In this contemporary age, few forces in the spheres of both music and style have gained as much power and influence as the incomparable Beyoncé. It’s hard to imagine a time when she wasn’t an icon in her own right. Yet, once upon a time, before the glitz and glamour, before the sold-out arenas and the global stardom, she was simply a cute little babe, much like every one of us.
This past Tuesday, Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father, took to Instagram to share a throwback snapshot of his two offspring, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, during their formative years. The image, a digital representation of an old-school printed photo, features the “BREAK MY SOUL” vocalist donning a charming ensemble that consists of a tank top in shades of blue and pink, a flowery skirt, and a vibrant, vivacious flower perched atop her head. The pop starlet also accessorizes her wrist with a white scrunchy and flashes a radiant, endearing grin at the camera. Next to her, Solange, as an infant, looks equally sweet in a little white dress adorned with frilly accents. In a comical pose, she waves gleefully at the camera while also holding a bag of Lay’s chips in one hand. The sisters, standing on a verdant, lush lawn outside their family abode, exude an aura of familial warmth and familiarity.
Accompanying the photo of his two musical progenies, Mathew Knowles penned a poignant message about the importance of parental support and the need to believe in their children’s dreams, allowing them to
transform into the individuals they aspire to become.
“We must all endeavor to support and inspire our offspring,” he asserts in the post. “In my view, youngsters often possess heightened intuition and acuity in a multitude of domains. It is crucial that we foster and facilitate their earliest passions and zeal.”
Following in her older sister’s footsteps, Solange has emerged as a standout figure in the music industry and boasts an impressive discography of four studio albums. In addition to the two sisters, their mom, Tina Knowles, also has a stepdaughter, Bianca Lawson, who has made waves in the acting world.
Knowles concludes his message by reminiscing on how his mother, despite financial hardships, encouraged and motivated him to pursue his passions by purchasing an encyclopedia set that allowed him to gain knowledge and expand his horizons.
“My mother supported my aspirations wholeheartedly,” he recalls. “Even though we lacked sufficient funds, she procured a collection of Encyclopedia books to satiate my curiosity and help me sharpen my intellect. Her encouragement of my intellectual pursuits has stayed with me throughout my life – during my sales and marketing career, during my time in the music industry, and even now, at the age of 71, as I continue to learn and discover new things.”
