Lessons Learned

Vanessa Williams's Insecurities

Oprah calls her one of the prettiest women she knows, but actress and singer Vanessa Williams says she suffered from insecurities growing up.

"I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood—I knew I was always different," Vanessa says. "I had a booty, full lips. My mother would say, 'Stop poking out your lips.' I'd say, 'I'm not poking them out—these are my lips!' I knew my hair was different because it was kinky."