where my life changed. Meeting other kids with similar interests was what I needed. I met my group members from Xscape there. That’s where my success story began.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
Music & Acting has always been my first love. Signing a record deal at the age of 16 with Xscape under So So Def Recordings launched me into business mode early. I had to navigate learning on the job without a mentor. Meaning sometimes hiring the wrong people, signing agreements that may not of have had the best financial gain, etc… , I didn’t want to be the typical story of a kid who had success & then was broke later. Luckily I loved to read, & I read a few financial books that talked about needing multiple sources of income in order to be a Millionare & stay a millionaire. Those books triggered my mindset of setting up multiple lanes for myself to make money.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I’ve got tons of stories! lol! A happy moment was during our first Xscape album. We had to perform at I believe it was the “Essence” awards. Michael Jackson was in the audience. Our music started but then there was a glitch of some kind so they had to stop our music & start over. We were already nervous but that just made it worse. Anyway, we started singing again & then Michael Jackson started waving his hand to the song & singing along with the hook from where he was seated. I couldn’t believe he knew our song! That made us so happy & made our whole moment even better!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I don’t know about a funny mistake because mistakes in this business aren’t so funny when you first make them. But a major mistake was the first business manager team we hired for Xscape. They stole a 100k from us. I totally changed how I deal with financial managers after that lesson.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your professional life? Can you share a story?
My mother has been my biggest inspiration. She always believed in me, even when I had doubts. When I was hesitant about taking risks in my career, she reminded me that “If you can conceive the thought, you can make it happen”. Her unwavering support encouraged me to embrace every opportunity & go after every dream.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’m passionate about empowering women, particularly in health and wellness. With my partnership with Hydroxycut, I aim to inspire others to lead healthier lives. Additionally, I have had my charity organization Kandi C.A.R.E.S for 10 years. Through my organization I give resources & support to single parent families to help them thrive. It takes a village!
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I’ve seen how a lack of confidence can hold women back. When women feel good about themselves, they can achieve anything. Hydroxycut helps people on their wellness journey, and I wanted to be part of something that promotes self-love and health.
And I chose to help single parent families through my organization Kandi C.A.R.E.S because I was once a child in a single parent home & I understand the need for support in that area.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
I met a young woman who struggled with her weight and self-image. After she started using Hydroxycut and embraced a healthier lifestyle, she transformed not just her body but her confidence. Hearing her story was incredibly rewarding and reminded me of why I do this work. Now that I’ve lost weight I have inspired many. Weight is a struggle for women in my family. I currently have a group chat with my cousins helping them stay on track & use the products & meal choices that I did.
& through Kandi C.A.R.E.S. I have many people that we’ve helped. We have lots of women that we’ve helped that come back & volunteer for our food drives & community give backs. I also have people who received scholarships from Kandi C.A.R.E.S that send us pics & letters after graduating college.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Education: Promote wellness and health education in schools.
Community Initiatives: Support local programs that encourage healthy lifestyles.
Access to Resources: Ensure wellness products and programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Embrace Setbacks: They’re part of the path.
In my early days, I had a project that I believed would make a big impact. When it didn’t connect as expected, it was a tough moment. However, that experience taught me that setbacks can be valuable. They encouraged me to reflect and adjust, ultimately leading to better outcomes in the future. Each challenge can offer lessons if you’re open to them.
2. Be Authentic: Genuine expression resonates.
At first, I tried to conform to what I thought others wanted from me. I imitated trends that didn’t feel right. But I soon discovered that being true to myself fostered deeper connections. Sharing my real story felt daunting, yet the positive response affirmed that authenticity draws people in. Being genuine has contributed to my success.
3. Cultivate Connections: Relationships matter.
Early on, I often worked alone, believing I could handle everything myself. Eventually, I recognized the importance of connecting with others in any field. Engaging with peers and attending events led to meaningful collaborations. Building a network can open doors and highlight the value of working together. Team work makes dreams work!
4. Value Well-Being: Your health is essential.
Initially, I focused solely on my work, thinking I could manage it all. As things progressed, I felt the strain. I realized the importance of taking care of myself. Adopting a balanced approach to wellness helped me regain my energy and clarity. I encourage others to prioritize their health, as it supports overall well-being and resilience.
5. Stay Curious: Adapt and grow.
When I entered the industry, I thought I had it all figured out. However, I soon learned there was so much more to grasp about business and creativity. Attending workshops and exploring new ideas expanded my understanding. Maintaining a curious mindset keeps you informed and adaptable in a constantly changing environment.
Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Please share a story for each one if you can.
I prioritize self-care through regular workouts, using Hydroxycut to support my fitness goals, and practicing mindfulness. I’m looking better & feeling better.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would love to inspire a movement around self-love and mental health. When people feel good about themselves, they’re empowered to make positive changes in their lives. Feeling confident and empowered is essential to living a happy life.
This is what we call our “matchmaker question”, and it sometimes works. Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have a power lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
I’d love to have lunch with Michelle Obama. Her commitment to health and empowerment aligns with my values, and I’d love to discuss ways to inspire more women to lead healthy lives.
Are you on social media? How can our readers follow you online?
Absolutely! You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @Kandi for updates and a peek into my life. I love connecting with my fans and sharing this journey! I speak about my health journey and the positive impact Hydroxycut has had on my overall health on my platforms! For additional information please visit: https://www.hydroxycut.com/
This was so informative, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
