ATL’s ‘Chilli’ is Still Hot

By: Kathy Harris

What are the characteristics of a “Georgia peach”? Is it her smile, wit, curves, confidence or talent? Well, it should be a combination of all these elements. Recently, J’Adore came across one of the finest peaches the state of Georgia has ever grown — Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, the best-selling female R&B group of all time, TLC. And with the global stardom she reaped with her fellow members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Chilli still remains on top of her game as a burgeoning entrepreneur and philanthropist. In an exclusive interview, Ms. Thomas talks about her independent business endeavors, her new accessory line, Bags by Chilli; her community organization, Chilli’s Crew; the media’s obsession with celebrities; and the most important job of all, motherhood.

You’ve always been one of “the women to watch” in the industry. We have seen you evolve from being a part of the best-selling female group of all time to now taking your own path. Has being independent changed who you are as an artist or person?
TLC is my past, present and future. That will never ever change. The only thing now that is different is that you now see more of me. I really don’t change much. I haven’t made any drastic changes.

Regarding your stardom, did you find it hard growing up and making transitions in the front of public scrutiny and the media?
We were adults when we became stars, so I didn’t have to make that transition. The media has simply become out of control, especially in the last eight years. The great thing about living in Atlanta is I can maintain my privacy. Of course, there are places here where you know you will be seen. However, I personally don’t go out of my way to be seen in the first place.

How would you feel if you had to constantly deal with paparazzi like so many celebrities do?
(Chilli laughs.) I think I would be a very boring person to follow. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink and I’m not a hoe, so there wouldn’t really be much to capture!

You are definitely a role model! Is taking a stand on how you conduct yourself and the way you live your life one of the inspirations behind your mentorship organization, Chilli’s Crew?
I mentor young girls about everything, especially self-esteem. I try to help them understand that it is about knowing and feeling the love of God in their hearts and to help them understand that we all struggle with the pressures of being accepted. I encourage them to not look for love in the wrong places. So many girls use their parents and backgrounds as a crutch and justification behind the bad paths that they take. Chilli’s Crew encourages them to work against their odds and fight their hardest not to be a product of their environments. We want them to strive to be better than that.

So what advice would you give to a young girl who feels she is trapped in a situation she cannot get out of?
Seek out the most positive person around you and do not give up searching for someone to talk to and confide in because someone wants to help. Also, just keep pushing yourself, especially if you understand what’s right and wrong.

More young women absolutely need role models! Why is it that more celebrities or public figures do not think they are role models? Do they think giving back is not one of their responsibilities?
It’s irritating to me when artists say, “I’m not a role model.” Every job comes with responsibility and you can’t choose the rules you want to follow. You have to take those things into consideration.

What do you think about the music of today? Has it lost the substance it once had?
I won’t say it’s the artist fault. The heads of the labels have the power to sign or not sign that artist and make that kind of music. Most of the music today just doesn’t make people use their brains anymore.

You’re absolutely right! So are you single and what does a man have to do to get with you? What are your requirements?
Yes, Chilli is single. Frankly, there’s not even enough time in this interview for my requirements (laughs). Just know that I have very high expectations and I am not willing to settle for less than those standards I have set for myself.

Let’s talk about your latest business venture, Bags by Chilli. What was the inspiration behind starting an accessories and handbag line?
My son was definitely a huge inspiration for me. I had these bags that had pictures of my son on them, and whenever I would go out I would always get stopped and complimented on them. So, I started a line. The bags have my son on them, however, you don’t have to have kids to love the bags. The bags have great quality and you can personalize them.

You seem like a true superwoman! How do you balance all of this as a single mom and what advice do you have for other single moms?
Thank you! I think you have to know yourself to know what your limits are. I want three kids, but I am not going to have any more until I have a husband. I now understand the importance of that kind of structure. If you are struggling with one child, don’t keep having babies until you are ready for more! You don’t want to put yourself in an unhealthy situation. You need to spend time with your children and surround yourself with help. Make sure that help is coming from people you trust around your kids. Most importantly, remember to make time for yourself. Such time can be something a small as going to the grocery store, but make time for you.

To get more information on Chilli’s accessories and handbags, go to www.BagsbyChilli.com.

Images: Fernando Decillis
Makeup: Tierra Burrell
Hair: April Jackson
Stylist: Betrice Benbow