Tina Knowles Opens Up About Career Journey and Cécred Hair Care Venture at Variety Summit

Tina Knowles reflected on her multifaceted career in fashion, hair styling, and business at Variety's Entertainment Marketing Summit on April 22, 2026, discussing her proudest achievement as "Matriarch" and revealing insights into her collaboration with daughter Beyoncé on their hair care line Cécred.

During a conversation with Variety's Senior Entertainment Writer Angelique Jackson, the 72-year-old entrepreneur explored the personal and professional milestones documented in her 2025 autobiography, also titled Matriarch. Knowles described the creative endeavor as instrumental in processing a difficult period in her life.

Finding Purpose Through Writing

Knowles explained that she began documenting her life story at age 59, shortly after her divorce, not originally intending to publish it. "I started recording into my telephone, not for a book, but to leave it to my kids, because I felt my mortality," she shared. "If I die, my children wouldn't know anything about their history, because they are just not very interested in it." She emphasized how the writing process helped her navigate deep-seated insecurities and grief surrounding the end of her marriage.

Reclaiming Credit for Creative Contributions

Throughout her career spanning costume design, fashion creation, and styling, Knowles acknowledged that she frequently went unrecognized for her work. However, she has begun to firmly claim responsibility for her achievements, including the House of Deréon clothing line developed alongside Beyoncé and her earlier costume designs for Destiny's Child.

"They were constantly trying to get rid of me. The record label was constantly tearing it down and saying, 'They need to look like Britney Spears, and they need to have on a midriff top and some jeans.' They even tried to get rid of me a couple of times, which didn't work, thank God."

Knowles detailed how the label frequently dismissed her costume concepts as "country" in aesthetic. Despite this resistance, she maintained that her distinctive visual styling contributed significantly to Destiny's Child's iconic image and commercial success, working in tandem with the members' exceptional musical talent.

The Cécred Dream

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial ventures, Knowles characterized the Cécred hair care business as "a dream for me and Beyoncé," highlighting the importance of family collaboration in her business endeavors.