Thalía is featured and on the cover of In Trend magazine for their March-September 2019 issue. Below is the English translation of the interview. You can click the images to view all the scans in the gallery. Enjoy!
By Verónica Batiz, Editor of In Trend Magazine
Photography Uriel Santana
Makeup Alfonso Waithsman
Hair Jenny Matos
Styling Cannon
Location Piers9 Studio, N.Y.
PR Prensa Danna
Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda was born with a star, with the touch of Midas and a bubbly and lively charisma that has opened the doors again and again since she was a child.
Today, at 47 (and still looking 20!) Thalía is a successful woman who has achieved her dreams.
In the digital world so important in this era, she is known as "The Queen of Social Networks", with 12.9 million followers on Instagram!
She was also crowned as "The queen of soap operas". In her career as an actress, Thalía has participated in seven soap operas that have been seen by more than two billion people in 182 countries. Some media consider this her side as an actress that made her television genre.
With constancy and determination she became a popular icon around the world.
Discographically, she has broken barriers, she has sold more than 50 million records since her solo debut, which makes her one of the Latin artists with the highest sales.
Thalía has transformed and reinvented over and over again like a chameleon, and in every facet she undertakes she succeeds; either as a composer, radio broadcaster, fashion designer with her collection of clothes, shoes and accessories and now embarking on the world of beauty with her shampoo and conditioner brand ADRIA by Thalía.
She is a wife, mother, businesswoman and is a great woman who shines and melts her fans. Especially her #1, her beloved husband, Tommy Mottola, the famous music industry entrepreneur in the United States and co-owner of the Casablanca Records record company and who led Sony Music Entertainment, for almost 15 years.
Nothing more and nothing less, as a fairy tale, life united the lives of two great talented souls who have consolidated a stable and happy marriage for over 18 years and are the proud parents of Sabrina Sakaë and Matthew Alejandro with whom they are engaged in an unconditional love bond.
Our Thali, is an exemplary woman with a transparent spirit. In her everything is love. Her eyes see only goodness and convey joy that comes from her pure soul and from her connection with God and the Universe. In our talk, she evokes memories of her mother, Doña Yolanda, with devotion and tenderness and I understand how grateful she is to her, who was her pillar, her friend and confidant, and it was she who taught her to love and always fight for excellence in everything she did.
No doubt Thalía is living her best moments, she achieved the famous "cross over" and can sing in her native language in the United States, something that is not easy to achieve. She also leads a large list of Spanish-speaking artists who have been able to consolidate themselves as women in different areas of their lives.
Throughout her career, Thalía has created trends in music, culture and fashion with her great talent so we are not surprised by the great success of Valiente, her new album released in late 2018; a musical treasure consisting of 13 songs that highlight No Me Acuerdo, Lindo Pero Bruto and Corazón Valiente.
And she, free of ego, thanked and gives herself, again and again, with the spirit of an innocent girl and with the strength of a lioness, a relentless warrior.
How do you feel with the great success of your most recent album Valiente?
Extremely grateful in every way. It have been years of great work and dedication to this fantastic race that allows us to reinvent ourselves, play, change and evolve. There have been many albums, which I can tell you, for me they are all wonderful! But, this has given me a new skin. I love that people like it and that they are reacting like they've made it. It is a disc of much musical and lyrical mischief that makes the listener uninhibited and have a good time.
Does the title have any special meaning for you besides being allusive to one of the hit singles of the album?
Well, within this world of "likes, follows, thumbs up, hashtags and viral" it is too obvious that we all have to connect with our courage and with our inner strength to not let ourselves be overwhelmed and that the wonderful fantasy of the cybernetic world in which we are all submerged. We must touch our inner strength and be brave to recognize who we are, what we want and where we are going so that nothing external manipulates our feelings and emotions. We have to be brave in every way and I think the title suggests that introspection that we all need in our day to day. Being brave is a daily and personal option that we should apply in all areas of our lives.
Do you have a penchant for any of the songs from the album and if so, which and for what reason?
They all move me and provoke me in different ways. Obviously, No Me Acuerdo and Lindo Pero Bruto connects me with so many women who are in tune with their empowerment. On the other hand, Vikingo and Corazón Valiente make me feel happy and immediately change my mood. And topics like Por Amor al Arte thrills me tremendously.
How long you were working on the birth of this baby?
I think that since the end of 2017, concretizing it in 2018 and seeing its fruits in 2019! Incredible to know that it takes time and effort to create a work that little by little and over time ceases to be only yours and that belongs to hundreds of beings who share those emotions when listening to it. Being so compulsive-obsessive and hyperactive with a dyslexic touch, I took on the task of finding producers, composers and arrangers who understood my perspective and my vision of life. So, starting there, with a good foundation of understanding and being open to understanding different points of view and combining them into a lyric and in their music is the best exercise any artist can do.
