Beyonce: Businesswoman Role 'Burden and Blessing'

Beyoncé gave a rare interview to Elle Magazine to support the launch of her new activewear collection Ivy Park, discussing her role as a businesswoman and the myriad pressures of her life. The singer announced the line last week.

Beyoncé's businesswoman role has become a defining factor of her career as a performer, motivating the launch of her management company Parkwood Entertainment. "It's exciting, but having the power to make every final decision and being accountable for them is definitely a burden and a blessing," she said. "To me, power is making things happen without asking for permission. It's affecting the way people perceive themselves and the world around them. It's making people stand up with pride."

She also discussed the pressure of perfection, a topic she has brought up throughout her career. "It's really about changing the conversation," she explained. "It's not about perfection. It's about purpose. We have to care about our bodies and what we put in them. Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health — take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you the way you see you, and treat you the way you treat yourself."

In early February, Beyoncé released the new single "Formation," hinting at a follow-up to her surprise-released 2013 self-titled album. She performed the single at Super Bowl 50 the day after its release, joining the halftime show headliners Coldplay and special guest Bruno Mars on stage. Immediately after the performance, she announced the Formation World Tour, which begins in Miami later this month.