Matriarch: A Memoir

Knowles recounts the Destiny’s Child era. After the girls got their Columbia contract, they renamed the group and went on the road. Knowles and Mathew traveled with them. Then one day, Knowles discovered that Johnny had AIDS. She tried to be there as best she could in light of their more distant relationship.

Knowles describes Destiny’s Child’s early success. Around this time, Knowles began doing the group’s hair, makeup, and styling. She started carrying “a needle and thread with [her] at all times” (253), sure that Agnes would be proud. However, she soon discovered that her life was too hectic. One night, she closed up Headliners, gave Abel the key, and told him he could have the business. She would now focus on Destiny’s Child full-time.

Knowles began encountering conflicts over her styling choices for Destiny’s Child. She soon realized that the label thought their hair and makeup was too Black. She always pushed back and spoke up for herself and the girls. She also noticed how many designers were mimicking her work.

Meanwhile, Knowles worried about Solange, who didn’t want to travel with Destiny’s Child and preferred to stay in Houston with Cheryl’s family.