Get ready everyone. Christina Milian, her mom, Carmen, and sisters, hair stylist, Danielle and, Cordon Bleu Chef Lizzy are getting ready to give the Kardashian's a run for the their money. They will all be featured in a new TV series, Christina Milian Turned Up. Set to premiere, on E! Entertainment this coming January the show is sure to mix in a bit of spicy Milian madness to the networks reality blend.
I was fortunate enough to sit down and chat with Christina's mom, Carmen Milian, last month. She is a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, businesswoman and single mother. Carmen has managed Christina's career for the past 20 years securing multiple endorsement opportunities, film deals, television and music contracts. Needless to say, the woman is a powerhouse.
Carmen became a divorcee when Christina was 13-years-old. Not her choice, but she always knew how to make the best of her situation with an upbeat attitude. Raising three daughters single-handedly, with little child support and no alimony from her former spouse, was not an easy task. What it taught her, she told me, was to be financially independent. A notion she recommends for all single moms.
"Your children will always come first, but if you have to go back to work, you have to go back to work. It's good for your self-esteem to make your own money," she said. It's also a great way to bolster your belief in yourself. Carmen went on to say that her girls always admired her for being a hard worker. It's just good role modeling. She felt guilty about the late nights and long hours, but she knew she was investing in her childrens' futures. While you're at work, sign your kids up for after school activities, Carmen recommends. "It's not a bad thing," she said. And don't bring work home. When you're at work, be at work and when you are home, be at home. Give your kids full attention when you are with them. It's about quality time.
Your children can never get enough love. It makes all the difference in the world. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't engage in grown-up relationships, whether it be a girl's night out or time spent with a male companion, Carmen suggested. "Having a boyfriend is healthy," she said, "don't cheat yourself thinking it will be better for your children. It's not." Bottom line, if you're happy all others around you will be happy too. "When I think back I wished I'd been a bit more selfish that way, there will always be enough pieces of the 'Mamma pie' for all to eat and be happy," she concluded.
Choosing to co-star with Christina, her sisters and her three grandchildren on the upcoming E! Network docu-series, was a big step that Carmen did not take lightly. Despite the fact that she raised all of her children in the spotlight, having Danielle and Lizzy become young child stars themselves, it's different for all of them to open up their lives to the reality TV cameras. Nevertheless, Carmen manages it all through dedication, passion and a love for her family. To take a peek into the fabulous life of the Milian's tune in January 18 at 10pm and to learn more about becoming your own Single Mom Superstar or have any questions or comments write me at www.kerrizane.com.