Did you compose some of the songs?
Yeah sure! I've always done it since my first records; It has never been different. Sometimes I compose the complete song and sometimes I work with other songwriters or composers. Sometimes I fall in love with a song that is presented to me even if it is not my own. But, I am always involved in every aspect and in every micro detail of my projects.
When you will have your tour in Mexico?
Hopefully soon. Believe me, I love being on stage in front of my people. What artist does not like the attention, affection, love and passion of his people in a live show? However, at the same time I have joined other business projects that I also have to launch and attend properly.
I just launched a line for hair care in the United States that is already available at Walmart and Target and that excites me a lot because it is a Latin presence in such emblematic stores. But, at the same time I am planning and creating how the show I want to introduce you will be. I think maybe in late summer I will go on tour.
You are "The Queen" of social networks with more than 12 million followers! More than 20 billion views on your videos, and also the queen of soap operas. What do you feel when you see that you have the Midas' touch and that everything you touch turns to gold?
I love it when I hear that because it reminds me so much of my beautiful mother! She always said that about me, and as you know, now as a mother I understand the importance of fostering in our children self-esteem, empowerment and positive thinking from an early age. It gives me strength to know that they can achieve their dreams with our support, and that was my mother to me. She always told me: "Do things sincerely, with enthusiasm, with strength, I will never beat me and so you will attract circumstances and people that help you realize your dreams." We work hard together at all times.
I think that these titles only reflect our work, our devotion and obviously the love with which my mother and I made, and now I continue doing things. That makes you receive more love from people.
Tell us about Tiki Tiki, about the origin of this song and the #Thaliachallenge that broke out thanks to the video that you uploaded to your social networks.
It makes me laugh because even though the time of Tiki Tiki's rage has passed, I still watch videos that people upload and that amuses me a lot! I enjoy the fact that this shows that we all have a playful and crazy side in us that if we scratch it a little it gets out and you cant control it!
So since it was something so fun and out of control in 2018, it definitely had to be part of the "bonus track" of my Valiente album.
Social networks are my connection with a specific tribe that identifies with my way of being, my way of thinking, my actions and my way of life. I love to connect with different universes that exist on those social platforms that unite us in this world in which we live.
Is your resounding success a sign that it is a good time for Latin music in the world?
It has always been a good time for Latin music! That fascination with our sounds and culture comes in waves.
Recall the first "Latin boom" with Julio Iglesias, José Feliciano, Santana and Gloria Estefan. And there was another great "Latin boom" that coincidentally led by my husband Tommy Mottola when he gave strength to our music with Ricky Martin, Shakira and Marc Anthony. And right now, this last Latin movement that we are seeing now, is too important for me because it achieved the "crossover" of our music in Spanish, and artists no longer have to change language when they sing. Now we are "mainstream" in the taste of global music with artists such as J Balvin, Maluma, Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Wisin and Bad Bunny. I love that we are part of this great movement of the "Latin boom" that I feel is here to stay.
How has the empowerment of women in music developed?
With an important female presence force in music with girls like Natti, Karol G, Anitta and Lali Espósito, among others, which are the new wave of fresh faces that defend Spanish and others that sometimes mix the diversity of their two cultures with "Spanglish" like Cardi B and Becky G!
I feel that there is a new lyrical language in which women are communicating their message through music, which in other years was less exposed and open and more subtle and subliminal. I really like that the woman says what she feels, how she feels it, when she feels it and that there is a brotherhood and a fabric that we all weave to take care of ourselves and protect and empower ourselves in a new way.
There is no doubt that it is a very important moment for women socially, politically and creatively.
Do you feel a social responsibility to know that you are followed and admired by so many people around the world?
I have always felt that responsibility, but maybe at other times it was defined more by what they would say about me. Today it is defined more by exemplifying my messages through my way of life. I focus on bringing cheerful, positive and entrepreneurial messages that can guide, encourage and strengthen the person who receives me through my music, projects, social networks or products. The responsibility of living your life respecting yourself and your taste to be happy begins there. One causes the domino effect so that the other is also happy.
You have always been a cheerful and positive person, what do you think of negative people? Of the haters that grow every day like a plague. For you what is this? What do you do to not to get contaminated and stay healthy emotionally in a profession that is so difficult, full of envy and that as well as gives you so much drains too.
Well, it is a constant discipline of training your mind, your eye and your intuition to see the positive, the beautiful, the cheerful and the fantastic that life has instead of focusing on the negative things. Life is very short and losing it in micro worlds of envy and hate is a waste of everyone's potential. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that any criticism comes from the lack of the critic, to solve its internal problem. Then, for some reason you provoke or remind him that he has to take an internal dive to solve his pain, his lack of love, his loneliness and his lack of self-esteem and that is not an easy step for anyone.
