When Teyana Taylor was just 15, Beyoncé booked her to choreograph her 2006 “Ring the Alarm” music video, resulting in a friendship through which the One Battle After Another star says she’s gotten invaluable advice.
In an interview with People published Wednesday (Jan. 28), Taylor revealed the words of wisdom Bey once gave her that she’s carried with her throughout her career. “I definitely came in the business at a time where I went into everything with my heart, and I didn’t understand certain things, and I would go to her, and she’s just like, ‘Don’t take it personal,’” the Golden Globe winner told the publication.
“I didn’t know that certain things would be isolating where you would feel like, ‘Oh sh–, in order for it to be done the way I see it in my head, I’m going to have to do this sh– myself,’” Taylor continued.
She also said that the Destiny’s Child alum told her to always “invest in yourself,” and that “the majority of your money [is] going toward everybody you had to pay to bring your vision to life.”
“Every single check ain’t going to hit your pocket, and that’s only if you truly believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is investing in yourself — and she taught me that,” Taylor added, noting that Bey’s “gracious and humble” attitude “instilled in me: If the Beyoncé is this way and she’s so grounded and she’s so this, this is the way I need to be.”
The interview comes just a few days ahead of the 2026 Grammys on Saturday (Feb. 1), where Taylor is up for best R&B album for Escape Room. The year prior, Beyoncé upped her record Grammy count to 35, taking home album of the year for Cowboy Carter, among a few other awards.
In 2024, Taylor and Victoria Monét paid tribute to Bey at the BET Awards, recreating her iconic 2004 live performance with Usher at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. Bey gave the two women props by reposting the performance on Instagram Stories, after which Taylor commented, “& DATS ON QUEEN BEYYYYYYYYYYYY” and “I’m GAGGGGINGGGGGGGI!!!!”
