“I wasn't a major in political science for nothing, so I understood the politics of beauty and the politics of race when it comes to the fashion industry.”

“The difference between rearing a child in your 20s and one in your 50s is one of patience.”

“Intelligence is sexy. Don't play dumb, especially young girls. Don't play dumb. And let people see that you are intelligent.”

“My mother was an activist so was my father. They came from a generation of young Somalis who were actively involved in getting independence for Somalia in 1960. ”

“There is no age better than another. The commitment to give of yourself and the knowledge that the time is right are what's important.”

“My father... gave me a positive connection with men because he is a gentleman.”

“I'm confident - confident in my skin, and I'm cool with my flaws and all that stuff.”

“The finest clothing made is a person's own skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.”

“Confident is the grace of courage.”

“Faith is the seed of the future.”

“Confidently chase your dreams.”

“Fantasy, an unflagging optimism is necessary for a writer at all stages of this rough game. A kind of madness is therefore necessary, when there is every logical reason for a state of depression an...”

“We both grew so used to each other, so comfortable with the naturalness and ease of our friendship, that we became sloppy about keeping our relationship a secret. It was not that we were physically...”

“I don't want comfortable. My heart is not a recliner.”