AQ'S Corner

Most people know the legendary “I want to thank me, for believing in me” quote from the Rapper Snoop Dogg whose name is also Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. But lately, that quote has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

You see, I’ve been pouring my time, energy, and hard-earned money into building an in-home art studio for my 8-year-old daughter. I’ve even had other investors ( a college friend, a co-worker, and grandparents). This isn’t some “let’s color on the back of a napkin” situation—this is a full-on creative space, people! I first noticed her obsession with art when she was about 4, but by the time she was 6, I realized, “Oh, snap, she’s actually good at this!”

Fast forward to a recent car ride to school, where we were casually discussing her future—because, you know, kids just assume success is guaranteed. She was already envisioning herself as a famous artist, giving interviews on TV, gracing magazine covers, maybe even signing autographs with a dramatic flair. So, I asked her, “When you’re rich and famous, who will you say was the first person to invest in you?”

Without a single pause—without even blinking—she goes, “Me.“

Excuse me? Come again? Me?!

I almost pulled the car over like, “Ma’am, do you pay the bills around here? Do you finance your own paint supplies? Are you the one hunting for coupons at Michaels and Hobby Lobby like it’s a competitive sport?” But I took a deep breath, channeled my inner mature parent, and said, “You know what? You’re right.”

And honestly, she was right. She’s the one putting in the time, sketching, painting, and creating masterpieces while I trip over crayons in the hallway. And to be fair, I have been preaching this whole “Be proud of yourself first” message to her for years. Apparently, she actually listened. (A parenting win for once!)

I read somewhere that instead of always telling kids, “I’m proud of you,” we should ask, “Aren’t you proud of yourself?” so they don’t grow up relying on external validation. I really took that advice to heart, and look at that—it worked! She knows she’s talented, she knows she’s putting in the effort, and she knows I’m just the loyal investor in the background.

And before anyone comes for me—yes, she does appreciate me. She thanks me all the time, and the way her face lights up when I hype up her artwork or buy her a new set of fancy markers? Priceless.

So yeah, at just 8 years old, my daughter understands confidence and self-worth better than most adults. This world can be both amazing and downright brutal, and I’m making sure she’s prepared for both. But let’s be clear—if she ever makes it big, I will be expecting a VIP pass to all her future art exhibitions.

Photo Credit: AQ’s Corner. My daughter will remember that Mommy is the first person to ever pay for her art.