What Beyonce Taught Me About Boundaries
The 30 second elevator ride I will never forget, because of course $hit goes down when theres a billion dollars on the elevator.
I previously worked for one of the leading multicultural marketing agencies representing global consumer brands. As an account executive, I managed integrated marketing programs, including events, commercial production, and media campaigns for Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ audiences.
Before joining the agency, I spent seven years working between film and TV sets, starting as a production assistant and eventually becoming a studio publicist. So, it wasn’t a surprise when I was tapped to lead a film campaign for my then-employer, who was just entering the world of film marketing and publicity.
While balancing my regular workload, I was tasked with developing a go-to-market strategy for an exciting coming-of-age film starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by Stella Meghie. The film, a teenage love story between Japanese and Jamaican immigrants in New York City, was close to my heart. Having just returned from Tokyo, where my client’s headquarters were located, I used my experience to authentically bring the film’s cultural elements to life. The filmmakers also wanted to engage youth groups across the U.S., so grassroots marketing became a key part of the strategy.
Through my connections with the Knowles-Carter family and Yvette Noel-Schure (Beyoncé’s longtime publicist), I secured a special screening for Tina Knowles’ youth group, Tina’s Angels. Little did I know, this one phone call would lead to a one-on-one moment with Beyoncé herself.
An hour before the screening, I got a call from a blocked number:
Me: “Hello?”
Unknown Voice: “Hi, this is Yvette Noel-Schure.”
Me: “Hi, Ms. Yvette!”
Yvette: “Julius will be at the theater in 30 minutes. He’ll do a walkthrough to see if the boss will attend tonight.”
Gasping for air.
Me: “Of course, absolutely.”
The phone hung up.
I had 30 minutes to get to Hollywood—an hour away with LA traffic. After alerting my client and rushing through traffic, I made it, but left Julius waiting for almost TWO hours. Thankfully, he was gracious and professional, ensuring the venue was secure.
After much anticipation, I received the call. I headed to the parking garage, and Queen B herself quietly emerged, pregnant with twins, greeting me with a calm "hello" as we walked to the elevator. She slipped into the theater without a fuss, took her seat, and watched the film.
Before the film ended, it was time for her to leave. This was my moment. After requesting a photo from Julius and Yvette, I was told, “You’ll have to ask her yourself.” I nervously approached, but before I could speak, Beyoncé, with her signature Southern charm, said, “Y’all, I’m not taking no pictures.”
It was firm, polite, and confident. In that moment, Beyoncé showed me the power of setting clear boundaries, something I’ll never forget.
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A Few Lessons From Our Ride Down in the Elevator:
- Listen more than you speak. While Beyoncé was talkative, my anxiety led me to over-talk. It was what she didn’t say that mattered most—just being present in the moment.
- Don’t let anyone push you into something you don’t want to do. Despite my role as a publicist, trying to capture every moment, Beyoncé showed me the importance of protecting your boundaries.
- Don’t let “No” stop you. When Beyoncé said “no” to the photo, I realized “no” can stand for “Next Opportunity.” I’m confident this won’t be my last time working with Queen B.