Dreams Do Come True: Meet Singer Kwanza Jones

After a chance meeting with Quincy Jones and a performance at the Apollo Theater, she moved to New York–where clearly all great things happen–to hone her songwriting skills, learn to play the guitar and attend law school.

Let’s see how she chases her dreams–stylishly.

1. Hi Kwanza! I’m always in support of a girl with a dream taking the steps to make them come true. How did you know a career in music was for you?

Hi Channing! I didn’t always know. That’s the thing about dreams, they can change. At first, I thought I was going to be on the business and legal side of the industry but after my performance at the Apollo Theater in New York, my dream of having a career on the creative side of music began.

2. I watched your video, Time To Go, on MTV.com, how much of your style on camera is a reflection of your personal style?

Hmmm… can you say close to 100%?!?!?  For all of my videos I have a hand in EVERYTHING, from concept to creation — including hair, makeup and wardrobe. Behind-the-scenes, I work with my creative team, the Kwanza Kollective, to make sure we achieve a total look that embodies my personal style, my message and my music. For “Time To Go,” the goal was to create futuristic haute couture. Essentially, I wanted the style to be the thing little boys and girls dreams are made of.

3. How would you describe your personal style?

I would use a lot of “F” words! Specifically, FUN, FUNCTIONAL and FEARLESS. “Fun” because I love playing with different looks from simple to sporty to glamorous to outrageous. “Functional” because everything I wear has to serve a purpose. For example, I wouldn’t wear my workout clothes to a red carpet event. And, “fearless” because it has to reflect my personality — that means, I’m not afraid to push the envelope. In life and in style, one must always try harder, be bolder and take more risks.

4. Do you have any style icons? Who’s style do you covet?

There are lots of style icons that I take inspiration from but none that I covet. I’m more influenced by “how” someone wears something and less by “what” they wear. For example, for avant garde – Josephine Baker; for curves – Marilyn Monroe; for timelessness – Dorothy Dandridge. 

5. Must have beauty product to make you feel pretty?

First, and most importantly, I use “confidence.” That’s my all-around, emergency, go-to, pick-me up product. I wear it everyday. Another must have is YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.

6. If I peeked in your bag right now, what kind of bag would it be and what are five items I would find?

Because I’m always on the go, I need a functional bag BUT it’s gotta be fashionable too. Currently I’m rocking the Tumi Lucerne Hobo Tote in Metallic Bronze Python. I love it’s exotic look and that it holds my MacBook Pro, multiple M.A.C Lipglass glosses, water bottle, Kwanza Jones neon pink sunglasses and flip flops (because sometimes you gotta come out of the heels!) 😉

7. Any advice for girls chasing their dreams?

Don’t stop. The world doesn’t care if you do or don’t follow your dreams. You are the one who suffers most by not going for it.

Well said, how can we keep up with you?

Join the mailing list! http://kwanzajones.com/mailing-list
And, I’m social. You can find me on…
Twitter:   twitter.com/kwanzajones
Facebook:   facebook.com/kwanzajonesmusic
Also, if you want to download some of my “Supercharged” sounds… check my website:  kwanzajones.com/audio

And you can read previous chats with Crystal Whalum of MySTONEnyc here, Felicia Walker-Benson of ThisThatBeauty here and Suzi Weiss-Fischmann of OPI here.