DZ: The nation grieved with you and your family when your beloved and beautiful daughter Traci transitioned. We paused to pray for you all when the news was shared publicly. If it is not too personal, can you share how you reconciled with her passing?
EB: Losing Traci was an indescribable pain. My faith has been my anchor during this time. I find solace in cherishing the memories we shared and in believing that her spirit continues to guide us. The love and support from the community have also been a source of comfort.
DZ: Is it true that when you become a grandmother that you soften up when it comes to rearing them? I cannot seem to get my Mom Monica to answer this, so I pray you can help us here( laughs).
EB:( Laughs) There’ s some truth to that. As a grandmother, you get to enjoy the joys of parenting without the same level of responsibility. It’ s a different dynamic, allowing for more indulgence and fun.
DZ: What would you say to the mothers struggling with their children who were raised in the church but have seemingly gone astray?
EB: Children may stray, but the seeds that have been planted never truly die. The Bible says,“ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I stand on that promise. I tell mothers to continue to pray, to love their children unconditionally, and to trust God’ s timing. Sometimes our children must walk their own paths, but our role is to stay rooted in faith and be a light they can always come back to.
DZ: You are absolutely stunning, Dr. Braxton. Please share with women some of your beauty secrets.
EB: Well thank you! I believe beauty begins within. What you feed your spirit and your mind reflects on your face. I try to eat clean, stay hydrated, pray often, and laugh a lot! I also believe in taking care of your skin— cleansing, moisturizing, and getting your rest. And of course, never underestimate the power of a red lipstick and a confident smile!
DZ: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
EB: In my spare time, I love to cook— that’ s no surprise to anyone who knows me. I also enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, reading devotionals, and taking walks. Lately, I’ ve been pouring more into motivational speaking and mentoring young women. It brings me joy to pour into others the way my elders once poured into me.
DZ: We understand that you have written a cookbook. Please share with us the inspiration of the book and what is your favorite cuisine?
EB: Yes, I wrote Cooking With Ms. E: A Book of Recipes and Family Memoirs from a place of love. It was more than just recipes— it was my family’ s history, my memories, my heart on each page. While that book is no longer available, I’ m excited to share that Tamar and I are currently working on a brand-new cookbook together! It’ ll be full of soul, sass, and flavor. My favorite cuisine? Southern comfort food, hands down. Give me some smothered pork chops, greens, and cornbread and I’ m happy.
DZ: What is your favorite music, and might we dare ask who you admire as artists?
EB: Oh, honey, music is in my blood. Gospel music has always been my first love— Mahalia Jackson, Yolanda Adams, and of course, my baby girls. But I also admire artists who use their platforms to uplift and inspire. Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Jill Scott are just a few whose voices carry something special. Music should minister to your soul or make you move— and the best artists do both.
DZ: Please share some wisdom to women today who are struggling in relationships simply because they are driven and accomplished.
EB: My advice is: never dim your light to make someone else feel comfortable. The right partner will celebrate your success, not be intimidated by it. It’ s okay to be strong and soft, powerful, and loving. Know your worth, set your standards, and don’ t be afraid to wait for a love that sees you fully and loves you anyway.
DZ: Please finish this statement: In the company of my sisters, I find ______________________
EB: … unshakable strength, laughter that heals, and a mirror that reflects who I am and who I’ ve been called to be.
DZ: The DIVA Zone is grateful for the time you have given us today. We would love to know about any product launches you have upcoming and any other endeavors we can share with our audience. Please share anything you would like us to know.
EB: Thank you so much. I’ m truly honored to be part of this beautiful issue. Aside from the upcoming cookbook I’ m working on with Tamar, I’ m also partnering with Eleven86 for a bottled water line that I’ m so excited about— it’ s about health, hydration, and healing. I’ m continuing to travel and speak, encouraging women to embrace who they are and trust the journey.
And I can’ t let this moment pass without teasing something sweet— Ms. E’ s Treats! It’ s my new baked goods line launching late spring to early summer. Just imagine warm, buttery pound cakes, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and sweet potato pies that taste like Sunday dinner at Grandma’ s. Each treat is made with love and a whole lot of soul. This has been a long time coming, and I can’ t wait to share these recipes from my kitchen to yours. So, keep your eyes open— Ms. E’ s Treats is coming. Look at God!
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