K A N D I B U R R U S S
Interview} Ken Waller
Photographs by} John Russo
Location} Montecito, California
Produced by} Photohouse Productions
Make up} Mayely Paez
Hair} Ray Christopher
Styling} Daniel Hawkins
KW: You have always been driven towards success, how did you start your career?
KB: Music & Acting has always been my first love. Signing a record deal at the age of 16 with : 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.
KW: What was your first job?
KB: I’ve never had a job. Honestly, I wanted to work, but my stepdad told me he didn’t want me to, because he just wanted me to focus on school. Then, I got my record deal when I was 16 years old. Our group Xscape put out our first single before my senior year, so I went into my senior year with a No. 1 record on the R&B chart. From there, I haven’t stopped.
KW: Can you give advice to parents who want their child to succeed?
KB: I always say to stop telling your kids they have to wait until they graduate from high school or college to go after their dreams. When I was in high school, my drama teacher took our class to audition for a community theater play. That opened my eyes. I was like, “Wait, what? So, I don’t have to just do the school play?” Nobody ever really tells you that you can actually go and apply for those things, start performing in different places, recording your music, putting your stuff up online, or auditioning for TV, film, music, everything, as a kid.
KW: Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
KB: 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.
KW: Can you tell us about your charity?
KB: Yes, we 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. 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.
KW: Life and business can be difficult, how do you keep going?
KB: I 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.
KW: You are always so positive and have a great outlook on like. How do you maintain this energy?
KB: 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.
To learn more about Kandi Burruss follow her at @Kandi