In her years in the spotlight, Beyoncé’s career has reached astronomical heights. She has the most Grammy wins of all time and recently earned the coveted Album of the Year. She has acted in films, broken records with her tours, and built an army of dedicated fans. None of this would have happened if she had given up after her first career setback. She explained that the early days of her career were full of rejection, which was difficult for her to handle.

Beyoncé said her first career setbacks were painful 

Beyoncé has been pursuing a music career since childhood. She joined a group called Girl Tyme in 1990 and began pursuing record deals. She admitted she had to be persistent, as they faced a parade of rejections.

“From my early days with Destiny’s Child, I understood I had to be focused and dedicated if I wanted true success,” she told Essence. “We were taught we needed a plan and the discipline to execute that plan to the fullest. I strongly believe if you work hard, whatever you want, it will come to you. I know that’s easier said than done but keep trying.”

Record labels turned them down. Girl Tyme also performed on the talent show, Star Search. They believed this could be their big break, but it didn’t take them far.

“Before Destiny’s Child was signed, we were turned down by so many record labels. Then, when I was 13, we were signed but later dropped. On Star Search, we lost and were devastated but we kept on trying.”

The group would later rebrand as Destiny’s Child. Their first single, “No, No, No,” charted in 1997.

She said her mother inspired her to stay persistent

Beyoncé said her mother, Tina Knowles, inspired her tireless work ethic. She witnessed her work hard at everything she did without complaint.

“Tina Knowles was my first example of what a powerful woman is,” she said. “She shaped my thinking not so much by what she said, but what she did. At her salon she worked 13-hour days, managed her staff, styled hair, and gave out free advice to her clients.”

Her mother’s day didn’t end when she left the salon where she worked. She dedicated her time to her family and friends.

“My mama worked until she had calluses on her fingers and swollen feet, then she would find time to redecorate houses for her friends and make everyone’s prom and wedding dresses,” she said. “She took me and my sister, Solange, to our dance classes and recitals, cooked us delicious meals, and brought us to church. On Sunday it was family day. Period. She worked hard for her family and never complained. That has not stopped. Even now, while running her own clothing company, my mother is there for us at our shows, video shoots and every milestone in her grandson Julez’s life. I’m still figuring out how she balances it all and makes it seem so effortless.”

Beyoncé spoke about how difficult it was to face backlash for the first time in her career

The early setbacks have not been the only bumps in the long road of Beyoncé’s career. When Destiny’s Child faced a lawsuit for replacing two members, Beyoncé received most of the public backlash. 

“I am not a diva and never have been,” she said in 2003 (per Spin Magazine), adding, “I would never say that I was grateful for the controversy, because it really was hell, but it certainly kept us newsworthy. I just remember being unable to get out of bed while it was all happening, and just crying the whole time.”

She said the controversy taught her to be cautious about the way she presents herself to the public.