MAG FEATURES: TRACEE ELLIS ROSS IN UPTOWN MAG + B.T.S. VIDEO

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Tracee Ellis Ross is Uptown magazine’s March 2012 cover girl. In the Hollywood issue, the 39-year-old actress got animated for the shoot and talked about the moment she decided to let go and be herself. She also shared how her mother’s (Diana Ross) career influenced her life and kept it candid about her relationship with Akon’s brother, Bu Thiam.

On coming out of her shell:
“I was shy, but it came out in a big personality. My turning point was when I let my hair go naturally and I got contact lenses. I am really blind, by the way. I have these big eyes that don’t work!”

On taking risks:
“As a younger person, my philosophy was jump off a cliff. I realize now that there are stairs and elevators. I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me. I can even ask for help! Not feeling that I have to know everything, and that’s where the growth comes in, in the not knowing.”

On Diana Ross paving her way:
“My mom’s career gave me the benefit of a great life and influenced my style and who I am as a person. I felt afraid about that early on in my career, [but] I am comfortable enough in my own skin now. And Hollywood does not work like that. They will unlock the door, but they sit back and wait to see how you are going to walk through the door.”

On her romantic relationship:
“I am not going to hide my relationship, but I am not talking about it. When you do that, you invite other people and their opinions and issues in. You can’t discover the person on your own.” [Source]

Very true. You can read the rest of her interview on Uptown.com. There’s a behind-the-scenes clip below, too.