Tell us about your clothing line. In Mexico, where can we buy it?
Those who know me and have seen me develop know that along with my artistic career, the business world has always attracted my attention. I remember when I launched my underwear line in the 1990s. That was the first step that opened my eyes to the business world, also allowing me to explore my curiosity and realize my dreams in another way.
Now we have a collection of clothing, shoes and accessories in the United States and a line of eyelashes and eyebrow products called Eylure x Thalía. Also, I just launched, as I mentioned before, the hair care collection. But, I needed to start taking my products to my homeland. So a few months ago we have a wonderful, accessible and excellent quality collection in the Promoda store, in different parts of Mexico. The designs are spectacular and I repeat, they are accessible, beautiful and elegant and are already available to everyone.
Love definitely suits you Thalía, because after 19 years of marriage you look radiant and also you have your beautiful children. How do you feel in your role as mother and wife?
I love Tommy! He is my life partner and nothing makes us happier than being together and seeing our children fulfilled. He is an excellent father and we are always aware of how to support and how to improve the well-being of our children. It's been many years together, but every year it gets better! There is a lot of love, a lot of complicity and a lot of dedication in our relationship. It is a blessing to have met him in this life.
Do you speak in Spanish with your children?
Yeah sure! Although, there are times when we all speak English depending on whether we are sharing with other families or friends who only speak that language. For my part, I speak everything in Spanish with them. Sabrina speaks perfect Spanish and has no problem. Now, Mateo hopefully answers me in Spanish!
Of course, when I want my iPad time, there if you want to conquer me in Spanish, it seems parakeet that does not stop speaking our beautiful language. (laughs)
Describe yourself, how are you when you are happy, tired, angry?
When I'm happy I jump, dance, shout, sing, I laugh, I play music, I chase my children and I tickle them.
When I'm tired, I watch movies, read, take care of myself, drink a lot of water, meditate and try to clean and organize as many photos I have on my phones and on my computers as that intangible chaos drives me crazy.
And angry, kind of "Mommy Dearest"... just as it is.
Share with our readers your beauty secrets of the skin, hair and body, what brands do you use?
I drink liters of water constantly!
I clean and remove face makeup every night.
I do two skin routines, one in the morning and one at night, creams, serums and oils.
I exfoliate my hands and body very often.
And the brands, then they are endless! (laughs)
There are thousands of small, medium and large bottles, tubes, vials, droppers, etc.
The hair has been restructured by my new line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products as they contain five essential elements to improve hair structure. They are vegan, and really, not everyone is washing with coconut, but they are impressive products. I had never had such a reaction from my hair and believe me that my hair has lived through everything!
The products are called Adria by Thalia and at the moment they have just been launched in the United States and are now available at Walmart and Target stores, and their online stores.
I would also love you to share your diet and exercise routine:
That is not science, it is simply discipline and perseverance. It is important to do a little exercise daily, be it walking, dancing, stretching, doing weights, yoga or pilates or use suspenders and having a healthy diet.
I have not eaten the most harmful carbohydrates and sugars on a daily basis, since they inflame me and trigger Lyme disease, which for now I have well controlled thanks to God.
So, in my case, taking care of myself by exercising and eating a very clean diet is vital for prevention and for the best possible health. That is my approach and although I know it helps, I do not do it to look good or to be marked or anything like that.
What has it meant for you to have received the Latin Impact Summit Award?
Very emotional and inspirational. The award motivates many of the lucky ones who have received it. However, every human being has to find the best version of himself and be empathic with our brothers in crisis. There is a lot of inequality and a lot of lack on our planet and everyone, in addition to their mission in this life, can cooperate and help in some way or another.
Some make donations and others lend their hand, that is, they physically go and help with their knowledge or their work, or their words of encouragement. Others connect with prayers and requests to God for the peace and tranquility of children and beings in danger, and so each one puts his grain of sand. The important thing is to do it.
Any special message for our readers?
The message is simple: live life in your own style and in your own way, believing in your dreams, realizing your desires, putting effort, learning different things to grow mentally and spiritually and not be defeated by anything or anyone.
Be yourselves, be authentic, be honest with yourself and the rest will be added.
Uriel Santana
Transforming life into art
The Photographer of the Stars
URIEL SANTANA, is a Mexican photographer, chosen by many of the most recognized celebrities in Latin America. Graphic designer, art director, painter and photographer, passionate about fashion and celebrities. A life-loving artist who has been able to express his feelings through photography. He has been published in the main covers and important campaigns. His talent and charisma have made him one of the most recognized photographers inside and outside of Mexico.
Knowing how to catch a moment is, to my point of view, when magic is done.
