Queen Latifah shares insights in ‘Put on Your Crown’

Grammy award winner, Golden Globe winner, Emmy nominee, and an Academy Award nominee — just some of the accolades that have been laid at the feet of a woman who is truly confident and comfortable in her own skin.

But the road to becoming the woman who we see as Queen Latifah was not paved with gold. She had her struggles while establishing herself in the entertainment business. But with the help of a loving family, a savvy business partner and a healthy dose of self-awareness, Dana Owens transformed herself into the epitome of a queen.

In her new book, “Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom,” Queen Latifah gives readers insight into her life and some of the challenges she has faced in an effort to inspire others who might be facing challenges of their own.

“Whatever I said in this book, I wanted it to be authentic,” she says in the introduction. “I want to give you a piece of my heart, not some formulaic celebrity advice manual.”

With chapters dealing with success, beauty, money, loss, strength, fear and joy, Queen Latifah shares her many experiences, both good and bad, and how they affected her life, with the hope that readers will relate and take comfort in knowing that there is someone who has been in their shoes and overcame troubling obstacles. She discusses the loss of her beloved brother and the impact of that grief on her entire family, and she talks about facing bankruptcy and the times when she didn’t have a dime to her name but was one of the biggest rap stars in the business.

One of the strongest chapters in the book is the chapter “Love,” which was partially written by Queen Latifah’s mother, Rita Bray Owens. A schoolteacher and military wife, Momma “O” (as Queen calls her) holds strong to her conviction that if people believe in themselves, they can accomplish anything.

“You will find success and happiness on your own terms when you embrace your authentic self and love,” Owens advises. “And believe in who you are.”

Through it all, Queen Latifah goes back to her core belief that having the love of your family, confidence in yourself, and a willingness to face your fears and find your strengths are the keys to become a queen in your own right.

“Inside every woman there’s a queen, and you owe it to her, and to God, to do everything in your power to live your most fulfilled and happy life,” she says. “Don’t let the moments pass you by. Let your inner queen’s voice come through loud and clear. Be strong, be authentic, be you, and you’ll do her proud.”