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As viewers from all over watch Janelle Monáe in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, she’s looking back on her humble aspirations from before she was a big-name star.
In a recent sit-down with People, Janelle spoke on her mindset while pursuing a career in the entertainment business.
From jump, she says that the goal was never to be famous. Rather, Monáe was more concerned with whether she’d be able to make a living by doing what she loves.
“It wasn’t about being famous for me, ever. It was always about, first of all, can I do the art that I want to do freely, unapologetically, and can I make a living from that as well?”
She added, “I didn’t want to have to go home to Kansas and move back in with my family.” Relatable!
Ultimately, Janelle moved down to Atlanta to pursue music after studying at New York City’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy. During this time, she was working side hustles to support herself, and she sought to one day support herself by doing what she loves.
In fact, Janelle described the prospect of having 500 supportive fans, along with the means to “just have an apartment and a car,” as her “dream.”
“I was [like], as long as I can have 500 fans, that’s it. If they buy all of my stuff every time it comes out, then I can just have an apartment and a car. That was really the dream for me.”
Ultimately, projects like “Tightrope,” The ArchAndroid, and The Electric Lady led Janelle to big-name success. She was also featured on “We Are Young” by fun, which was a hit track that helped further catapult her artistry.
However, she’s also made quite a name for herself in the acting. Aside from Glass Onion, Janelle also scored roles in The Glorias, Harriet, and Hidden Figures. As a result, Janelle Monáe has become a household name.
With her career reaching heights that she initially hadn’t anticipated, Janelle is eternally grateful for her reality.
“I’m swimming in gratitude. I’m so thankful.”
Shoutout to Janelle Monáe for eclipsing her initial goal, and we wish the best of luck to anyone following similar pursuits.
